Welcome to York University Libraries!

When you are using York University Libraries, you are one of many library users – most of whom are just trying to get their work done like you. It is very important that you do not inconvenience, offend, or limit the rights of other users to have access to library materials, services, equipment, and facilities.

In respect of others library users, we ask you to:

When exiting the library, please be prepared to show briefcases, knapsacks, other bags or carrying cases at the exit and/or to show valid identification, if required.

So what if you do not follow the rules? Failure to observe these expectations and comply with staff requests that you do so may result in disciplinary action, including the loss of borrowing privileges and/or access to the Libraries. Please read the Library Behaviour Code, which discusses such matters in greater detail.

Library Behaviour Code

The policies and procedures of the York University Libraries, with respect to expected behaviour in the Libraries, are intended to accord with the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities (English version) / Code d’étudiants droits & responsabilités (version française).

All library users are required to show consideration for the rights of others and should behave in a manner which does not inconvenience, offend, or limit the rights of other library users to access library materials, services, and facilities. Similarly, library users should behave in a manner which does not interfere with or otherwise prevent the library staff from providing library services.

Failure to observe the rules described here may result in disciplinary action being taken against the offender. The following minimum standards of conduct are to be observed in the Libraries:

1. Food is not normally permitted in most libraries, although some cold finger foods are permitted in the Peter F. Bronfman Business Library. Drinks in screw-top bottles or spill-proof travel mugs are permitted in most areas of the Libraries.
2. The general expectation is that all activities in the libraries will be conducted in a quiet manner to avoid disturbing other library users.
3. Library users may be required to show briefcases, knapsacks, other bags or carrying cases at the Exit.
4. Library users may be required to show valid identification.
5. Library users are required to use library equipment for designated purposes only.

Lending Code

The York University Libraries’ Lending Code outlines the obligations of borrowers, details about loan periods, returns, resource sharing, and sanctions.

Public Workstation Policy

The York University Libraries’ Public Workstation Policy outlines the obligations of the users of the library computers.

Theft or Mutilation

The Libraries consider the theft, the willful mutilation or defacement of library materials or property, the illegal removal of library materials or property, and the fraudulent attempt to obtain library materials or to gain access to library facilities to be serious offences. Such offences include:

1. the theft of any library materials or property;
2. the unauthorized removal of any library materials or property by failing to charge out the materials at the proper circulation desk or by failing to obtain other appropriate authorization;
3. the unauthorized removal of any library materials or property by failing to charge out the materials at the proper circulation desk or by failing to obtain other appropriate authorization;
4. the removal of any part of library books, journals, or other research materials;
5. the defacement in any way of library materials or property including writing, highlighting, or underlining in or on any library materials;
6. the damage of library materials, furniture, or equipment by food, drink, or other means;
7. the deliberate misplacement of library materials;
8. the deliberate or willful falsification of circulation or other library records;
9. the deliberate or willful tampering with the configuration of library workstations.

Authority

The University Librarian is responsible for receiving and acting upon complaints of improper behaviour within the Libraries.

Complaints respecting general areas of the University, crossing jurisdictional lines, or of a general nature, may be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Dispute Resolution.

If the actions of an individual are clearly in violation of the acceptable behaviour as defined in University practice, procedures, codes, and regulations, the matter will be referred directly to the Vice President Students, Security Services, or the Office of Student Conduct and Dispute Resolution.

Enforcement and Sanctions

Library staff monitor behaviour within the Libraries and may request individuals or groups to cease and desist from any behaviour deemed to limit the rights of others to use or have access to library materials, services, or facilities.

The Libraries may be patrolled by Library staff and York Security, who share the responsibility of ensuring that the behaviour code expressed herein is respected.

The application of sanctions is determined by the University Librarian in consultation with the library department in which the alleged offence occurred.

The University Librarian or delegate shall advise the alleged offender of the nature of the complaint, and provide a fair but informal opportunity for response. After considering the evidence and submissions of the alleged offender, and any further evidence or submissions which, at the discretion of the University Librarian may be deemed relevant or helpful, the University Librarian shall dismiss the complaint or impose one or more of the following penalties:

i. suspend library privileges and/or prohibit access to the Libraries for varying periods;

ii. require an apology;

iii. levy charges and/or fines for the replacement of library materials or property in accordance with those specified in the Lending Code.

Appeals

Students: The decision of the University Librarian may be appealed through the Office of Student Conduct and Dispute Resolution and in accordance with the procedures established in the Student Code of Conduct (english version) / Student Code of Conduct (french version).

Other members of the York University community: For all other University borrowers, the decision of the University Librarian may be appealed to the Senate Committee on Libraries and Information Technology .

Other library users: For all other categories of borrowers, the decision of the University Librarian normally may not be appealed.

Public Workstation Policy

The library computers are designed to provide York University students, faculty, and staff with access to library resources to help them succeed in their learning, teaching, and research.

This policy sets out appropriate use of library public workstations to ensure that they are available for academic work; to prevent damage to library computing resources; and to ensure compliance by library users with the Senate Policy on Computing and Information Technology Facilities..

Visitors to the Libraries must obtain a Library Guest Account for most computer use. Visitors are subject to the policies noted here and to those specific to Library Guest Accounts.

A) Library Computer Etiquette

The computers in the Libraries provide York University students, faculty, and staff with access to library resources to help them succeed in their learning, teaching, and research. To ensure fair access to these computers, we ask that all library users be considerate of others and adhere to these basic expectations.

§ Limit your non-academic use of the computers (e.g., personal e-mail, chat, and web surfing) – especially when others are waiting.

§ Do not play online games; they are not an appropriate use of library computers and you may be asked to free a computer for academic use if you are seen using it for recreational recreational gaming.

§ Avoid holding a computer terminal without actually using it. Going briefly to the printer or reference desk may be fine, but if you are leaving the computer for an extended time, please log out and let the next person use the computer.

§ Keep in mind that others may move aside your belongings and use a computer once it has been logged out; the computers automatically log you out when there has been no activity for 20 minutes.

§ Be sensitive to the fact that some on-screen images or text may be offensive to others and would be better consulted in a private location. Please cooperate with peers or library staff if asked to close a screen for this reason.

B) Prohibited Activities

The following activities are prohibited on library workstations:

1. Use of public workstations which violates the Senate Policy on Computing and Information Technology Facilities.
2. Tampering with or changing the workstation, components, or default setup.
3. Using library computers to send or view hate or obscene materials.
4. Use of e-resources in any way that contradicts the Acceptable Use Guidelines for e-Resources.
5. Note that you may be held responsible for any prohibited activity engaged in through your Acadlabs login. Be sure to log out of Your Acadlabs account when you are finished using a computer.

C) Sanctions

Allegations of misconduct by students may be reported to the Office of Student Conduct and Dispute Resolution. The complaint will be addressed in accordance with the procedures in the Student Code of Conduct or the Library Behaviour Code.