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Code of Conduct

Table of Contents

The Emory Libraries welcome you to an environment conducive to a variety of study needs and intellectual pursuits. We strive to provide quality services, excellence resources, comprehensive collections and a comfortable and safe environment.

This Code of Conduct is intended to ensure a positive experience for all patrons where everyone is treated with respect and courtesy. Further, the Emory Libraries endorse the Undergraduate Code of Conduct and other University policies that guide behavior.

Emory University Undergraduate Code of Conduct 

"Emory University expects that all students act honorably, demonstrating a keen sense of ethical conduct. The university expects that its students behave respectfully, providing particular consideration for other people and for property. As members of a community, Emory University expects that students act responsibly, being accountable for the safety and wellbeing of themselves and others. University students are expected to be trustworthy, demonstrating honest character upon which others may rely with confidence." (Excerpt from the Undergraduate Code of Conduct.)

For more information, visit the homepage of the Office of Student Conduct.

Personal Conduct 

Respect the rights of others by helping to create an environment suitable for learning and scholarship, and refrain from excessive noise. Avoid behavior that creates a disturbance or interferes with use of the library, such as using the library for prolonged sleeping or as living quarters, or personal hygiene or body odor that interferes with library use. There will be no vending, peddling, or solicitation in the library, or posting or distributing materials without library permission.

The following are strictly prohibited:

  • Sharing your Emory ID card to allow another patron access to the library.
  • Sharing your Emory Network ID and password to allow unauthorized use of electronic resources.
  • Harassment of library staff or patrons.
  • Engaging in lewd or indecent behavior.

Food and Drink 

Please help keep the library clean by placing trash and recyclables in appropriate containers, and cleaning up or reporting spills. Lids are required on drink containers at all times.

Use extra care around computers, keyboards, photocopy machines, printers, and microfilm/fiche readers. Individuals who have food in unauthorized areas will be asked to discard their food or relocate to an authorized area.

The following are prohibited:

  • Messy foods and food items with strong aromas.
  • Consumption of alcoholic beverages of any type.
  • Food deliveries to the library.

Food and drink policies vary by library location; please be aware of and adhere to the policies applicable in the library you are using.

These policies do not apply to university and library-sanctioned events.

Library Resources 

Library electronic resources are licensed for Emory students, faculty and staff. Emory University Technology Policy governs the use of library technology resources.

Check out library materials before taking them from the library, and return materials in the same condition by the due date or when recalled by the library.

Respect the privacy and sensitivities of others when using library resources. Adhere to library guidelines for use of special or fragile materials.

The following are prohibited:

  • Concealing library materials for exclusive use by an individual or group.
  • Damaging library materials or property.
  • Misusing or tampering with computing or media equipment, or Internet connections.

Library Spaces 

An Emory ID card or photo ID may be required to gain access to the library. All patrons are expected to leave the building at closing time, or when an evacuation alarm has sounded or is announced. Entering or remaining in unauthorized areas, or in any space when closed to the public, is prohibited.

The library is not responsible for damage or theft of personal property. Please do not leave personal property unattended, including laptops, smartphones, jewelry, wallets, and purses.

Because of restrictions governing university insurance policies, concerns for the integrity of research projects, and interest in the welfare of faculty, students, staff, and visitors, it is the policy of Emory University that animals not be permitted in University buildings. Only service animals such as guide dogs are permitted in the library as a reasonable accommodation to assist the owner.

In order to create an atmosphere that is consistent with Emory’s mission and commitment to improve the health and wellness of members of the Emory community, Emory University and Emory Healthcare (collectively “Emory”) prohibit the use or sale of tobacco products in or on Emory owned or Emory leased property.

Use of transportation devices such as bicycles, skates and skateboards is prohibited in the library.

Any other misuse, misappropriation, or damage to library resources, furniture, buildings or equipment is prohibited.

Consequences 

Enforcement of these policies will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library staff, Library Security personnel, and/or Emory University Police Officers will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. Violators may be asked immediately to cease and desist.

Failure to comply with the library’s established policies, including the above Code of Conduct, could result in suspension of privileges, removal from the premises, referral to the University Conduct Council or the Peer Review Board, arrest, and/or criminal prosecution.