Xavier University of Louisiana Library

General Library Policies

The Xavier University Library is a place for learning, conducting research, and scholarly reflection. The Xavier University Library Administration, Faculty and Staff are trained professionals who strive to provide such a place for our users. To this end, Library users are asked to follow the Library Code of Conduct. We expect our Library users to: Comply with all Library policies and procedures including the noise, food and drink, furniture, and computer use policies.

NOISE

Users expect an environment that is clean, quiet, and conducive to study, research, and reading. Behaviors that disrupt these activities ARE NOT permitted:

• Excessive noise above ordinary conversation is prohibited throughout the Library
• Disruptive noise, e.g., loud talking or audible electronic devices, is prohibited [examples: Facetiming, video viewing of any kind without earbuds]
• Collaborative work (group work) is permitted and encouraged on the 1st and 2nd floors of the Library and/or within Group Study Rooms. Please note that the above noise guidelines apply and that the Study Rooms are not soundproof.

FOOD & DRINK

Library users are permitted covered, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.

The following are not permitted:

• Meals are not permitted (examples: greasy foods, take-away meals, meals that are aromatic, meals that require utensils and napkins, and the like).
• Use of alcohol, tobacco, or controlled substances within Library premises is not permitted.
• All food [meals] is to be eaten in the 24-hour room or the vending machine area.

APPROPRIATE CONDUCT

• Engage with Library staff in a respectful and courteous manner.
• Treat other Library users with respect. Avoid loud conversations, disruptive behavior, and use of the Library for non-academic or non-research purposes.
• Respect the rights of other users to access Library materials. Deliberate misplacement of Library materials, or the deliberate postponement of returning Library materials, is prohibited.
• Care for library books and other materials properly. Library materials should not be written in or on, nor defaced in any way. Users are responsible for the care of items checked out to them.
• Never leave personal items or laptops unattended. The Library is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.
• Leave pets at home. Exception: personal service animals are permissible and therapy animals introduced by the university.
• Never enter areas designated “staff only” or other restricted areas without an appointment.
• Refrain from sleeping in the library.

The library also expects library users to follow all university rules and regulations as well as local, state, and federal laws:

• Present on request from any faculty or staff member an official XU identification card on demand, including and/or related to any and all violation of Library regulations.
• Smoking in the building is prohibited.
• Use, possession or storage of weapons of any kind is prohibited.
• Use, possession, or distribution of any controlled substance, alcoholic beverages, or illegal drugs (including the misuse of prescribed medications, ex. Opioids) is prohibited.
• Lewd or obscene conduct, or sexual misconduct, sexual violence and sexual assault is prohibited.
• Threats of violence and perceived threats to others’ person or possessions is prohibited. Excessive noise above ordinary conversation is prohibited throughout the Library.

CONSEQUENCES

• The library will call Xavier University Police Department if a library user does not follow the code of conduct.
• The library will contact the Dean of Students if the library user is a student and is in violation of the Code of Student Conduct.
• The library will bill the library user for lost, missing, mutilated, defaced items, including a processing fee.
• The library will remove from the building violators of the Code of Conduct and/or revoke library privileges.
• Library users are required to leave the Library at closing and when requested during emergency situations or following a violation of the Library Code of Conduct.
• Library users must enter and leave the Library through the normal entrances and exits unless directed otherwise by a Library staff member.

The University Librarian, Faculty and Staff members have the authority to exclude those who have ignored verbal warnings from the Library. Those who commit serious offenses will be liable to further disciplinary action.

The University Librarian may from time to time make special regulations regarding admission to and use of particular areas of the Library. Any user who commits or attempts to commit offenses stated in this Code, whether members of the University Community or not, may be asked to leave the Library. Such persons may be subject to other warning, fines, and restitution, as well as other penalties. Library users are responsible for observing the policies, rules, and regulations of Xavier University. Xavier expects all students to conduct themselves as mature and responsible citizens in accordance with accepted standards of social behavior, to respect the rights of others, and to refrain from any conduct which obstructs the work of the university or injurious to the welfare of the University.