Disruptive Behavior

Procedure No: pending
Effective Date: Oct. 2006
Revised Date:

Policy

Customers whose behavior is disruptive to the Libraries' operations or services, or infringes the rights, safety or well-being of others, may be asked to leave the facility, referred to judiciaries, and/or have their library privileges revoked.

Definition

Disruptive Behavior is any activity by which a library customer:

• Impedes or interferes with library operations or the acceptable and legitimate activities of other customers.
• May cause damage to library equipment or furnishings.
• Endangers the perpetrator or others
• Is illegal

Application

The Ohio University Libraries are components of a publicly supported institution that provides access to information and services. In addition to the civil rights guaranteed by the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution, Library and Information Technology professions are guided by the following service statements:

1. A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background or views. -- Library Bill of Rights.
2. Librarians must provide the highest level of service through appropriate and usefully organized collections, fair and equitable circulation and service policies, and skillful, accurate, unbiased and courteous responses to all requests for assistance. -- American Library Association Code of Ethics.
3. Access to a computer system or network owned or operated by Ohio University imposes certain responsibilities and obligations and is granted subject to University policies, and local, state, and federal statutes. -- Ohio University's Computer and Network Use Policy, procedure number: 91.003

Staff members strive to ensure a safe and healthy environment for the enjoyment and comfort of all. It is also a responsibility of staff to preserve and protect library, archival, and technological resources and facilities. In providing customer service, it is important that staff understand the difference between situations that require tolerance and those that require action.