Expectations of Appropriate Conduct

The University Libraries (Gorham, Lewiston-Auburn, & Portland) are intended primarily for use by students, faculty, staff, and other members of the USM community. The Libraries strive to provide a welcoming, comfortable, and appealing environment for the USM community. The Library is open to the general public for purposes associated with an academic library, such as accessing print and electronic resources, conducting research, studying, and attending events. Library privileges are extended to members of the University community and others, with the responsibility that requires all users to respect the needs of other patrons and staff, and to behave legally and responsibly in their use of those resources and in interactions with others.

The Following are Not Allowed:
1. Consuming or being under the influence of alcohol/illegal drugs. Selling, using, or possessing alcohol/illegal drugs.
2. Smoking, chewing and other tobacco use.
3. Verbally or physically threatening or harassing other patrons or staff, including stalking, staring, lurking, and unwanted touching.
4. Obscene, abusive, insulting or threatening language or behaviors.
5. Making solicitations of other Library patrons for any reason.
6. Animals in the Library, except service animals.
7. Fighting or challenging to fight, running, pushing, shoving, or throwing things.
8. Creating loud noises, boisterous conduct, loud talking, screaming, or other disruptive behaviors interfering with the use or enjoyment of the Library by others. This policy is designed to preserve a generally quiet atmosphere where all Library patrons may study and otherwise use Library materials without disturbance.**
9. Using restrooms for bathing, washing, changing clothes, or using restrooms for purposes other than intended use.
10. Carrying firearms or dangerous weapons of any type (except by law enforcement officers or authorized personnel).
11. Defacing, destroying, or corrupting any of the Library's resources.
12. Unaccompanied children under the age of 12, or any children behaving in a disruptive manner.
13. Bicycles in the building -Please secure bicycles in the racks outside.
14. Lying on the floor.
15. Blocking aisles, exits or entrances with furniture, large backpacks, suitcases, carts or other large personal items.
16. Failing to comply with a reasonable staff request.
17. Engaging in any activity in violation of federal, state, local or other applicable laws.

** It does not prohibit the normal, quiet conversation between patrons and/or Library staff, or conversations required to carry on library programs or business.

Expectations of Patron Conduct in the Libraries:

1. Abide by the University of Maine System Conduct Code and all other relevant University policies, including those stated above and posted in the library, as well as State and Federal laws. Abide by the University’s Acceptable Use of Information Resources Policy: http://www.usm.maine.edu/doit/acceptable-use-information
2. Compliance with U.S. Copyright Law.
3. Patrons will not enter or remain in the Library when closed to the public. Patrons should not enter non-public areas of the Library without the express permission of library staff.
4. Patrons will not leave personal items unattended. Failure to comply may result in removal of your items from the building, and is at the discretion of library staff.
5. Shoes and shirts are required at all times.
6. An acceptable standard of personal hygiene is expected of all individuals. Unpleasant body odor, which may offend other individuals in the library, is considered unacceptable.
7. Respect other patron's privacy and personal property.

 10/18/11