Library Services Code of Conduct

1 Purpose

Library Services provide a safe, secure and appropriate study environment for the benefit of all service users.

The Code of Conduct details the rules in place and is a general statement of the conduct we expect from users of our library facilities, resources and services.

Acceptance of the Code of Conduct is confirmed when signing the University's regulations as part of your student registration or terms of staff appointment, in particular Senate Regulation 12 (Library Services).   Acceptance of the Code of Conduct is also a requirement of the registration process for other valid library user groups.

It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the Code and to observe it.

2 The library community

You are expected to treat Library Services staff and users with dignity and respect. The University will not tolerate antisocial behaviour.

This includes:

• Demeaning, abusive, indecent or offensive language or comments
• Shouting and/or use of aggressive or inappropriate gestures
• Threatening behaviour or physical harassment
• Comments that discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, gender, sexuality, disability, religion or any other grounds.

Such behaviour will result in an immediate ban from all services and, in the case of students, will be referred under Student Disciplinary procedures.

3 The library environment

Noise

• Silence must be observed in all silent study spaces. Where group study space is provided, conversations must be kept at a quiet level
• Mobile phones must be set to silent mode before entering any Library Services area
• Mobile phone calls are permitted in group study spaces if they do not cause disturbance to other library users. Calls are not permitted in any other areas.

Eating and drinking

• Hot and cold drinks are permitted
• Cold food is permitted,
• Hot food is not permitted
• All litter should be disposed of in the bins provided and study spaces should be kept in a tidy condition

Photography and filming

• The taking of photographs and filming is not permitted in any Library Services area, except with written permission from the Head of User Services and/or the Director of Library Services.

4 Your library account and resources

Library transactions

• No transactions may be undertaken without your City St George’s ID card, or library membership card
• Use of your City St George’s ID card is strictly non-transferable
• You are liable for any transactions on your card and items on loan to you
• You may be liable for the replacement cost of any items lost, non-returned or damaged items.

Use of resources

• Your account is for your sole use only and other people must not use it.  Login details must not be shared with any other parties
• Online resources (online journals, e-books and databases) must only be accessed through your University IT username and password or other login credentials provided by Library Services.  Login details must not be shared with any other parties
• Use of online resources (online journals, e-books and databases) must conform to the Copyright Regulations indicated by each publisher or supplier
• Copies of print material can only be made in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act (1988)
• The Library Services Online Resources Access and Use Policy [link to: Online Resource Policy] gives full details of use, access level rights and the acceptable use of subscribed online resources.

5 Your safety and security

City St George’s ID card (your ID card)

• Your City St George’s ID card must be in your possession at all times when on University premises and shown when requested by members of staff.

It is unacceptable to:

• Gain access to library facilities by means other than the designated entrance
• Gain access to library facilities by means of a City St George’s or library membership card other than your own or allow someone else to use your card.

To ensure your safety and security whilst using library spaces, campus security operate closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras.  Library and Security staff undertake routine patrols.

To ensure your own security and that of your belongings, please follow these guidelines:

• Do not leave your property and valuables unattended. Keep them with you at all times Unattended bags will be considered a security risk and may be removed
• Be vigilant and report anybody acting suspiciously
• Ensure you take your belongings with you when leaving the library and co-operate with staff by leaving promptly at closing time
• Familiarise yourself with evacuation routes and, in the event of an emergency, follow any instructions given to you by staff. It is your responsibility to follow the University’s Health and Safety procedures.

6 Theft and vandalism

• When you leave the library, make sure that all the books or other materials you are carrying have been checked out to your library account
• If the exit alarm sounds, you may be required to allow staff to search your belongings
• If you discover that property belonging to the University has been vandalised, report it to a member of staff immediately
• Vandalism of any University property or premises is subject to disciplinary action.

7 The University community

We expect that your conduct whilst visiting other libraries meets the local policies and regulations in place, and, if relevant, any or all of the issues highlighted above. This includes membership of SCONUL Access and any reciprocal arrangements at other University of London institutions.

8 Action taken after a breach of the code

Serious or persistent breaches of the Library Services Code of Conduct may result in suspension from the use of and access to library services and resources and will be dealt with under the University disciplinary procedures.