Library User Behavior Policy

Patrons are encouraged to bring any concerns to the attention of library staff. Library staff and/or Public Safety personnel will assess and, if needed, respond to any reports of activity that disturbs others, interferes with library operations, damages the building or its contents, or any other behavior generally considered inappropriate in a public place.  The library staff reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of any behavior. Public Safety may be contacted if necessary to assist library staff. Nashua police may also be called in extreme cases.

The policy statement above does not address specific behaviors because it is impossible to produce a comprehensive list of all the possible disturbances that may occur. The objective is to maintain the integrity of the library. Acceptable behavior maintains a safe, comfortable and respectful environment that allows quiet study and research. Unacceptable behaviors are those that, in the assessment of the library staff and/or Public Safety, impair the safe and effective use of the library and its shared resources. Students are also expected to follow the conduct guidelines in the Rivier University Student Handbook.

Examples include:

• Physically or verbally abusing library users or staff.
• Damaging, defacing, or misusing library material and/or property.
• Loud or boisterous behavior including loud talking, shouting, running, or fighting.
• Behavior that makes it difficult for another patron to continue using the library.
• Harassing or annoying others by uninvited conversation.
• Any ringing of or talking loudly into cell phones, including the use of speakerphone.
• Playing of audio equipment without headphones, including the library’s computers (other patrons should not be able to hear these devices). Exceptions to this rule may occur at library staff’s discretion.
• Refusing to leave at closing time.

Failure to comply with any of the rules listed above may result in:

• Patrons or patron groups found to be in violation of these rules will be given a warning and offered the choice of immediately discontinuing the behavior in question or voluntarily leaving the library.
• In the event that a patron refuses to either discontinue the behavior or leave the library, Public Safety will be contacted, and the patron will be identified and removed from the library.
• Failure to either comply with the library code of behavior or leave the library may also result in suspension of library privileges and expulsion from the library.
• If a patron continues to exhibit inappropriate behavior on subsequent visits, he/she will be referred to library and/or university administration as necessary for follow-up.
• If the library staff determines that the misconduct is an extreme case of policy violation, including repeated warnings over a period of time, Public Safety will be called immediately without giving notice to the patron.

Personal belongings should not be left unattended. The library is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Items that are found will be held at the Check Out Desk until the end of each semester then disposed of if they are not claimed.

Items of high value such as book bags, wallets, cellphones, keys, and IDs will be turned in to Public Safety on the day they are found.

Keep conversations to an appropriate noise level.

Those working in groups may reserve a study room in advance. Groups of two or more are encouraged to reserve Group Study Rooms B, C or F in advance.

Designated “quiet study” areas are provided in the book stacks on the first and second floor and in the Quiet Study room on the second floor. If you need help finding a quiet space, please ask a library staff member for assistance.