The policies and procedures of the York University Libraries with respect to expected behaviour in the Libraries are developed in accordance with the ” Regulations Concerning the Conduct of Students at York University” which is found in the Undergraduate and Graduate Calendars. 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 users to have access to library materials, services and facilities. Similarly, 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 code of conduct described herein may result in disciplinary action being taken against the offender. The following minimum standards of conduct are to be observed in the Libraries:

i) Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the libraries.

ii) Food and drinks are not permitted in the libraries.

iii) The general expectation is that all activities in the libraries will be conducted in a quiet manner to avoid disturbing otherlibrary users.

iv) Users may be required to show briefcases, knapsacks, etc. at the Exit.

v) Users may be required to show valid identification.

vi) Users may be required to use library equipment for designated purposes only.

THEFT OR MUTILATION

The Libraries consider the theft, the wilful 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 offenses. Such offenses include:

i) the theft of any library materials or property;

ii) 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; iii) the failure to submit upon request, library materials, briefcases, etc. for

inspection at exit control desks;

iv) the removal of any part of library books, journals, or other research materials;

v) the defacement in any way, of library materials or property including the

writing, highlighting or underlining by any means in or on any library materials;

vi) the damage of library materials, furniture or equipment by food or drink or other means

vii) the deliberate misplacement of library materials;

viii) the deliberate or wilful falsification of circulation or other library records;

ix) the deliberate or wilful tampering with the configuration of library workstations.

AUTHORITY

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

Complaints respecting general areas of the University, crossing jurisdictional lines, or of a general nature are the responsibility of the Assistant Vice-President, Student Affairs and will be referred directly to that Office and/or the University Complaints Centre as appropriate.

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 Assistant Vice-President, Student Affairs, the Department of Security and Safety or the University Complaints Centre as appropriate.

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 Monitors and York Security who share with the Library staff 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 substance 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, in the discretion of the University Librarian may be relevant or helpful, the University Librarian shall dismiss the complaint or impose one or more of the following:

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

Student Users: The decision of the University Librarian may be appealed through the University Complaints Centre and in accordance with the procedures established in Presidential Regulation Number 2: Regulations Governing the Conduct of Students at York University and Presidential Regulation Number 3: Student Discipline – Complaints and Adjudication.

Other members of the University community: For all other University borrowers, the decision of the University Librarian may be appealed to the Senate Library Committee.

Other Library Users: For all other categories of borrowers, the decision of the University Librarian normally may not be appealed to the Senate Library Committee.