Policy takeaways:
- It’s important to us that each visitor and employee in Howe Library feels comfortable and safe. To make sure this happens, we’ve created rules for all of us to follow.
- We ask that all visitors to Howe Library read and understand what you can expect from our library employees, and what we will expect from you.
- If these rules are not being followed, it’s up to library employees to decide the best course of action. This could range from asking someone to leave to calling the police.
The Howe Memorial Library provides a safe and respectful environment for collaborative and individual research and study. In order to provide an atmosphere conducive to research and study, patrons who enter the Howe Library agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. These policies are applicable to all UVM Libraries patrons and are enforceable by all Library staff and faculty. For your reference, we have made available a printable copy of Expectations of Library Behavior (PDF).
Expectations:
Patrons of the Library have a right to expect the following:
All Library users are expected to respect Library facilities, other users, and Library staff. Library patrons will:
Violations:
Behaviors that infringe upon the rights of Library patrons, faculty, or staff and that conflict with the Libraries’ mission are prohibited. Prohibited activities and behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following.
Individuals will not:
*Public libraries are considered to be limited public forums and may regulate First Amendment activities such as photography, assemblies, and public speeches using viewpoint-neutral rules (Kreimer v. Board of Police of Morristown, NJ).
The library will actively pursue disciplinary action, prosecution, or other legal action for offenses.
Sanctions:
Any patron who commits or attempts to commit any of the offenses listed as Violations - or any other behaviors illegal under the laws of the state or federal government - is subject to sanctions, which may include:
— Approved by Libraries Dean's Council
March 8, 2022