Policies

Computer Use

Wright State students, faculty, and staff have full internet access on library computers using their campus accounts.

Guests who are not affiliated with the university may use computers located on the second floor of Dunbar Library by requesting a one-day Library Guest Computer Account. To receive an account, please present a government-issued photo ID at the Circulation Desk on the first floor. 

Library computers are intended for educational use—such as searching, viewing, printing, or downloading academic and research materials. Internet activity is logged to help address any potential illegal use. 

All computer use must comply with applicable policies and regulations, including: 

• Wright State University Web Policy
• Employee Use of Computing Services at Wright State University
• Wright State University's Policy on Copyrighted Materials

Maintaining a Safe and Respectful Library Environment

To ensure a safe, welcoming, and productive environment for everyone, any behavior or condition that poses a threat to others’ safety, disrupts the use of the University Libraries, constitutes harassment or creates a hostile environment, or interferes with the library staff’s ability to provide service is not permitted and will be addressed by the appropriate authorities.

Examples of prohibited behavior include:

• Creating excessive noise or causing disturbances
• Threatening, harassing, or intimidating others — verbally, nonverbally, or physically
• Bringing in personal items not essential to library use
• Using, or being under the influence of, alcohol or drugs 

Filming/Photography/Drawing

Wright State students, faculty, staff, and visitors are welcome to film, photograph, or draw in the Libraries for academic purposes, provided that:

• Activities do not disrupt library services (as determined at the discretion of library staff)
• Other patrons are not captured without their permission

For large-scale projects or anything that may interrupt regular library operations, please request prior approval by completing the Activities and Events Request form.

Food and Drink

Our Food and Drink Policy helps keep the University Libraries clean, comfortable, and welcoming for everyone, while protecting library materials, furniture, and equipment.

Here’s what to keep in mind when enjoying food or drinks in the library:

• All beverages must have lids 
• Make sure all food, drinks, dishes, utensils, and trash are taken or disposed of properly when you leave
• Please let library staff know right away if you have an accidental spill

A few exceptions to note:

• Food and drinks are not allowed in Special Collections and Archives
• Food is also prohibited at all computer workstations and in the STAC (Student Technology Assistance Center)

Thanks for helping us keep the library a great place for everyone! 

Promotional Activities

We are happy to support student groups and campus departments in sharing information about educational and academic events happening on campus and in the community. Upon approval, you can display materials, place collection boxes, or use designated library spaces to promote your event or activity.

How to Request:

Please submit your request to the University Libraries Administration by filling out the Activities and Events Request form or by calling 937-775-2380. 

Timing:

• Requests must be made at least one week in advance and can be submitted up to six months ahead of time
• Requests with no advance notice will be reviewed individually
• Materials placed in the library without prior approval will be removed

Display Guidelines:

• Promotional materials can be displayed for up to four weeks, depending on your event
• The group or department requesting the promotion is responsible for putting up and taking down materials
• All materials, as well as set-up and take-down dates, must be approved beforehand
• Materials left after the promotion period will be removed, and a $10 fee will be charged to the person responsible
• Library space may NOT be used to:
  • Promote commercial products or services 
  • Support or oppose political candidates or issues 
  • Promote messages that are defamatory or incite violence

Please note that the Wright State University Libraries do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in promotional materials. We are also not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items. 

The Libraries reserve the right to deny any requests. 

Note: Exhibit cases, elevator signs, and other announcement boards are reserved for use by library staff only and are not included in this use policy. If you aren't sure if you may post in a specific location, ask.

Room Usage

• Group Study Room (Room 105): Available for unscheduled group study. 
• Reference Area Computers (Second Floor): These computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Occasionally, they may be reserved for classes by Instruction and Research Services staff.
• STAC (Student Technology Assistance Center, Room 240): A DIY space offering specialized software and high-end audio/video recording studios—perfect for multimedia projects.
• Special Collections and Archives Reading Room (Room 402): Open for research using Special Collections materials. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred to ensure the best service. A staff member must be present when this room is in use.

Reservable Study Rooms:

Individual and Group Study Rooms may be reserved by any Wright State student or employee using the Libraries’ room booking system. These spaces include: 

• Seven individual silent study rooms: 328 A–G
• Four group study rooms: 215, 216, 341, and 342
• Two multimedia studios: STAC Studio A and Studio B

More information is available about each room’s technology and capacity, policies governing the reservation and use of these rooms, and the reservation system.

Any Wright State student or employee can reserve these rooms through the Libraries’ room booking system: 

• Individual Silent Study Rooms: Seven rooms (328 A–G)
• Group Study Rooms: Four rooms (215, 216, 341, and 342)
• Multimedia Studios: STAC Studio A and Studio B
• More details on technology, capacity, and policies are available in the room booking system 
• The Libraries reserve the right to adjust bookings as appropriate

Reserving Library Spaces for Student Groups and Departments

Registered student organizations, academic units, and support centers can reserve library spaces for meetings, events, or displays with approval from the University Librarian. 

Available spaces include: 

• Group Study Room: First floor, open area that can be closed off for privacy 
• Second Floor Atrium: Open space great for long-term displays
• Room 441/442: Conference room for up to 40 people, with an instruction station and hybrid classroom capabilities
• Fourth Floor: Open area ideal for special events and receptions 

Please note: To use these spaces for non-library events, all reservations must follow the library’s policy outlined below. 

Policy for Using Library Spaces for Events not Sponsored by the Libraries 

General Guidelines:

• The library’s top priority is maintaining a quiet study environment. Events are not allowed in the Group Study Room or the open areas on the 2nd and 4th floors during Finals Week and the week before
• The library may refuse any reservation that could cause noise or disturbances
• Library instruction and library events take priority over other uses
• All reservations need approval from the University Librarian or designee
• Users must comply with all Wright State University policies 
• The library reserves the right to display promotional materials related to library events in the reserved spaces

Making a Reservation:

• Submit requests using the Activities and Events Request form
• Recurring meetings are generally not accepted
• Student organizations must provide a faculty or staff sponsor responsible for the reservation 
• Events can start no earlier than 30 minutes after opening and must end 30 minutes before closing 

Room Setup and Use:

• Rooms have a set capacity and furniture layout, but you may rearrange tables and chairs if needed
• Please return the room to its original setup, clean furniture if necessary, and remove all trash and food after your event. Failure to do so will result in at least a $50 fee, plus possible additional fees for damages or extra cleaning

Food and Drink:

• Any food served must follow University policy, requiring the use of Wright State Hospitality Services unless a catering waiver is approved
• All catering costs are the responsibility of the event organizer

Audio/Visual Equipment:

• Showing films or videos requires proof of public performance rights unless part of a university class
• Requests for AV equipment or training must be made through CaTS at least one week before the event 
• Event organizers are responsible for troubleshooting AND any related costs

Marketing:

• Promoting your event is mainly up to you, but the library can assist with signage and social media promotion with advance notice
• If you have any questions or want to make a reservation, please reach out! 

Unattended Children

We welcome children who are accompanied and supervised by a parent or adult caregiver. Please note: Children 14 years and younger must be supervised by an adult at all times.

• Parents or caregivers are responsible for their children’s safety, behavior, and any damage they may cause
• Library staff assumes no responsibility for unsupervised children. Campus police may be notified if children are left unattended 
• Children needing help with government information or publications can contact the library for assistance or to arrange a visit
• Disruptive children may be asked to leave the library 

Social Media

Wright State University Libraries welcome community comments on our official social media pages. Please note:

• User comments do not necessarily reflect the Libraries’ views and are not pre-approved
• We follow all social media terms of service and expect users to do the same
• Users must also comply with all relevant laws and university policies
• The Libraries may use publicly posted comments or content for promotional materials, publications, and reports

Gifts and Donations

The Libraries gratefully accept gifts of books and materials that support the university’s teaching and research goals. Please note:

• Only the University Librarian or designee for collections can approve donations
• Accepted donations become the property of the Libraries, which decide how to keep or dispose of materials
• Materials not added to the collection will be responsibly discarded
• Typically, the Libraries do not accept:
  • Unbound journal issues
  • Bound journal volumes (unless filling gaps in existing collections)
  • Textbooks
  • Materials outside our collection scope
  • Gifts with restrictions on housing or retaining all materials together
  • Outdated audiovisual formats (e.g., VHS tapes, vinyl LPs)

Donors are responsible for delivering materials to the Libraries. We acknowledge accepted donations but cannot provide tax valuations and/or appraisals.

Materials suitable for Special Collections and Archives follow their specific departmental policies.

Confidentiality

In accordance with Ohio Revised Code, Section 149.432, the Wright State University Libraries are committed to protecting patron confidentiality and patron information contained in library records. We are in compliance with the State of Ohio's "Patron Confidentiality Law," which states:

"'Library record' means a record in any form that is maintained by a library and that contains any of the following types of information: (a) information that the library requires an individual to provide in order to be eligible to use library services or borrow materials; (b) information that identifies an individual as having requested or obtained specific materials on a particular subject; (c) information that is provided by an individual to assist a library staff member to answer a specific question or to provide information on a particular subject." (For additional information see Ohio Revised Code 149.432.)

Notice of Non-Discrimination

The University Libraries adheres to Wright State University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination, University Policy 1235.