University of Southern Maine

Expectations of Appropriate Conduct

The privilege of using the University of Southern Maine Libraries and its information resources is extended to everyone in the University community and to the general public. This privilege is extended, however, with concomitant responsibilities which require patrons to respect the needs of other patrons and to behave legally, ethically, responsibly, and efficiently with regards to their use of those resources. The following expectations are an essential part of those responsibilities.

1. Smoking in any Library facility is prohibited. Rules about drinking and eating in the Library are posted and should be observed.
2. Patrons must not consume alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs.
3. Patrons are expected to act in accordance with all policies publicly posted in the Library or related to them by Library staff. Disagreements with any Library policies should be appropriately appealed to Library or University Staff.
4. Patrons must use University Library equipment, supplies, and software efficiently, and not prevent others from receiving or using an authorized service or resource.
5. Patrons should not engage in loud * or boisterous conduct.
6. It is inappropriate, and in most cases illegal, to intentionally annoy, harass, or stalk any person, or engage in any other conduct which interferes with use or enjoyment of the Library by others.
7. Patrons should not enter or remain in the Library during those times when the Library is not open to the public. Patrons likewise should not enter non-public areas of the Library without permission and guidance.
8. Making solicitations of other Library patrons for any reason is not allowed.
9. Animals are not allowed in the Library, except for those required for personal assistance.
10. Patrons are expected to abide by all relevant University policies, laws of the State and Federal Government, and those general principles which guide ethical behavior in an academic environment.
11. Patrons must not deface, destroy, or corrupt any of the Library's information resources.
12. Patrons are expected to understand as well as comply with U.S. Copyright Law.
13. Patrons are also expected to respect other patron's privacy and personal property.

*This policy does not prohibit the normal, quiet conversation between patrons and/or Library staff, or conversations required to carry on library programs or business. It is designed to preserve a generally quiet atmosphere where all Library patrons may study and otherwise use Library materials without disturbance.