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Policy on Conduct and Acceptable Use

The Library strives to develop a collection that supports the needs of the University of Connecticut School of Law faculty, students, and staff and to provide outstanding information services to those patrons. The Library's resources also are available to the remainder of the University of Connecticut community, lawyers, scholars, and the general public. The mission of the Library and its services is an educational one, and to that end the library staff will attempt to guide users to the sources of information and explain research strategies rather than actually perform the research for a user or deliver documents on demand. Library staff also will not provide legal advice or assistance.

The Library attempts to provide:

• Ready access to printed, microform, and online materials for research purposes
• Printed materials that are without markings or missing pages
• Surroundings and collections that are free from problems caused by food, covered beverages, and other damaging substances
• A safe environment suitable for reading and study

In order to achieve these goals and provide equitable service to all library users, the Library has established the following policy on conduct and acceptable use. Any patron who does not follow these guidelines is subject to sanctions including:

• being asked to leave the Library premises
• being reported to the police
• legal prosecution

General Guidelines

Children under the age of 16 years must be supervised at all times by a parent or legal guardian.

All users should be prepared to present identification at any time.

All users are expected to demonstrate consideration for the information needs of others in a shared resource environment.

All users are expected to comply with these guidelines for conduct and acceptable use when requested to do so by library staff. Failure to do so may subject a user to the sanctions listed above.

Unacceptable Use

The following list includes behaviors and conduct that are in conflict with the Library's goals and are unacceptable while users are on the premises. Other behaviors not listed also may not be acceptable in accordance with this policy.

• Removing or attempting to remove Library materials, equipment, or property without authorization.
• Failing to return Library materials when due or recalled.
• Concealing materials in the Library for the exclusive use of an individual or group.
• Mutilating, defacing, or otherwise damaging library materials by marking, underlining, removing pages or portions of pages, removing theft detection devices, or using post-it notes or paper clips on library-owned items.
• Consuming food in the public areas of the library.
• Using any tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or smokeless tobacco in the library.
• Using or receiving calls on cellular phones in study areas that could potentially disrupt the work of others.
• Not allowing the search of possessions when security gate alarm sounds upon exiting.
• Bringing animals other than working guide/assistance dogs into the building.
• Soliciting or loitering in or around the library building.
• Sleeping, beyond the occasional study-induced nap.
• Failing to adhere to copyright laws when using photocopiers.
• Being in unauthorized areas of the Library, remaining in the Library after closing or during emergency drills or evacuations.
• Opening emergency exits except in emergency situations.
• Vandalizing or defacing the Library building, furniture, or equipment, or engaging in behavior that could do so.
• Moving library furnishings to inappropriate locations.
• Using library equipment to engage in electronic activities not directly related to research.
• Accessing without authorization, altering, or damaging any computer system, workstation, network, program, or data.
• Exhibiting disorderly conduct while under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substances.
• Creating a disturbance or an environment in which others feel threatened.
• Making continual, harassing, unrealistic demands of library staff for inappropriate types of assistance with legal research or legal questions.
• Engaging in behavior that disrupts the activities or safety of others, such as physical abuse or assault, and using abusive, insulting, intimidating, or threatening language.
• Carrying weapons of any kind unless authorized by law.
• Engaging in improper acts which are subject to prosecution under the code of law.
• Failing to abide by established policies and procedures of the Library as it strives to provide service to all patrons.

These acceptable use guidelines are derived from current University policy, legal considerations, and standards of decency and common sense that apply to the use of shared resources.