Nash Library User Rights and Responsibilities

In order for the Library to properly fulfill its mission of providing and protecting resources, guidelines for the rights and responsibilities of all Library users have been established. By using any Nash Library resources or facilities, the user agrees to these terms.

• Privileges for using resources held by Nash Library are available to all USAO alumni, faculty, researchers, staff, and students.

• Patrons who are not members of the USAO community have limited privileges, as determined by the Nash Library staff.

• All Library users are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which facilitates these rights for themselves and others. Users who do not comply with these guidelines may be asked to show valid identification and may be asked to leave the building by Library or university authorities.

• Access to resources will not be denied or abridged because of race, religion, sex, national origin, disability or age.

• The Library may require valid identification for access to resources, including equipment.

• Library workstations are provided for academic research. Uses inconsistent with this mission are not permitted.

• USAO students, faculty and staff always have top priority for use of the workstations and any other Library resources. During periods of heavy demand, use may be limited to 30 minutes and current users asked to yield their workstation to persons waiting for access.

• The display of inappropriate materials on Library workstations by anyone where others can see it may be construed as constituting a form of sexual harassment prohibited by Federal and State Laws. Access and use violations of computer resources, including the above, are prohibited and will be treated seriously by this institution with commensurate sanctions.

All Library users are entitled to:

• courteous assistance from Library staff

• appropriate access to Library resources

• Library materials that are in good condition

• a quiet research and study environment free of harassment

• a clean physical environment

All Library users have the obligation to:

• interact courteously with other users and Library staff

• maintain accessibility of Library materials by properly checking out materials that leave the Library; returning books by the due date; and responding promptly to recall requests

• keep Library materials clean, unmarked and intact

• maintain a quiet environment

• abide by guidelines for use of public workstations

• maintain a clean, pest-free environment by not eating, drinking, spitting, or smoking in the Library

The Nash Library operates according to the following building regulations to ensure the safety and security of all Library users.

• Excessive noise or other disruptive behavior which prevents a quiet atmosphere in the Library is not permitted

• Marking in, or vandalism of Library resources, including equipment and building, is prohibited

• Threatening behavior or unwanted attention toward another individual is prohibited. Persons who behave in such a manner may be referred to campus police.

• Children under 16 may enter Nash Library only if accompanied by an adult.

• Animals are not allowed in the building with the exception of animals trained to assist individuals with disabilities.

• Bicycles, skateboards, roller blades and other forms of mechanized transportation are not permitted in the building, excepting equipment for individuals with disabilities.

• Blocking stairwells or aisles of the Library stacks is not permitted.

• Soliciting, selling or display of items for sale is prohibited. Placement of any material from off-campus groups is not allowed in the entrance or inside the Library.

• Personal belongings left unattended for an extended period of time will be collected and placed in lost and found.

• Except for local movement of chairs and tables, no movement of, or alteration to, Library furniture and fixtures is allowed.

• Except in a public emergency, every one but Library staff must enter and leave the building by the approved entrance and exit only.

• The Library has installed theft detection equipment, but is still authorized to perform a manual exit inspection for Library materials and to contact campus police if attempted theft is suspected.

• During an emergency evacuation of the building, all occupants of the building must follow the directions of the Library staff and public safety personnel.

• Possession or use of weapons, alcoholic beverages, or illegal substances are prohibited in the Library.

• Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times.