Library User Guidelines
The Gottesman Libraries encourages respectful, non-disruptive, and productive use of collections and spaces for research, education, and study. We take seriously the rights and safety of library users and staff. All users are expected to adhere to the following:
Respect for Others:
- Treat library staff, faculty, and other users with courtesy and respect.
- Behave in a manner that is not disruptive or threatening to others.
Continuous Learning Environment:
- Embrace the library as a place for intellectual growth, research, and knowledge sharing.
- Encourage an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone feels welcome and respected.
Use of Library Spaces:
- Refrain from using personal belongings to save workstations, desks, or seats.
- Bookable rooms are limited to Teachers College students, faculty and staff.
- Contact the Libraries before posting signage. See also the Postings & Flyers Policy: Bulletin Boards/White Boards & eBoards.
- Work in designated study spaces and observe established service hours.
- Respect designated collaborative spaces for discussion and quiet zones for individual study.
- Maintain the integrity of fixed furniture, configure mobile furniture to suit your study needs.
Personal items:
- Be mindful of your personal items. Unattended items may be removed by library staff.
- Limit wheeled vehicle use to strollers and equipment used by persons with disabilities.
- The library maintains a lost and found but is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Use of Library Resources:
- Return borrowed materials on time and in the same condition as when borrowed.
- Adhere to the Libraries’ guidelines on the use of its collections.
- Refrain from deliberately misplacing or hiding the Libraries’ materials.
- Follow all guidelines for copyright and intellectual property when reproducing or using library resources.
Library Technology Use:
- Adhere to the Libraries guidelines on the use of its workstations and technologies.
- Respect others by refraining from accessing or viewing inappropriate or offensive content.
- Ask for assistance before attempting to modify computer settings, software, hardware, or other technologies.
- Report technical issues or broken equipment to the Libraries staff.
Food and Drink:
- Covered beverages, small snacks, and sandwiches are permitted in most areas of the Gottesman Libraries.
- Please be respectful of library spaces by cleaning up after yourself, reporting spills, and disposing of trash in appropriate receptacles.
- Food and drink left unattended will be discarded.
- Full meals may be eaten in the College's Dining Hall or other campus cafeterias.
Reporting Concerns:
- Report any concerns, incidents, or violations of Library User Guidelines to library staff. In case of more serious issues, please call Public Safety at (212) 678-3333 or 3333 from a campus RingCentral phone. For emergencies, please call 911.
- Respond to emergencies, alarms, and other situations as instructed by the Libraries or Public Safety staff.
The Gottesman Libraries hopes that these guidelines help to create a space all users can appreciate and enjoy. For Students, violations of these guidelines may also be violations of the Student Conduct Code and may result in disciplinary actions For other visitors, violations of the Guidelines may result in suspension or termination of library privileges or campus access.
Note that users must comply with all other applicable Teachers College policies set forth in the Policy and Form Library, including, but not limited to, Responsible Use of Electronic Resources; Postings & Flyers: Bulletin Boards/White Boards & eBoards; and College-Wide Tabling.
In addition users may be liable for damages to College property.
For additional campus library information please see The Code of Conduct for Columbia University Libraries.
