General Library Regulations
USE OF LIBRARY SERVICES
The WSU Libraries exist primarily to serve the educational and instructional needs of students, faculty, and staff of the University. To ensure that a quiet atmosphere is maintained, you are expected to comply with the following guidelines.
A valid WSU ID is your ticket to borrowing materials and accessing online library resources and databases. If you are not affiliated with WSU, you may apply for a library card at the circulation desk in any of the libraries. WSU students, staff, and faculty should consult the WSU Libraries' web site for further information about library policies and services.
USE OF LIBRARY MATERIALS
To provide equal, open and on-going access to a wide variety of library materials in good physical condition, please handle library materials carefully. Many materials are fragile or irreplaceable.
Willful mutilation or destruction of library materials or property, e.g., by marking, underlining, removing pages or portions of pages, removing bindings, or in any other way injuring or defacing library materials is a criminal offense subject to academic sanctions and/or legal prosecution.
To prevent theft and vandalism, the WSU Libraries employ a variety of security systems, including surveillance cameras and security gates. When approached by library staff concerning policy issues, you may be asked to present identification. If the security gate is triggered upon your exit, library staff may prevent you from leaving the building and may search your personal property, such as backpacks or briefcases.
All library materials must be "checked out" from the Circulation Desk before being taken from a library. Unauthorized removal of library materials or property will be treated as theft.
CIRCULATION POLICIES
Rules and regulations for borrowing materials including information about fines are available at each library's Circulation Desk. For general information, consult the WSU Libraries' web page mentioned above.
FOOD, DRINK, AND TOBACCO
Food and beverages are allowed in the WSU Libraries. All who use the Libraries are expected to be responsible and courteous to others by disposing of trash and recyclables and by cleaning up any messes. No food or beverages are permitted in Manuscripts, Archives and Special Collections (MASC), Terrell 103, or Owen 319D. Tobacco products and alcohol are not allowed in the Libraries.
To ensure that a quiet atmosphere is maintained, you are expected to behave in a manner conducive to study and research. In heavy use areas, such as Circulation or Reference, please keep noise levels at a minimum.
ACCESS TO PREMISES
Because of the possibility of fire and other emergencies, library
entrances, exits, corridors, and stairwells must be kept unobstructed to allow everyone to proceed freely at all times. Setting off a false alarm, tampering with fire-fighting equipment or engaging in behavior which constitutes a fire hazard is prohibited.
Please exit the building promptly if an alarm sounds (or flashes).
Entering restricted areas of the WSU Libraries or remaining in any library building after closing is prohibited.
Prior to posting handbills or posters, please inquire at each library's reference or circulation desk.
LIBRARY FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT
To maintain a pleasant and comfortable environment, be careful not to damage the furniture. Follow posted instructions for appropriate usage of equipment and ask library staff for assistance when necessary.
BORROWING FROM OTHER LIBRARIES
If you borrow materials from other institutions, you are responsible for their safekeeping, timely return, and payment of any library fees or fines associated with the materials. For more information, ask at one of the Libraries' reference desks or see the Libraries' Interlibrary Loan department web page at:
http://www.wsulibs.wsu.edu/general/interlib.htm.
OTHER POLICIES
You are required to clear your library account with the University before graduating or leaving the University. You can make balance inquiries and payments online through myWSU. (Finances > Accounts, see Account Balances Information)
Animals (excluding service animals) are not allowed in the WSU Libraries. The use of rollerblades or skateboards inside the libraries is prohibited. Bicycles should be left outside.
Other activities which interfere with efforts to make the WSU Libraries a safe and quiet place for study, reading, and research are prohibited.
Those who violate these library regulations will be subject to appropriate University disciplinary action, or other legal action consistent with the Washington Administrative Code (WAC 504-40) and the Laws of the State of Washington. You may view these regulations at this site:
http://Search.leg.wa.gov/pub/textsearch/default.asp.
Form #26 (8/00)
