LibAnswers: Policies

Library & Archives Use & Conduct Policy

Audience:           Library & Archives Users (students, faculty, sessionals, staff, external)

Issued:                 Library Leadership Team (LLT) - November 1, 2016

Last revised:      November 27, 2024

March 28, 2023

September 1, 2022

Library Leadership Team (LLT) – December 3, 2024

-March 29, 2022

Owner:                 Associate Dean, Academic

Consultation In

Committee:        Librarians’ and Archivists’ Council (LAC), November 2016

Contact:               Library Administrator 306-585-5110
Manager, Library User Services 306-585-4643

Introduction

The University of Regina, through its “Respectful University Policy (GOV-100-015), “is committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which members of the University community can live, work and learn in a collegial climate of mutual respect, free of harassment and discrimination.” Students and Instructors are expected to work together to make the university a positive and productive environment by: treating others with respect and dignity, evaluating your own beliefs and behaviours, participating in seeking solutions, speaking up if you believe that you or others are being treated inappropriately and seeking out consultation and support.”

Scope

This policy covers all users of the Dr. John Archer Library & Archives, both internal and external to the University of Regina.

Policy

The Dr. John Archer Library & Archives is responsible for securing the Library and Archives’ scholarly resources and safeguarding its collections, facilities, and equipment against theft and abuse. The Library and Archives provides quality resources and services to inspire and support learning, research, and scholarship for the University community. The Library and Archives also offers a collaborative teaching and learning environment for students, faculty and staff at the University of Regina. Library and Archives users are expected to show consideration of the rights of other users and staff, and should behave in a manner which does not offend or inconvenience others in regards to space, noise, littering or general conduct.

All Library and Archives Users are entitled to:be treated with courtesy, respect, and cooperation

• have equitable access to Library and Archives materials while respecting the various licensing agreements and intellectual property regulations the Library and Archives must follow
• timely and accurate instruction, answers, or referrals in response to their information needs
• have personal or confidential information handled with discretion
• receive accurate and full information about library and archives policies, regulations, and appeal procedures
• suggest policy changes, to comment on policies that affect them, and to have their requests for policy exceptions given a fair hearing
• have their suggestions responded to in a timely manner
• efficient and effective administrative practices that ensure an equitable and reasonable provision of resources and services
• clean, safe, and appropriately quiet Library and Archives surroundings

All Library and Archives Users are expected to:

• treat other library and archives users and library/archives staff members with courtesy, respect, and cooperation; verbal abuse, intimidation, discriminatory or any type of harassment is not tolerable. (see Respectful workplace policy)
• help create a clean, safe, and appropriately quiet library and archives surroundings
• respect the Library and Archives’ and University’s policies
• ensure that library and archival collections, materials, and facilities remain usable and available to other users
• refrain from damaging or tampering with library and archives collections or materials whether physical or digital
• adhere to all borrowing guidelines
• handle library and archival materials gently, such that they are not damaged or defaced
• observe applicable intellectual property and copyright laws and electronic resources licenses
• exercise respect and consideration when using cellular/electronic devices by turning off audio outputs when in the library and archives.
• ensure that any device that emits sound is played only through headphones/earpods and cannot be heard by anyone else. If you must be on phone call, please respect other users by keeping conversations brief and at low levels.
• cellular phone calls are not permitted in the Red Noise Zones.
• participation in remote classes via electronic devices/computers are not permitted in the Red Noise Zones.
• abide by the University’s Code of Conduct, the Criminal Code of Canada, and all associated Library and Archives policies

Library and Archives users will not:

• Endanger the health, safety, and security of others in the Library and/or Archives.
• Engage in sexual activities, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, stalking, or making unwanted or inappropriate advances as outlined in the Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy
• Engage in behaviour or activities that disrupt the Library and Archives learning environment or that are contrary to the respectful and safe use of Library and Archives spaces.

Consequences for Violations

Violations of this policy, including engaging in inappropriate sexual activities, will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct for assessment. The Office may determine whether an investigation is required, and if disciplinary action, including sanctions, may be applied. The Library and Archives reserves the right to request support from Protective Services and other University authorities as appropriate.

The Dr. John Archer Library & Archives’ Use and Conduct Policy supplement the University of Regina policies.

Consequences for Noncompliance

Library and Archives use is a privilege. Violations of these policies will be reported and consequences enforced. Anyone violating these policies may be asked to leave the Dr. John Archer Library & Archives and have their borrowing privileges revoked, or may be refused future access.

Processes

Staff regularly monitor Library and Archives spaces to ensure that users respect the code of conduct Failure to comply with this code may result in disciplinary proceedings, including loss of library and archives privileges and/or expulsion from the Library and Archives.

Related Information

For more information, please view the University of Regina’s Policies:

• http://www.uregina.ca/policy/index.html
• Respectful University – GOV-100-015
• Violence Prevention – GOV-100-016
• Code of Conduct – GOV-022-005
• Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy- GOV-100-018
• Safe Disclosure – GOV-022-020
• Use of Computer and Network Systems – OPS-080-005
• Use of Copyrighted Materials – GOV-050-010