1. The University of Alabama Libraries
  2. Libraries Policies
  3. Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

The University Libraries serve the University community by providing an atmosphere conducive to research and study. An extension of these ideals is reflected in this Code of Conduct. Individuals or groups who engage in an unacceptable and/or disruptive behavior may be asked to leave the building. If necessary, campus police will be contacted. The library staff is concerned about the safety of our patrons. Please contact a staff member if you need any assistance. For emergencies call: University of Alabama Police Department at 348-5454 or 911. Examples of unacceptable behavior and/or disruptive behavior include, but are not limited to:

  • Creating a disturbance or behaving in a manner which interferes with normal use of the library (including rowdiness, noise, and offensive interpersonal behavior).
  • Leaving children 18 or younger unattended in the library building. See “Unattended Minors” for more information.
  • Refusing to leave the building in a timely fashion at closing or remaining in a library building when requested to leave during emergency situations or drills.
  • Being in an unauthorized area of a library building or being in a library building during hours it is not open to the public.
  • Disruptive use of cell phones or other electronic devices in a library building.
  • Verbal abuse; verbal assault or threat to do bodily harm; engaging in any form of mental or physical harassment.
  • Fighting or otherwise acting in a disorderly manner.
  • Acting as if under the influence of alcohol or drugs or engaging in any type of substance abuse.
  • Having household appliances (i.e., coffee pots, electric heaters, toaster ovens, toasters) are not allowed in undesignated areas of the library (stacks, study spaces, computer workspaces, etc.).
  • Damaging, defacing, stealing or misusing library materials, equipment, and property.
  • Stalking library staff and patrons.
  • Violating rules concerning food, beverages, and tobacco products. All library buildings are tobacco free.
  • Definitions used for tobacco free. Smoking: includes vaping, inhaling, exhaling, burning or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, pipe or any other device.                                                               Tobacco Products: refers to all forms of tobacco, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, water pipes (hookah), electronic cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products.
  • Posting notices or leaving unsolicited materials anywhere other than designated bulletin boards.
  • Displaying material on computer workstations that others might find offensive.
  • Failure to follow library Circulation Policies and Procedures.
  • Concealing library materials in the library for the exclusive use of an individual or group.
  • Taking pictures without stated permission. https://www.lib.ua.edu/about/libraries-policies/photography-policy-for-university-libraries/
  • Possessing a weapon or hazardous substance.
  • Tampering with emergency mechanisms (fire alarms, alarms in elevators, opening emergency exits except in emergency situations).
  • Engaging in sexual activity.
  • Use of skateboards, inline skates or similar devices inside a library building.
  • Bringing animals in the library unless they are certified assistance dogs.
  • Bringing bicycles into library buildings.
  • For health and safety reasons, all persons entering The University of Alabama Libraries must wear proper attire, which includes shirts and shoes. Persons not wearing proper attire will be asked to leave the premises. Exceptions for cultural, religious or other reasons may be made at the discretion of the Libraries staff.
  • Violating the Code of Student Conduct.

 

Unattended Minors

Note: This section does not apply to students officially enrolled at The University of Alabama.  See the Youth Protection Policy for the list of exceptions.

The University Libraries provides an adult, unsupervised environment. In accordance with the UA Youth Protection Policy, minors who are 18 or younger must be accompanied and supervised in the library by a parent or designated guardian at all times. Parents, guardians, or other responsible adults are responsible for the conduct of minors under their care while on University Libraries premises. They must provide supervision and assure that the minors under their care abide by the University Libraries public user policy. Those bringing groups of minors to the library potentially fall under the Youth Protection Policy and could require the program be registered with the office of Compliance, Ethics, and Regulatory Affairs. Children under the age of 18 who enter the library without adult supervision will be required to leave the library. The UAPD will be contacted for assistance with any unaccompanied minor.

Revised October 2023