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Facilities, Collections, Services, Conduct

Introduction

The Richland College Library maintains collections which support the educational programs of Richland College and provide services for the benefit of the college and the community. The Richland College Library expects all library users to exercise proper and responsible use of its facilities and collections. An essential element of an effective learning environment includes respect for library users and library staff. Library users must act responsibly and refrain from any behavior which would disrupt the use of the facility by other library users or which would interrupt the work of library employees. Examples of disruption may include: loud talking, laughing, ringing cell phones, or noise from audio devices.

Right to Refuse Service

The Richland College Library provides services which support Richland College. Behavior on the part of library users which disrupts library services can not be tolerated. Librarians reserve the right to request an ID and to refuse services to any library user who acts irresponsibly by disrupting the use of the facilities or by being disrespectful to other library users or to a library employee. Irresponsible behavior includes but is not limited to the following:

  1. Rudeness including loud and offensive language
  2. Unreasonable demands for service
  3. Being under the influence of controlled substances or alcohol
  4. Threatening or erratic behavior
  5. Conflicts with other library users

Any library employee can exercise the right to refuse service when confronted by a library user acting irresponsibly. This policy is based on the DCCCD Code of Student Conduct which may be found in the Richland College Catalog or at https://www1.dcccd.edu/cat0304/ss/code.cfm.

Minors

Minors may use the library for research when accompanied by a parent or guardian. However, individuals under the age of 18 may not use computers, except under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian at all times, unless the minor is participating in a program, class, or activity sponsored by the college. (Operational Memorandum, No. GFAxxx). Parents should be aware that the library does not restrict use of the Internet and cannot be held accountable for information or images accessed through the Internet. Parents or guardians chaperoning minors are responsible for the minor's use of the Internet and for intentional or inadvertent viewing or reading of other user's screens. This policy is based on the DCCCD Children on Campus Policy which may be found in the Richland College Catalog or at https://www1.dcccd.edu/cat0304/ss/children.cfm.

Food, Drinks, Water Bottles & Cell Phones

It is the policy of the Richland College Library that all food, drink, and water bottles must be kept inside bags or backpacks. Cell phones must be muted when one enters the library. Library users who disregard these rules may be asked to leave the library.

Policy for All Library Computers

Access to library computers is a privilege granted to students, faculty, staff and the general public to provide access to library collections and other information resources for the purpose of supporting learning and research. The intent of this policy is to ensure that facilities and limited resources are used most effectively to benefit the greatest number of academic users. Use of the computers must comply with the DCCCD Student Code of Conduct, the DCCCD Computer Use Policy (https://www1.dcccd.edu/cat0304/ss/computer.cfm) and state and federal laws.

Academics First

Library computers are provided to support learning and research through access to library collections and other information resources. Those using library computers for e-mail, chat sessions, game playing, publishing etc., may be asked to relinquish them.

Classroom/Lab (L126)

Library instruction classes have priority use of L126. The classroom may be closed for a period prior to scheduled classes. A daily classroom schedule will be posted outside the classroom door. There is no drop-in lab use during scheduled library instruction classes.

Priority Users

Priority is given to students, faculty, and staff of Richland College. Use of library computers may be limited to primary clientele during specific time periods. Other users may be asked to relinquish the computers. Minors must always be under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian (see Minors above).

30-Minute Time Limit

When others are waiting to use a computer, users must observe a 30-minute time limit on the use of library computers.

Misuse of Stations

Library computers may not be used for commercial purposes and must be used in compliance with state and federal laws. Users of the Richland College Library computers who are in violation of this policy and/or of state and federal laws may be subject to legal, disciplinary or other appropriate action including the loss of the use of the computers. Any manipulation of the default settings on the computers to material that might reasonably be considered objectionable by others may result in loss of the use of the computers.

Internet Content

The Richland College Library adheres to the policies developed by the American Library Association Office for Information Technology Policy (http://www.ala.org/oitp/) and contained in Principles for the Networked World, 2003. (http://www.ala.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Our_Association/Offices/
ALA_Washington/Publications16/principles.pdf).

The library upholds the principles of intellectual freedom and resists all efforts to censor library resources. Computers are located in public areas; material viewed is not private. Users must be considerate of other library users and refrain from displaying materials that might reasonably be considered objectionable by others. Viewing of pornographic material may be grounds for sexual harassment charges by other users. See the Richland College Student Grievance and Disciplinary Proceedings Resolution Process at http://www.richland.cc.il.us/sds/srar.html.) If use of the Internet becomes disruptive, a librarian may ask the offending user to leave.

Policy for Study Areas

The Richland College Library provides "designated quiet study areas" and private group study rooms.

Designated Quiet Study Areas

Users of these areas are required to remain silent so that others will not be distracted. No group study or conversations are allowed in these areas. Cell phones must be turned off. Users who talk and disrupt others in these areas will be asked to move to other areas of the library where conversations are allowed.

Group Study Rooms

Group study rooms are available to Richland College students, faculty, and staff members when two or more users need to talk or study together. Rooms may not be reserved in advance. Rooms are for groups only. At least two people must be present to check out a study room key. Rooms are available for a maximum of three hours. There will be no renewals by any group member. Room keys must be returned on or before the end of the three hour period. All study room keys are due back at the circulation desk no later than fifteen minutes before closing. Rooms may not be booked for personal business use. Abuse of the following rules may jeopardize one's group study room privileges:

Excessive noise is not allowed. Doors must remain closed. Tobacco products are not allowed. Food, drinks, or water bottles are not allowed. Once a study room is booked, it must remain occupied. If the group needs to leave for any reason, members must turn in the study room key.

Library Use Policy. Document 14119-1