Use and Conduct

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To protect the rights of all Libraries users and provide an atmosphere conducive to study and research and free from discrimination and harassment, the Libraries has established the rules below. These apply to everyone who enters any Libraries’ facilities, including Bird Library, Carnegie Library, King + King Architecture Library and the Law Library. Please email libref@syr.edu with questions.

  1. General policies
    Libraries users are expected to act in accordance with all University policies (including Information Technology Resources Acceptable Use Policy, Student Code of Conduct and Respectful Workplace).
  2. Identification
    Libraries users must present their valid SU or SUNY-ESF ID cards at the request of Libraries or University staff, in accordance with the Syracuse University ID Card Policy. Students may use the GET application as digital identification.
  3. Priority use
    The Libraries gives priority to current/active SU faculty, students and staff who are using resources for research, instructional and informational purposes, and authorized researchers from reciprocal consortium libraries. The general public may use the Libraries to access resources not restricted to those with a valid SU or SUNY-ESF ID card, including Federal Depository Library Program material. Only current SU and SUNY-ESF students, faculty and staff may be present in Bird Library when it is open after 8 p.m. or before 8 a.m. Users must swipe their SU or SUNY-ESF ID card if using the Library during restricted hours, and security personnel may request to see users’ ID during these times.
  4. Computer use
    See the Libraries’ policy for specific information on Computer Use.
  5. Hours
    All users must limit use of the Libraries to authorized areas only and leave the buildings at closing time.
  6. Food and beverage
    Drinks in containers with secure tops/lids are allowed in all libraries. Food is allowed in Bird Library, except for the Map Room on the third floor and Special Collections Research Center on the sixth floor, including the Plastics Pioneers Reading Room. Small, contained snacks are allowed in King + King Architecture Library. Food is not permitted in Carnegie Library or the Belfer Audio Laboratory and Archive.
  7. Alcohol, drugs and tobacco
    The use of alcohol, drugs or tobacco, including smoking and vaping, is not allowed in any library building, except for special events where alcohol may be served to those of legal drinking age when the appropriate permits have been obtained. More information is available from the University’s Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Tobacco Policies.
  8. Disruptive behavior
    Libraries users are expected to treat staff and other users with courtesy and consideration. Disruptive, threatening and disrespectful behavior that interferes with the rights and privacy of others will not be tolerated, including, but not limited to, language or action that is intimidating or rude, behavior that is unreasonably distracting or impedes staff work or users’ ability to study and research, loud talking, audible use of personal electronic devices such as cell phones and entering “staff only” areas. Offending individuals will be asked to cease their disruptive behavior, and if they do not comply, they will be escorted out of the building by Libraries or Department of Public Safety staff. Those requiring assistance can contact the Department of Public Safety.
  9. Theft and mutilation
    Theft and mutilation of any property inside the Libraries or belonging to the Libraries are serious offenses, subject to fines, replacement costs and/or legal action.
  10. Circulation policies
    Information about borrowing privileges is available on the Borrowing Process and Policies page.
  11. Posting of signs (including flyers and notices)
    Signs may only be posted on designated public, community bulletin boards and must follow guidelines for posting on community bulletin boards.
  12. Animals
    Only assistance animals, as defined by the University’s Center for Disability Resources, are permitted in the Libraries, with the exception of special events sponsored by the Libraries that may include animals.
  13. Children
    Libraries collections and services are not designed for children. Children under the age of 18 who are not registered as SU or SUNY-ESF students must be accompanied by an adult. Adults who bring minors into the Libraries must be present with them and are responsible for monitoring their conduct at all times. More information is available on the Syracuse University Safety of Minors Abuse and Reporting policy.
  14. Wheeled vehicles
    Except for wheelchairs and other medical devices, operation or use of bicycles and other wheeled vehicles are prohibited in the Libraries, in accordance with University Policy Non-Motorized Wheeled Vehicle Use and Motorized Hoverboard Use on University Property.
  15. Weapons
    Possession, display or use of weapons of any kind in the Libraries is prohibited. See the University’s Weapons Policy for more information.
  16. Photography, filming and other recording
    To protect the privacy of users and staff, please follow the Libraries’ Photographing, Videotaping and Filming in the Libraries. All requests must be submitted at least 1-2 days in advance using the Photographing or Filming in the Library form.
  17. Emergencies
    Users are required to follow the instructions of Libraries staff, Department of Public Safety or police during alarms or other emergencies. See the University’s Orange Alert page for more information.
  18. Solicitation
    Libraries users may not solicit donations in the Libraries. SU-affiliated groups interested in tabling in order to share information on academic projects, programs and services; conduct surveys for student or faculty research; or conduct other permitted activities as outlined on the Miron Learning Commons page must obtain permission in advance by completing the Bird Library Tabling Request Form.
  19. Shared Resources
    All furniture in the Libraries, including whiteboards, are shared resources. Except for borrowed items, including study rooms, use of furniture and resources is first come first served. Libraries users are asked to refrain from “saving” spaces for friends or leaving work on whiteboards after use. Furniture, including whiteboards, are cleaned regularly.