Policies

About Libraries' Policies

The University Libraries uphold the mission of Wright State University by providing exceptional research services and resources to facilitate faculty and student success and by fostering innovation and lifelong learning in our diverse community.

Toward this end, these policies have been created to ensure a high level of service for all users. Contact 937-775-2380 with questions regarding library policies.

The University Libraries follow and adhere to all Health and Safety Protocols Required on Wright State University Campus.

Building Use

(A) Cellphones

Many people come to the Libraries seeking a quiet place to read and study. Please be courteous by observing the following cell phone rules:

• Turn cell phone ringers off or set to vibrate.
• Use cell phones only in designated areas. These include enclosed stairwells and Cell Phone Zones located near the restrooms on the second, third, and fourth floors.
• Speak in a quiet voice when using a cell phone in designated areas.
• Cell phone use is prohibited in all other public areas of the libraries.

(B) Computer Use

Full internet access at library computers is available to Wright State students, faculty, and staff through their campus accounts. Those who are not university students, faculty, or staff may use the computers on the second floor of Dunbar Library by getting a one-day Library Guest Computer Account. You must present a government-issued photo ID at the first floor Circulation Desk.

Library computers are provided for searching, retrieving, viewing, printing, or downloading resources for educational purposes. Internet use is logged in order to trace illegal activity as necessary. All use of library computers must comply with the following university, Library, and OhioLINK policies, as well as other federal, state, and local regulations:

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

(C) Disruptive Behavior

Any behavior or condition that threatens the safety of others, that disrupts the orderly use of the University Libraries, that could constitute harassment, that creates a hostile environment, or that affects the staff's ability to provide service, is prohibited and will be handled by the appropriate enforcement authority.

Examples of prohibited behavior include:

• Creating excessive noise or disturbances
• Threatening or harassing others, including verbal, nonverbal, or physical attack
• Using personal belongings not essential to library use, such as bicycles, skateboards, hoverboards, roller blades, sleeping bags, or coffee pots
• Using or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances

(D) Filming/Photography/Drawing

Wright State students, faculty, and staff may film, photograph, and draw for academic use in the Libraries provided that they do not film, photograph, or draw patrons without permission or cause a disruption. Visitors may film, photograph, and draw for academic use in the Libraries provided that they do not cause a disruption or film, photograph, or draw library patrons without permission.

(E) Food and Drink

The University Libraries Food and Drink Policy is designed to maintain a clean and welcoming environment for all and to encourage personal responsibility and respect for library materials, furnishings, and equipment.

Food and drink are allowed in the library according to the following guidelines:

• All beverages must have lids. Disposable cups and lids are available at the library service desks.
• Deposit all recyclable food and drink packaging in recycling bins located throughout the library.
• Deposit all non-recyclable food and drink packaging in trash bins located throughout the library.
• Carry out or properly dispose of all food, drink, dishes, silverware, etc. that you bring into the library.
• Use cleaning supplies, available at all library service desks, to clean any spills, pick up crumbs, etc.
• Report any accidental spills to library staff as soon as possible.

Exceptions:

• Food and drink are prohibited in Special Collections and Archives.
• Food is also prohibited at all computer workstations and in the STAC (Student Technology Assistance Center).
• Food deliveries (pizza, etc.) are not permitted.

(F) Promotional Activities

Promotional activities help inform our patrons about events on campus and in the community. We welcome student groups and campus departments to display materials, place collection boxes, or use designated library spaces to promote an educational or academic event or activity.

Requests must be submitted to the University Libraries Administration Office, 126 Dunbar Library, using the Promotional Activity Request form or by calling 937-775-2380.

Requests must be received with advance notice of a maximum of six months and a minimum of one week. Requests received with no advance notice will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Signs, flyers, or other solicitation materials found in the library without prior approval will be removed.

Promotional materials can be displayed for up to four weeks, depending on the event.

The requesting department or student group assumes the responsibility of putting up, removing, and picking up the promotional materials. These materials must be approved in advance. Set-up and take-down dates must be approved in advance and are strictly followed. Materials remaining in the library after the promotion date will incur a $10 removal fee, charged to the student or staff person reserving.

Library space may not be used, directly or indirectly, to:

• Promote a commercial product or service
• Support or oppose any political candidate or issue
• Promote a viewpoint that is defamatory or incites violence

The Wright State University Libraries do not necessarily endorse the viewpoints which may be the subject of the promotion.

The Wright State University Libraries will not be held responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items.

The Wright State University Libraries reserve the right to deny any request.

This policy does not govern the library exhibit cases or the bulletin board in the Group Study Room.

(G) Room Usage

• Group Study Room (Room 105): This group study room is available for unscheduled group study. Study groups should be limited to 10 individuals or fewer.
• Reference Area Computers (second floor): Computers in this area are available on a first-come, first-served basis. They may occasionally be reserved for instructional purposes by the Instruction and Research Services staff.
• STAC (Student Technology and Assistance Center, Room 240): This lab provides a DIY space with access to specialized software applications and high-end audio and video recording studios to make productive use of multimedia.
• Special Collections and Archives Reading Room (Room 402): This room is available for research using materials housed in the Libraries’ Special Collections. Walk-in use is accepted; however, appointments are preferred in order for archives staff to provide the best possible service. A staff member must be present whenever the 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.

Other Reservable Spaces:

Other library rooms and spaces may be reserved by registered student organizations, academic units and support units and centers for organization meetings, academically oriented events, and other gatherings or displays as approved by the university librarian. Available spaces include:

• Group Study Room: Open space on the first floor of the library, ability to close off from the rest of the library.
• Second floor atrium: Open space suitable for long-term displays.
• Room 241/242: Computer lab with 28 computer stations, one instruction station, and Cisco Webex capabilities.
• Room 441/442: Conference room with capacity of 40, one instruction station, and Cisco Webex capabilities.
• Fourth floor: Open space suitable for special events and receptions.

For using library spaces for non-library events, please read our Policy Governing the Reservation and Use of Library Spaces for Non-Library Events (PDF).

(H) Unattended Children

The University Libraries welcome children who are accompanied and supervised by a parent or adult caregiver. The supervision, safety, and security of children are the responsibility of the parent or adult caregiver. The Libraries assumes no responsibility for the safety and supervision of children left unattended. Campus police may be notified if children are left in the library unaccompanied by an adult. Please note the following:

• Children, ages 14 or younger, must be under the direct supervision of a parent or an adult caregiver at all times while in the library.
• Children needing assistance with government information or government publications can contact the library for assistance or to arrange a visit.
• Parents or other adult caregivers must monitor all activities and behavior of their children while they are in the library. They are also responsible for any damage to property done by the child. Parents will be asked to remove children from the library who exhibit disruptive behavior.

Social Media

Gifts and Donations

Confidentiality

Notice of Non-Discrimination

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