PURPOSE / SCOPE:
This policy provides an overview of the appropriate use of the library’s space.
POLICY:
The ICOM Library provides space for individual study, group work, and collaboration for ICOM students, staff, and faculty. Users not affiliated with ICOM are encouraged to use their own institution’s library (if affiliated with another college/university) or a local public library. Exceptions are made when ICOM students, staff, or faculty are working with outside groups such as in the case of IPE, research, etc.
Library Access
The library will generally be staffed from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday-Friday. The library will open and close at the same time as the ICOM building.
Study Rooms
The ICOM Library offers four study rooms which are available for ICOM students, staff, and faculty. These rooms may be reserved online. If a room is not in use and is not reserved, it can be used on a first-come, firstserved basis. Study room use is limited to four hours at a time. Personal belongings should not be left unattended and cannot be used to hold a room for later use. The study rooms are not soundproof, and users should be mindful of their conversation/video/music volume.
Tables/study carrels
Tables and study carrels within the library are for the use of all ICOM students, staff, and faculty, and are on a first come, first served basis. Claiming a table and/or camping at a table or carrel for more than a day is not allowed.
Behavior
Library users are expected to be respectful of others and maintain a reasonably quiet environment. There may be times when collaborative learning or other library business requires moderate levels of conversation. Library users should wear headphones when listening to audio materials and silence their cell phones while in the library. If you need to make/take a call, please do so in the lounge area across the hall from the library.
A disruptive user will be notified that their behavior is inappropriate. If the behavior continues, the patron will be asked to leave the library. If the user refuses to leave, ICOM security will be called. Disruptive behavior on the part of a library user may result in the suspension of an individual's library privileges, for a length of time to be determined by the library director.
Prohibited behaviors include:
- Any activity prohibited by law or any other conduct that interferes with others' use, safety, or enjoyment of the library or the library’s collections.
- Writing, highlighting, or otherwise marking in library materials or on furniture.
- Loud or unnecessary noise during designated quiet hours.
- Violating any policy or procedure regarding the use of the library's computers or the internet.
- Harassment or threats to library patrons or staff.
Food/drink
The library allows food and covered drinks and asks that users bringing in food be respectful of library facilities and fellow library users by cleaning up after themselves.
Personal Property
The library is not responsible for theft, damage, or loss of personal property, including property stored in study rooms or on tables. Library users should take every precaution to ensure the security of personal belongings, especially purses, wallets, backpacks, books, laptop computers, and other electronic devices.
Unstaffed Hours
It is expected that all library users will adhere to these policies, even in the absence of staff. Users who are caught violating these policies during unstaffed hours will lose library privileges.
POLICY OWNER:
Director of Library Services
APPROVAL:
Effective: 08/11/2021
Last Reviewed: 01/23/2025
Review Requirement: 5 Years