Library Policies & Procedures: Library Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct for Murrell Library and Commons

Murrell Library and Commons are committed to providing quality services and resources within an environment conducive to intellectual pursuits and social interaction among community members. Sustaining our environment requires mutual respect for the rights of others and respect for the Library’s resources and facilities.

All library users are entitled to have:

• A library free of disruptive activity

• Clean and pleasant surroundings

• Access to library materials or an ability to obtain them as allowed

• Journals, books, and other library materials that are complete, unmarked, and well-organized

• Access to equipment and services, including computing, for the purpose of performing research

• Privacy and confidentiality in their use of library services and collections

Each user of the Libraries must comply with the following set of standards. You will be asked to leave if you do not follow these rules.

• Observe all appropriate federal and state laws, local ordinances, Missouri Valley College Student Conduct Code and Smoke Free Campus policy and other College policies that guide behavior on the campus.

• Treat all library users and staff with respect and courtesy. Comply with staff requests and directives.

• Be properly clothed (shirts and shoes required) and maintain acceptable personal hygiene. Offensive bodily hygiene that constitutes a nuisance to other library users or staff may require us to ask you to leave.

• No cleats or spurs in the library.

• Covered beverages and food are permitted in the Library, except by the computers, in the Art Cove,  or Special Collections.

• Follow procedures for properly borrowing and returning materials by the due date and in good condition.

• Never intentionally damage Library materials or property.

• Adhere to Library guidelines for the handling of any rare or fragile archival holdings.

• Minors under age 18 who are not enrolled or dual-enrolled students must be supervised by an accompanying adult at all times. Parents and guardians are responsible for the behavior of their children and may be asked to leave if children are disruptive to the library environment.

• Murrell Library and Commons hours’ of operation are posted on the front doors of the facilities.  Students and patrons of the Library must take note of those hours and plan their usage accordingly.  Students that continue their studies after being advised of the facility’s imminent closing will be asked to close out of their work product and leave.  I.e., students must plan to have all tests begun and completed well before closing.  If they have not completed their tests, they will be advised they must close out and leave the premises.

The following are prohibited in all Library facilities. You will be asked to leave if you do not follow these rules.

• Disruptive behavior that interferes with library operations.

• Soliciting or proselytizing activity of any type.

• Sexual activity of any kind.

• Use of or being under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.

• Use of tobacco products (including chew or e-cigarettes).

• Concealing or hiding library materials for the exclusive use of an individual or group.

• Entering areas marked as “staff only” if not accompanied or authorized by a staff member.

• Sharing a Missouri Valley I.D. to allow unauthorized use of library materials or electronic resources.

• Cell phone and electronic device use:
  Avoid cell phone calls but if necessary, go to an area where no one is working or studying. No cellphone use in the computer areas or in the quiet area. No speakerphone use.

• No music or speakerphone allowed. Headphones are required for any audio use. Headphones are available in Murrell Library and the Library Commons - ask library personnel for assistance.

• The entire second floor of the library is reserved for silent study only. No talking or group study. Cell phones must be set on silent or vibrate only.

• Service and therapy animals approved in accordance with College policies are permitted.

• Use library technology resources in accordance with the MVC Technology Policy and respect the privacy and sensitivities of others when using internet resources.

• Observe copyright restrictions and principles of fair use.

• Post flyers and other print announcements only on the designated bulletin board. Those posted elsewhere are removed.

• Computer areas within the library and Special Collections have  additional library use policies.

Standards for using Computers in the Library. You will be asked to leave if you do not follow these rules.

• At the first floor computers, you may talk at a reasonably quiet level.

• Second floor computers are reserved for silent computer work. No talking allowed.

• No food or drinks allowed near the computers.

• No more than two people per computer.

• If you are not using a computer, the lab study table, or any of the equipment in the computer lab, please go to another part of the library.

Standards for using Special Collections

• Rare books and materials must be handled with cotton gloves. Ask library personnel for assistance.

Report violations of these Standards to library personnel so that corrective actions may be taken. Serious violations may be referred for disciplinary action under the guidelines of the Faculty, Staff, or Student Handbooks. Where appropriate, instances of misconduct may be referred to local, state, or federal law enforcement officials. Where applicable, violations may also be referred to internal or external social or behavioral support services. Non-MVC guests who violate the Code of Conduct may be subject to loss of library privileges.