Facility Use Policy for Strozier and Dirac

The Florida State University Libraries has a primary mission to support the educational, teaching, research and administrative needs of the faculty, students, and staff of Florida State University. The collections are also accessible to others whose information needs require these resources. Policies governing the use of the facilities and collections reflect this mission.

Access

Any individual may have access to University Library facilities to use general stack collections, space and resources permitting. Due to the specialized nature or fragility of some materials, use of some special collections may be governed by more restrictive policies. Please consult with staff in relevant areas.

Animals

No animals are allowed in the University Libraries other than those assisting persons with disabilities.

Carrels, Classrooms and Group Study Rooms

These facilities are generally available to our primary clientele only, i.e., members of the campus community, except by special arrangements. Both Dirac and Strozier library facilities have study carrels for individual use. Members of the campus community may consult the appropriate circulation desk for procedures for reserving these carrels.

Classroom facilities in Dirac and Strozier libraries are available for class use related to library instruction. Consult library reference staff in both libraries concerning availability.

Group study space in Strozier library may be reserved by consulting the library's circulation staff. Generally, these facilities are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cellular Phones and Pagers

FSU Libraries' users are requested to turn cellular phones and pagers on non-audible signals or to the lowest ringer/alert volume. Please leave stacks and study areas when conversing on a cellular phone. Conversing on cellular phones may occur in stairwells, the Strozier Lobby Lounge or outside the Libraries. At the Dirac Science Library, Cellular phones must be used outside. The need for some users to be on-call is recognized; however, it is necessary to maintain an environment of quiet study within the library and avoid disturbing other.

Clothing

Appropriate dress is required. Shirts and shoes must be worn in the library.

Computer Use

All those who use computers in the Libraries are expected to take proper care of the equipment. State law and University computer use regulations apply in the Libraries. See: FSU Online Policies & Procedures OP-H-6 USE OF UNIVERSITY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES http://www.vpfa.fsu.edu/policies/bmanual/itpolicy.html.

Destroying or Damaging Materials, Equipment, Software or the Facility

The following are examples of actions that are prohibited. (This is not a comprehensive list.)

• The destruction, mutilation or defacement of any materials
• The damaging of hardware or equipment
• Misuse of furniture or the facility
• Tampering with software or changing equipment settings.

Disruptions

Disruption to the study and research of patrons or the interruption of their education process is prohibited: Examples are listed below. (This is not an inclusive list.)

• Bringing in personal items not essential to research eg., grocery carts, large duffle bags, bedrolls, etc.
• Creating excessive noise
• Harassment of others
• Odor constituting a nuisance or health and safety concern

Emergencies

In the event of fire, hurricanes, or other emergency situations, library staff will alert building occupants to the procedures for evacuation or taking shelter.

Filming/Photography

Individuals who wish to film or photograph within a library facility must obtain the permission through the library's communications office. Such request will be accommodated only if there is minimal impact on the environment for research and study.

Food, and Drink Policy

The library enforces a strict policy forbidding food and drink (except in acceptable containers) for the following reasons:

Roaches and ants are a continual problem in Florida's climate. We receive frequent complaints about ants crawling around. In addition, bugs eat the glue and binding of our books. Spilled food and drink, even when it does not damage books, stains and damages our chairs, tables and carpet. There is no way for us to react promptly to spills of food and drink to minimize the damage.

Eating is prohibited in all public spaces in the Florida State University Libraries except the front Strozier Lobby Lounge.

Drinking beverages is allowed only from covered, spill-proof, reusable containers, except in the following units (Special Collections, Pepper Library and the Digital Library Center) that prohibit all food and drink.

Acceptable and Unacceptable Beverage Containers

Acceptable Containers: Spill-Proof containers are defined as, a sport bottle (such as those made available at the beverage cart in Strozier Library) or other containers which are made of a hard plastic, and which have screw-on or other hard plastic caps to prevent spills when the bottle is accidentally dropped.

Unacceptable Containers: Hot and cold cups from fast-food restaurants or campus vending carts and machines are NOT spill-proof containers, even with the tops on them. These tops come off when the container falls over, and the containers themselves often leak. "Juice boxes", aluminum cans or open containers of any kind are not acceptable in the library. (see examples).

Food and Drink Policy: Procedures and Sequence of Events

Individuals who are violating the food and drink policy:

• will receive a printed explanation of our policy
• will be asked to discard their food and drink in an appropriate receptacle immediately, and not to repeat their behavior.

Group Tours/Instruction

Any persons wishing to bring groups of people into the library need to obtain prior permission from the appropriate department.

Literature Distribution, Solicitation

Display of posters, distribution of literature, or solicitation are prohibited except in designated areas or with the permission of the library communications office.

Radios, CD Players or Other Equipment

The use of any equipment that disrupts patrons is prohibited. Users with portable radios, walkman, and other intrusive sound that is disruptive to other patrons must use earphones. The use of video cameras requires the permission of the library administration.

Removal of Materials

Removing or attempting to remove library materials or property without appropriate check-out or other authorization is prohibited.

Security

Identification:

A person using a library facility may be asked by library staff and/or security personnel to show identification and, if the person refuses, he or she may be asked to leave the library.

University Police:

The University Police will be called any time a person refuses to leave after being asked to do so by the proper library staff or any time there is a disturbance or suspicious activity. 911 should be called in case of fire or medical emergency or if law enforcement assistance is needed.

Smoking

In accordance with University regulations, library facilities are non-smoking environments.

Cooperation

Libraries staff will ask those who are unwilling to abide by this policy to leave the facility. Repeat offenders will face University disciplinary action or be removed by University Police.

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