Code of Conduct

The University Library of the University of Illinois at Chicago seeks to provide services in accordance with University policy with a minimum of regulations and restrictions, adopting only those that are absolutely essential to maintaining a quiet, safe, and appropriate environment conducive to study. Patrons who violate library policies may lose the privilege of using the University Library, be subject to University-imposed discipline, and/or be subject to legal action, including criminal prosecution.

Animals: Only assistance animals are permitted in the Library.

Cell phones and other electronic devices should be turned off or set to a silent mode. Users are requested to use the entrance areas or stairwells for brief, quiet telephone conversations. Audible cell phone use is prohibited in those places designated as “quiet study areas.”

Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult, 18 years or older. The Library is not responsible for the safety of children left unattended in any part of the Library. Illinois law defines a neglected minor, in part, as "any minor under the age of 14 years whose parent or other person responsible for the minor's welfare leaves the minor without supervision for an unreasonable period of time without regard for the mental or physical health, safety, or welfare of that minor"; children under the age of 14 left unattended in any part of the Library may be considered neglected minors.

In situations where these policies are abused, library staff will take appropriate action. This action may include contacting university police, and/or juvenile authorities.

Computer use: Users are expected to use computing resources in a manner consistent with the educational and research goals of the University and in compliance with University policies and state and federal laws.

• The public may use library computers, but priority is given to UIC students, faculty, and staff
• Academic work always has priority over other uses
• Moving, repairing, reconfiguring, modifying, or attaching external devices other than storage devices (e.g., flash drives) is not permitted
• Downloading copyrighted music, movies or any other media is not permitted
• Headphones must be used when accessing audio files

Confidentiality of library records: In accordance with the Library Records Confidentiality Act of the State of Illinois (75 ILCS 70), all library registration and circulation records are considered confidential information.

Criminal behavior: The University Library will notify law enforcement authorities concerning criminal behavior on its premises. Examples include assault, verbal threats, bringing weapons, simulated or real, into any library facility, public indecency, sexual harassment, theft, vandalism, and viewing child pornography.

Damage to Library Property: Behavior which may damage University Library equipment, collections, or facilities is strictly prohibited. Protection of University Library materials is defined under Article 16B of the Illinois Compiled Statutes (720 ILCS 5/16B-1). Prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• Defacing University Library buildings, equipment, or collections
• Deliberate misuse of University Library equipment or collections

All people in the library are requested to report any defacement, misuse or damage as soon as it is observed.

Disruptive behavior: The following conduct is prohibited on Library premises:

• Buying or selling goods or services, or soliciting donations of any kind
• Passing petitions to library patrons, conducting unauthorized surveys, distributing pamphlets or other materials directly or indirectly to library patrons or staff
• Excessive noise
• Using sound generating devices, with or without headphones, at an audible level
• Hostile or rowdy behavior, including fighting, threatening, intimidating, or abusing library staff or patrons with words or actions
• Overt signs of substance abuse, including drunkenness
• Bringing bedding or excessive amounts of personal property—including bicycles, shopping carts, and other large items—into any library facility
• Entering areas marked “Staff Only”
• Using skateboards or skates
• Posing a sanitary or health risk to others, including offensive hygiene

Food and beverages: Non-alcoholic beverages in securely covered containers are allowed, except where signs indicate otherwise. Eating is not permitted in the Library.

Personal belongings should not be left unattended.

Paging library patrons: Library patrons cannot be paged.

Patron use of library staff telephones: The University provides pay telephones and campus telephones for the use of patrons. Patrons may not use staff telephones.

Tobacco use: In accordance with University policy, the use of tobacco in any form is prohibited in all areas of the University Library.

August 2007