Library Code of Conduct

Welcome to Brock University Library!

We aim to:

  • Provide a safe, comfortable and accessible environment for research and study.
  • Maintain the Library’s scholarly resources and safeguard its collections and equipment.

In order to satisfy these goals, the Library has established the following Code of Conduct (“Code”) which addresses the use and protection of the collections and library equipment, the library environment, and library staff security procedures in conjunction with the Student Code of Conduct.

This Code is consistent with the Brock University Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures in Non-Academic Matters, as published in the Brock University Calendar.

We ask you to:

  • Use library materials and equipment with care and respect and refrain from marking or damaging library resources or property.
  • Let library staff re-shelve books. Please leave library materials in designated areas; we’ll put them back in the right spot.
  • Sign out library materials before leaving the Library.
  • Return or renew materials when due.
  • Comply with the reasonable direction of Library Staff and/or Campus Safety.
  • Comply with the Library Borrowing Policy.

We ask you to:

  • Exit the Library promptly at closing time and during emergency situations or drills.
  • Refrain from vandalizing, defacing, or obstructing access to the Library buildings, furniture, equipment, or materials, or engaging in behaviour that could do so.
  • Use your sporting equipment outside the library. This includes:
    • Wheeled recreation devices; for example: bicycles, scooters, inline skates, skateboards,etc.
    • Anything you might throw, like balls or flying discs (which we loan at the Ask Us desk for outdoor use).
  • Refrain from covering windows in closed carrels or group study rooms.
  • Use library computers and other digital resources responsibly to support teaching, learning and research.
  • Follow the Library’s  Computer Use Guidelines and the University’s Guide to Academic Computing Behaviour.
  • Be prepared to show Brock University or other identification upon request by library staff.

We ask you to:

  • Observe the food and drink policy by enjoying your beverages with a lid, using the recycling and garbage bins available on all floors, and reporting spills and waste issues to Library staff. Please don’t eat or drink in the Archives & Special Collections.
  • Be mindful of noise levels and observe posted noise level designations in library study and work spaces.
  • Refrain from smoking, vaping, or using illegal drugs in the Library.
  • Service animals are welcome in the Library. Animals not visibly identified as service animals are not permitted.
  • Refrain from any threatening or intimidating behaviour as outlined in Brock’s Student Code of Conduct and Brock’s Sexual Assault & Harassment Policy.
  • Refrain from soliciting or selling within the library, without express permission.
  • Be considerate of and treat others, including library staff, courteously and respectfully.

In order to satisfy the Library’s mission to secure its resources and provide a safe learning and study environment for staff and library patrons, library staff are authorized to:

  • Alert Campus Safety who may check all possessions of persons as they leave the Library.
  • Request to see the identification of any person in the Library.
  • Question any person if it appears that library regulations are being violated.
  • Request any person in conflict with library regulations to leave the Library.
  • Contact Brock University Campus Safety Services and request that any person having been identified as violating library regulations wait until Campus Safety Services personnel arrives.

Violations Against Persons

Violations against persons including Brock University Library staff and patrons, as well as authorized sanctions against violators are described in the Student Code of Conduct published in the Brock University Calendar under the section heading “Non-Academic Misconduct”.

Formal Misconduct Procedures

Regulations apply to all Library users, including external borrowers and community visitors. Typically, any person not abiding by these and other rules and regulations shall be warned. If the person persists in violating library rules and regulations, library staff may request the intervention of Campus Safety Services to escort that person from the premises. Also, the person may be told not to return pending a formal hearing with the appropriate body, such as the Student Conduct Council, or Manager, Student Affairs. In addition, serious offences may also be referred by Campus Safety Services, Manager, Student Affairs, and the Vice-Provost, Teaching/Learning & Student Success to Niagara Regional Police to be prosecuted through the criminal courts.

Last Updated October 2022