Building Use Policy

Effective Date: September 2006

Last Updated: August 2024

Next Review: August 2026

Policy Owner: Manager, Facilities Services

Rationale

The Building Use Policy specifies appropriate use of the library's facilities and equipment and designates areas of the library as intended for either "quiet" or "group" use purposes.

The Building Use Policy exists to ensure that the University of Guelph, McLaughlin Library facilities provide a safe, pleasant, and productive environment for study and research. By enforcing University guidelines for behaviour and equipment use, and by designating building space for either "quiet" or "group" use purposes, the library recognizes and supports a wide range of learning activities.

The Policy

To ensure a supportive environment for study and research, and to respect the rights of the campus community, the library asks that all users and staff of the University of Guelph Library observe the following code of behaviour when using library facilities.

Procedures

Students are expected to comply with the University of Guelph Policy 1.6 Policy on Non-Academic Misconduct.

Whether a student, staff member, faculty member, campus visitor, or community member, we require all users to treat all members of the library community with respect. Disturbance or behaviour which interferes with the normal use of the library is not acceptable. Examples of inappropriate behaviour includes rowdiness, noise, prolonged conversations, abusive behaviour, loitering and obstruction of facilities or access, passing out pamphlets or other materials, or soliciting other users for financial donations.

Users are expected to show consideration for others by respecting the designation of "quiet" and "group" spaces within the library. The library must accommodate differing types of learning needs with their associated levels of noise.

Non-student users failing to demonstrate appropriate behaviours will be addressed in the following manner:

1. Library staff will address inappropriate behaviour(s) with user(s); and
2. Failure to comply and/or escalation with library staff directives will result in involvement of the Campus Safety Office.

Quiet areas are intended for private study and research. Conversations in these areas should be very quiet and brief, including using an electronic device with headphones. However, noise from headphones must not be audible to others. Quiet areas include:

• All enclosed bookable individual study rooms (door should be kept closed when in use)
• The lower level, second, third (west side), fifth, and sixth floors of the library
• In group study areas of the library, discussion is encouraged and limited use of cell phones is allowed. Group study areas are intended to support social learning and research activities which support the University's academic mission. Group study areas include:
• The first, third (east side), and fourth floors of the library
• All enclosed meeting rooms and group study room doors should be kept closed when in use.
• Bookable group study rooms.

Users of all library spaces are expected to:

• Practice proper cell-phone etiquette (turn ringers off, hold conversations in stairwells or group study areas only, conduct conversations in low tones).
• Use library computing resources responsibly to support teaching, learning, and research, in accordance with the University's Acceptable Use Policy.
• Use library materials and equipment with care and respect, including refraining from marking or damaging resources.
• Dispose of garbage or recycling in the appropriate containers.
• Exit the library promptly at closing time and during fire alarms or emergency situations.
• Refrain from posting notices (except in designated areas, or with prior approval from Library Facilities Services and/or Communications).
• Individuals of all ages are welcome in the library, however, caregivers aged twelve (12) or older shall be responsible for the supervision of individuals under the age of ten (10) at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which areas of the library buildings are zoned for "quiet" vs. "group" use?

Signage is posted on all floors and stairwells. You can also consult our online map. The first, third (east side), and fourth floors in the main library are intended for "group" use, along with all enclosed meeting rooms. All other floors of the library are intended for "quiet" use.

What do I do if someone is violating the policy?

Begin by politely reminding the other user(s) that their behaviour is not in keeping with the designated use of the space. If the problem continues, report noise level issues to the Ask Us desk. Library staff also monitor noise levels and building use on a regular basis and will respond to user complaints.

What happens if I violate the policy?

Users violating University or library policies will be warned and may be asked to leave the building. Users failing to moderate their behaviour may be asked to present to library staff and/or Campus Safety Officer valid University of Guelph identification to track repeat policy infractions. Repeat violations may incur escalating sanctions, including being asked to leave the library without warning, being banned from the library for a period of time, and/or being charged by Campus Safety Office under the Ontario Trespass to Property Act, RSO 1990, cT21 and/or under the University of Guelph’s Policy 1.6 Policy on Non-Academic Misconduct.

Why can't I use the library to hand out information or do fundraising?

Because we are a busy place with lots of people passing through, the library receives many requests for the use of our space for a variety of causes — fund-raising for various student groups and charities, recruiting people to participate in research studies, passing out pamphlets which promote various causes or political viewpoints. While worthwhile in their intent, all these activities disrupt the primary purpose and use of the library as a place for research, study and learning. "Soliciting" activities interfere with the right of library users to work in an uninterrupted manner, and distribution of print materials creates both visual clutter and a garbage disposal problem.

There are other venues on campus that present a better and more appropriate alternative for marketing activities, which are not directly connected with library services. Please see for more information.

What happens if individual(s) under ten (10) are unattended within the library?

Under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, April 30, 2018, section #125, Library Staff have a Duty to Report if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is in need of protection.

Library staff will respond when individual(s) under ten (10) are left unattended in the library and will take the appropriate action by contacting the University of Guelph, Campus Safety Office.

Where do I find contact information?

Refer to the library’s Contact Us website.