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The Ames Library

User Conduct Policy

The Ames Library provides a setting conducive to interaction, consultation, study and reflection and is dedicated to serving the scholarly needs of the Illinois Wesleyan University community. The library's top priority is ensuring that our students trust that their needs are met, including their safety. A safe and productive environment is imperative in achieving our mission. The safety of employees and library users is the most important consideration in all disruptive situations. 

This policy applies to all spaces that are in the Ames Library building. These policies ensure a common understanding of expectations for our users:

  • Library users will act respectfully and follow our policies and procedures in order to maintain a safe and productive space for all users. This includes, but is not limited to, reading our posted signage, respecting other users and library staff, maintaining a low volume on quiet floors (Floors 3 and 4), and using the library resources appropriately. 
  • Library computers are to be used primarily for academic purposes by Illinois Wesleyan students, faculty, and staff.
  • Community members may use the public computers located in the rotunda on the lower level, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors of the library. We do not offer printing to community members at this time. Workstations can be used to access the library’s research and scholarship resources. 

Disruptive Behavior & Inappropriate Use of Library Facilities 

Definitions of Improper Use

  • Disruptive behavior and inappropriate use includes, but is not limited to:
    • Any act that is illegal under State or Federal law. 
    • Any behavior that is deemed harassing, threatening, or abusive (either spoken, written, or physically) by the recipient. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, speaking in a louder than normal tone, using threatening bodily motions (waving hands, pounding fists or books, etc.) or using inflammatory language (cursing, ethnic slurs, etc.) or exhibiting offensive behavior (racial or sexual in nature, exposing oneself, excessive staring, etc.).
    • Disrespect or noncompliance upon being asked to modify objectionable behaviors
    • Any conversations that are deemed unwanted (either spoken, written, or physically) by the recipient. 
    • Deliberate misuse, misappropriation, or damage to library collections, resources, furniture, buildings, or equipment.
    • Unapproved solicitation of staff or other library users, in person or through distribution of informational materials. For example, selling products, seeking signatures for petitions, unauthorized posting of marketing materials, etc.
    • Use of skateboards, skates, bicycles, and similar devices inside the library building.
    • Smoking and vaping, including the use of electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, and related products inside the building or within 15 feet of an entrance.
    • Pets and other animals are not permitted in the building, with the exception of service animals.
    • Taking part in any activity of a suspicious nature or that suggests criminal intention.
    • Any violation of Illinois Wesleyan University’s Postings Guidelines
    • Any violation of Illinois Wesleyan University’s Alcohol & Substance Policy
    • Any violation of Illinois Wesleyan University’s Student Handbook
    • Any violation of The Ames Library’s Building Policies. 
    • Any violation of ITS Policies and Procedures

Enforcement

  • Disruptive behavior may be reported to any library faculty/staff member.
  • The library staff reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of any behavior and to refuse to provide library services. 
  • Library users found to be engaging in behavior that is deemed disruptive by library staff will be asked to immediately cease such behavior. If a library user fails to stop or repeats the disruptive behavior, the library user will be asked to leave the library, and their name will be referred to the Dean of Students and Campus Safety. Failure to comply with reasonable staff requests will result in library staff contacting Campus Safety and/or law enforcement.
  • Campus Safety personnel determine severity of behavior and takes appropriate action according to Campus Safety policies. 

Appeals

  • Enforcement of this policy will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Concerns regarding the implementation or enforcement of this policy may be directed to the University Librarian.