ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï

1.    Preamble

ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï Libraries provide a wide variety of spaces, resources, and services for its users including ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï faculty, staff, students, and alumni, along with members of the community. The policies below align with campus-wide policies, including the Policy on Responsible Use of ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï Information Technology Resources and with ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï’s Code of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures.

2.    Purpose

To outline the policies related to using ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï Libraries spaces, resources, and services, with the goal of ensuring a safe, healthy and productive environment for all library users and staff.

3.    Application

This document describes the policies all users are expected to comply with while using the Libraries’ spaces, resources, and services.

4.    Policy Content

ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï Libraries strive to create and maintain an inclusive environment where everyone is welcome and where all (including users and staff) treat each other with courtesy and respect. The following policies are in place to create spaces that are comfortable, safe, and productive for all who use the library—whether it be for individual study, group work, participation in events or workshops, or to use resources and materials. The policies are also in place to protect library materials, resources, and property.  

• 4.1    Eating: Consumption of food is not permitted anywhere in the Libraries. Water bottles and other beverages in sealed containers are allowed. Certain library locations have eating areas in close proximity, including the Redpath Café, which is located on the lower level of the McLennan-Redpath Library Complex. 
• 4.2    Smoking: Smoking of any kind, including the use of e-cigarettes and vaporizers is not permitted anywhere in the Libraries. Smoking is also prohibited outside the Libraries’ entryways and on the Redpath Terrace. [See ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï Smoking Policy and a list of Designated Smoking Areas].
• 4.3    Noise: To accommodate the needs of all users, the Libraries offer a variety of areas with different expectations for noise, including group-study rooms, conversation areas, and quiet-study areas. Users should be mindful of the type of area they are in and adjust their noise-level accordingly. In-person, phone or virtual conversations are not permitted in designated quiet areas. In all library locations, all personal audio devices must be used with earphones.
• 4.4    Waste Disposal: Proper garbage and recycling receptables are provided throughout all library locations. It is an individual’s responsibility to place their waste in the appropriate bins.
• 4.5    Safety and Security: Users should not leave their personal belongings unattended. Unattended personal belongings may be removed by Security Services. Security will also wake individuals who are sleeping to prevent theft of their belongings and ensure their well-being.
• 4.6    Use of the Libraries’ materials and equipment: Users must not deface, mutilate, inappropriately use or willfully deprive other users of library materials, facilities or equipment. Saving or reserving seats is not permitted. Users must not highlight, underline or write in any printed material.  Library materials and equipment cannot be removed from library spaces unless they have been checked out or authorization has been obtained.  Users should familiarize themselves with the Libraries’ Borrowing Policy to ensure they are aware of borrowing conditions. [See also Article 21 (Misuse of Library or Information Technology Resources) in the Code of Student Conduct.]
• 4.7    Use of the Libraries’ Computers: All users of the Libraries’ computers are expected to follow the responsible computing practices set out by the University. For information on ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï’s policies relating to computing, see Policy on the Responsible Use of ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï Information Technology Resources and Article 21 (Misuse of Library or Information Technology Resources) in the Code of Student Conduct.
• 4.8    Use of electronic resources:  Most of the electronic resources available through the ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï Libraries are governed by license agreements that restrict use to ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï students, faculty, staff, or other authorized users. Each user is responsible for complying with the terms and conditions of these licenses. Failure to do so can result in the loss of access to a resource for the entire University community. .
• 4.9    Copyright: Users must observe copyright, intellectual property rights and academic integrity when using library materials. .
• 4.10    Animals: Except for service animals, animals are not permitted.  Information about Animal Accommodation for students at ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï is available on a dedicated web space.
• 4.11    Drives: Drives for food, clothing, hygiene products, books or other items are not permitted. 
• 4.12    Postering and Signs: Users must obtain permission to post signs in library spaces and must only do so in designated locations. Unauthorized signage will be removed by library staff. 
• 4.13    Soliciting:  Users may not solicit, canvas, or survey other library users anywhere in the library. 
• 4.14    Extended Library Hours: Certain library locations are open for study after the service desks close. Extended hours are supervised by ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï’s Security Services. Hours vary over the course of the year and may sometimes be restricted to specific ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï user groups.  Library users may be required to present identification when using the library during extended hours or in certain instances.  
• 4.15    After-Hours Card Access: Access to the Libraries after extended hours may be granted to authorized users at certain libraries. Users should refer to the guidelines of the specific libraries to determine if they can request access. Users must use their ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï ID card to gain building access after opening hours. 
• 4.16    Filming: Filming or recording requests from media or production companies require permission. For requests, contact ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï’s Media Relations Office in advance of when you would like to film on campus so that the proper arrangements can be made. More information regarding filming on site is available on a dedicated web space.
• 4.17    Use of Distinctive Collections: The ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï Libraries’ distinctive collections (e.g., rare and archival materials, maps, photos) can be consulted on-site by members of the ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï community and the public during the service hours of the library where they are located. Users must follow each library location’s procedures for requesting the materials and booking an appointment. Special collections materials can sometimes be digitized for personal or scholarly use. Users should contact the holding library directly with any inquiries regarding digitization requests.
• 4.18    Use of Specialized Spaces: ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï Libraries offer a variety of specialized spaces; each designed for specific purposes. The sections below explain the intended use of these spaces. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list, and spaces may change over time:
  • 4.18.1.1    Bookable group study rooms: ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï students, faculty and staff may book group study rooms for up to 2 hours at a time and may book up to 4 hours per week. Bookings may be made up to 2 weeks in advance. Room bookings are subject to building opening hours. Rooms are booked online, using the .
  • 4.18.1.2    Quiet pods (non-bookable): Quiet pods are designed for individual study and are available in the McLennan-Redpath Library Complex, the Nahum Gelber Law Library, and the Schulich Library of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and Engineering. They are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
  • 4.18.2    Library Classrooms: Classrooms and other teaching spaces in the libraries are reserved for use by library staff and/or library-related teaching. Some classroom spaces may be used by students for study when they are not being used for instruction.
  • 4.18.3    Nahum Gelber Law Library Moot Rooms: Law students who are members of competitive moot teams enjoy special library privileges for the period of the moot, including use of the 6 moot rooms on the 3rd floor. Library materials may be signed out to these rooms, and mooters are given after-hours access to the library.
  • 4.18.4    Marvin Duchow Music Library Seminar Rooms:  When not in use for courses or events, Music Library seminar rooms are available to students on a first-come- first-served basis. Priority is given to music students and faculty requiring audio, video or presentation resources, and to music students and faculty requiring group-study or rehearsal space. The soundproofing capabilities of these four rooms can accommodate only small acoustic ensembles including piano, strings, woodwinds, and voice (no brass). Schulich School of Music students, faculty, and staff can consult the School's Room Booking System for availability information. Any bookings are only guaranteed once you have received a confirmation that the request has been approved.
  • 4.18.5    Humanities & Social Sciences Library Finance Lab: The lab is home to fixed computer terminals with specialized finance tools installed. Priority for these terminals is given to researchers using these databases. Due to license restrictions, use of the lab and its computers is strictly limited to current ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï students, staff, and faculty.
  • 4.18.6    Graduate Spaces: A variety of types of areas are specifically set aside for ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï Graduate students in multiple library locations. This includes PhD study rooms, study carrels and desks, lockers, and storage cabinets. Information about booking graduate space is available online.

5.    Sanctions

Behaviour within the Libraries is monitored by the Libraries’ staff and ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï’s Security Services. The consequence of not adhering to the policy may include: 

• A user may be asked to leave the building; 
• A user who repeatedly or significantly refuses to comply may lose their right to access some or all the Libraries’ spaces;
• Serious violations may result in the suspension of all library privileges, including building access.

Students may be subject to disciplinary processes as per the Code of Student Conduct if their behaviour violates the code.  

6.    Authority to Approve Procedures

The Associate Dean, Teaching and Learning is given delegation of authority for the development and approval of any procedures related to the policy.

7.    Review

This policy will be reviewed at least every five years.

Approved May 5, 2026 by Library Cabinet