Library Users' Rights and Responsibilities
Oakland University Libraries foster community and support the advancement of knowledge by creating a technology- and resource-rich environment for study, research and scholarly collaboration. We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming space where mutual respect, intellectual collaboration, and active learning find a home on the OU campus. All library users, librarians and staff share responsibility for maintaining a scholarly environment.
As a library user, you have the right to:
- A welcoming, inclusive research and study space;
- A clean, comfortable and safe building;
- Courteous assistance from librarians and staff;
- Access to library resources, regardless of one’s race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, disability, or age;
- Ask others to refrain from behavior that is not conducive to study and research;
- Request assistance from librarians and staff to maintain an appropriate scholarly environment.
As a library user, you have the responsibility to:
- Interact respectfully with other users, librarians and staff;
- Wear a mask or face covering while in the library;
- Maintain 6 feet social distancing from other users, library faculty and staff;
- Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face;
- Follow all signs and posted guidelines to minimize potential coronavirus transmission;
- Refrain from disruptive behavior that hinders others’ access to an environment supportive of study, research and collaborative scholarship. This includes:
- Behavior that contributes to excessive noise levels
- Threatening, intimidating or harassing behavior
- Behavior that is potentially unsafe (running, throwing objects, etc.)
- Engaging in sexual activities.
- Maintain a quiet atmosphere in designated quiet study areas;
- Help preserve library resources by refraining from marking, defacing or damaging library materials and equipment;
- Comply with directions and requests from librarians and staff.
Visitors to the library may request assistance from librarians and staff at any time to address disruptive behavior. Failure to comply with requests to cease inappropriate behavior will result in removal from the premises or other disciplinary sanctions. Multiple infractions will result in permanent expulsion from the library.
If you have questions or comments about these rights and responsibilities, please contact the OU Libraries’ administration (248-370-2486).
Building Use
In order to maintain a safe, productive environment, library visitors must comply with all University and Library policies. Specifically:
- Food and beverages are permitted in the library (except in the Archives and the Reflection Room). Please dispose of trash and keep food and drink away from library materials and other equipment.
- Smoking is prohibited in the library and throughout campus.
- Cell phones should be placed on silent upon entering the building. Cell phone use is strictly prohibited on the 3rd floor, which is a designated quiet study area; calls should be taken quietly and moved immediately to the 2nd floor lobby.
- The use of power cords must not obstruct movement or create hazards. Librarians or staff may ask visitors to move power cords or other obstructions if they are deemed unsafe.
- Entrances, exits, stairwells and aisles must remain accessible at all times.
- For their own safety, children under age 16 who are not fully admitted to OU must be supervised by an adult at all times.
- Only service animals are permitted in the building.
- Skateboards and similarly-sized recreational transport may be carried into—but not used—in the library. Bicycle racks are available outside the library's main entrance to secure all other recreational transport.
- Shirts and shoes are required at all times.
- Firearms, explosives and other dangerous materials are prohibited.
- The library is not responsible for personal property. Please do not leave belongings unattended.
See also:
University Policy 890 - Use of University Information Technology Resources