RUL 02.61.05 – Use of the NC State University Libraries

Authority: Senior Vice Provost and Director of Libraries

History: First Issued: May 15, 2002. Last Revised: July 14, 2023.

Related Policies:
NCSU REG04.20.03 – Smoking Regulation for University Facilities
NCSU REG08.00.02 – Computer Use Regulation
NCSU RUL02.61.03 – Freedom of Access to Internet Resources
NCSU POL 07.60.01 – Parking and Transportation Ordinances

Contact Info: Senior Vice Provost and Director of Libraries (919-515-7188)

1. PURPOSE

In order to facilitate the NC State University Libraries’ primary mission of supporting the instructional, research, extension, and administrative needs of the faculty, students, and staff of North Carolina State University (NC State), to maintain a high-quality study and research environment, protect the rights of users, and sustain the integrity of collections, the university provides the following rules governing the use of library facilities, collections, and services and its online environment.

2. RULES

The Libraries provides spaces to accommodate both group and quiet study. Public spaces in library facilities are available to users during hours of operation. Library public spaces may not be reserved or closed to users for non-library purposes.

2.1 Access

2.1.1 NC State students, faculty, and staff and any individual over the age of 18 with an academic study or research need may have access to library facilities between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., subject to adherence to library rules. During final examination periods, more restrictive access provisions may apply.

2.1.2 Use of some special collections of materials may be governed by more restrictive rules.

2.1.3 After 10:00 p.m., access to the Libraries is restricted to NC State students, faculty, and staff. The Senior Vice Provost and Director of Libraries must approve any exceptions.

2.1.4 After 10:00 p.m., a valid Wolfpack One Card is required for access.

2.2 Animals

No animals are allowed in library facilities other than service animals in accordance with NCSU REG04.20.05 – Service Animals for Person with Disabilities.

2.3 Children and Minors

2.3.1 Individuals under the age of 18 who are not registered NC State students must be accompanied by an adult.

2.3.2 Adults who bring children or minors into library facilities are responsible for monitoring their activities and regulating their behavior.

2.4 Clothing

Patrons must be fully clothed, including shirts and shoes.

2.5 Computer Use

2.5.1 Users of computers in library facilities are expected to take proper care of the equipment.

2.5.2 The Libraries neither restricts lawful access to materials on library computers, nor protects library users from information they may find offensive. See NCSU RUL02.61.03 – Freedom of Access to Internet Resources.

2.5.3 State law and university computer use regulations apply to users of library computers. See NCSU REG08.00.02 – Computer Use Regulation.

2.5.4 The first priority for use of library computers is for activities that are directly related to the research, educational, and service mission of the university.

2.5.5 Most computers for patron use require login with a Unity ID. Unity accounts used for computer access are for the exclusive use of the individual to whom they were assigned, and users may not allow or facilitate access to university computer accounts, equipment, or restricted files or systems by others.

2.5.6 Patrons who do not have a Unity ID may request to use designated guest computers with access to the Libraries’ catalog, databases, and other electronic resources. The Libraries does not provide any general computing or software access for those unaffiliated with NC State University.

2.6 Prohibited Conduct

In addition to the conduct prohibited by the Code of Student Conduct, the following conduct is prohibited in library facilities:

2.6.1 Destroying, mutilating, or defacing any materials;

2.6.2 Damaging any hardware or equipment;

2.6.3 Misusing furniture or the facility;

2.6.4 Introducing viruses or other malicious code into any computer system; and/or

2.6.5 Tampering with software or changing equipment settings.

2.6.6 Disruptive behavior, whether in person or through electronic or digital means, toward library patrons or staff, including but not limited to:

(a) Creating excessive noise;

(b) Engaging in unprotected or harassing speech, or abusive conduct;

(d) Bringing in personal belongings not essential to the research undertaking (e.g., bedrolls, carts, frame backpacks or large duffel bags);

(e) Engaging in behavior that disturbs others or interferes with the appropriate use of the facility, including inappropriate sexual behavior; and/or

(f) Removing or attempting to remove library materials or property without formal check-out or other authorization.

2.7 Display, Distribution, and Solicitation Requests

The Libraries adheres to University regulations that pertain to the display and distribution of materials, and to solicitation activities on campus.

2.9 Emergencies

2.9.1 In the event of fire, severe weather, power outages, or other emergency situations, library and security staff will alert building occupants to the procedures for evacuation or taking shelter.

2.9.2 All fire alarms require immediate exit by all building occupants.

2.10 Filming/Photography

Individuals who wish to film or photograph within a library facility should direct requests to the Director of External Relations, NC State University Libraries.

2.11 Food, Drink, and Tobacco Products

2.11.1 Food and covered drinks are permitted in most areas; signage indicates those areas where they are not permitted, such as in the vicinity of special collections materials or some equipment.

2.11.2 Microwave ovens, toaster ovens, and other food preparation equipment are not permitted in most areas of the library.

2.11.3 The smoking or chewing of any tobacco product is not allowed in library facilities, including outdoor terraces. REG04.20.03 – Smoking Regulation for University Facilities, delineates the university’s regulations regarding smoking. As provided in that regulation, the term “smoking” includes “the use or possession of a lighted cigarette, lighted cigar, lighted pipe, or any other lighted tobacco product” and also includes “the use or possession of an electronic cigarette, personal vaporizer or electronic nicotine delivery system.”

2.12 Library Staff Equipment and Offices

Library staff equipment, telephones, and offices are available for use only by staff.

2.13 Mobile Devices

Library users are required to set mobile devices to non-audible signals and to use mobile devices in a manner that is not disruptive to others.

2.14 Personal Transportation Devices and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones)

2.14.1 Personal transportation devices (any device used for human transport that does not require a license to operate) may not be used within the Libraries, except those assisting individuals with disabilities. Small non-powered vehicles such as skateboards or collapsible (foldable) scooters may be brought into the Libraries as long as they are kept out of walkways and stored appropriately to avoid safety hazards and to protect the facilities and furnishings from damage. Bicycles, unicycles, hoverboards, and other larger or battery-operated vehicles are not allowed in library facilities and are expected to be parked and secured in designated areas outside those facilities.

2.14.2 In accordance with NCSU REG10.10.09 – Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, also known as drones, is prohibited within library facilities.

3. REFUSAL TO ABIDE BY LIBRARY RULES

3.1 Users who are unwilling to abide by these rules will be asked to leave the library facility.

3.2 Persons refusing to leave a library facility at the request of a staff member will be subject to removal by University Police and may not be allowed further access to library facilities.