Conduct Policy

Current revision date: September 9, 2024

Purpose

The UWM Libraries endeavor to provide welcoming, accessible, and safe environments for individual and collaborative study and learning. To support this purpose, the Libraries require all users to abide by this conduct policy.

Policy

The facilities, collections, services and technology of the UWM Libraries are intended to support the teaching, learning, research and outreach needs of the University. They are primarily for members of the UWM community who are engaged in academic and related pursuits. Guests are permitted limited use of the facilities, collections, services and technology in accordance with library and UWM policies, procedures, and rules.

Under Chapter 18 of the UWS Administrative Code and UWM Policy SAAP 6-9 (III), the UWM Libraries reserve the right to require proof of identification to access library facilities.

Definitions

Building Chair. The Building Chair for the Golda Meir Library is the Building Manager.

Guest. Any individual who is not currently a UWM student or a UWM employee but is present in a UWM Facility, including a sporadic visitor, a patron of a public event or UWM-sponsored program, a community member, or an invitee.

Academic pursuits. Activities that advance research, coursework, creative endeavors, or learning that require the resources of a research library. Academic pursuits do not include general access to the internet or popular reading materials, such as what is available at public libraries.

Minor. A Guest under the age of 18.

Expectations

Individuals must:

  • Obey all federal, state, and local laws, including Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter UWS 18 which governs conduct on university lands.
  • Comply with applicable university policies and with all library policies including, but not limited to, food and drink, noise, mobile device usage, and photography and filming.
  • Use computers, online resources, and all other library technology within the guidelines of the UW System Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources policy.
  • Adhere to policies governing appropriate use of University identification and present identification to library staff upon request.
  • Respond to alarms and other emergency or security situations as instructed by staff.
  • Limit use of the library to public areas and leave library spaces at closing.
  • Treat all library users and staff with respect.
  • Wear shoes, shirts, and always maintain proper hygiene.

Individuals may not:

  • Exhibit any threatening or intimidating behaviors, e.g., abusive language, threats of violence or harassment.
  • Engage in behavior that is potentially unsafe or harmful to self or others.
  • Block entrances, exits, stairwells, or aisles by standing, sitting, or lying on the floor.
  • Create disturbances or disruptions, or behave in any manner that is inconsistent with the UWM Libraries’ mission.
  • Vend, peddle, solicit or petition in the library.
  • Post or distribute materials without permission in the library.
  • Misuse, misappropriate, damage, steal, deliberately misplace or obstruct use of library equipment, resources or facilities.
  • Violate copyright laws, including systematically downloading, printing, scanning or disseminating content in violation of copyright laws.
  • Deface or damage library materials including, but not limited to, underlining, highlighting, writing, removing pages or security devices.
  • Use library areas for prolonged sleeping or as living quarters.
  • Use any wheeled vehicle (skateboards, rollerblades, e-scooters, etc.) within the building, except for wheelchairs, mobility aids and other power-driven mobility devices.
  • Smoke, chew tobacco, or vape.

Minors

Minors 14 and under must always be under the direct supervision of an adult. Minors older than 14 may use the facilities without the direct supervision of an adult.

Service Animals

Service animals are permitted in the library. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals and are not permitted.

Food and Drink

  • Place food packaging and waste in proper receptacles and use recycling containers when appropriate.
  • Food delivery is permitted, but delivery people may not enter the building beyond the lobby. Users should arrange to meet delivery people in the lobby.
  • Large amounts of food are not allowed. Bring in food for only your own personal consumption.
  • Food and beverages are not allowed in designated areas, including the American Geographical Society Library, Archives, and Special Collections.

Computer Workstations

  • Individuals monopolizing computer workstations for two or more hours may be asked to give up computer access for the remainder of the day to allow others an equal chance to access library resources.
  • The display of inappropriate materials on library workstations may be construed as constituting a form of harassment prohibited by Federal and State Laws. Access and use violations of computer resources, including the above, are impermissible and are treated seriously by this institution with commensurate sanctions.
  • Accessibility stations are reserved for users with special requirements. Others will beasked to relocate if a user with special needs is present.

Enforcement

Individuals authorized to respond to reports of prohibited conduct in the Libraries include: the Building Chair, designees of the Building Chair, security employees of the UWM Libraries, Library Associate Directors, and the Director of Libraries.

Library staff may perform a manual exit inspection for library materials and will contact campus police if attempted theft is suspected.

Any violation of our code of conduct is subject to sanctions, which include, but are not limited to:

  • Being asked to leave the library premises
  • Being reported to the Dean of Students Office, in cases of violations by students, or the UWM Police Department, in cases of violations by guest.
  • Having library privileges suspended or revoked
  • Being banned from the library or Campus
  • Legal prosecution

Related Documents