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William & Mary Library Use Guidelines

All students at William & Mary are bound by the regulations noted within the Student Handbook and by all William & Mary policies and guidelines.  

Library Use Guidelines

William & Mary Libraries is dedicated to providing safe, inclusive, and comfortable spaces and convenient access to resources for all library users. Library users include current students, faculty, staff, visiting researchers, and the general public. Library resources include buildings, print materials, computers and other equipment, furniture, and other resources.  

The facilities, technology, materials, and services of the libraries are intended to support the instruction, research, creative endeavors, and study needs of the university community, and to preserve and protect library collections for current and future users. Library users and library staff share responsibility for this goal. Users should report violations of these guidelines to library staff either in person or via email/chat. Staff will make every effort to maintain a scholarly environment and secure library resources. 

User Responsibilities and Conduct 

Library users are expected to interact courteously with other users and library staff at all times. This includes maintaining appropriate noise levels and respecting the rights of others to use library resources and facilities in a peaceful atmosphere. 

During library hours, users must only access authorized areas in the library and exit the building when requested, such as during emergency situations or drills, and when the library is closed.  Remaining or attempting to remain in library spaces when the library is closed is an Honor Code violation and will result in a referral to appropriate student sanctions. 

Any behavior that disrupts library use, including but not limited to disorderly conduct, fighting or inciting violence, indecent exposure, harassment, excessive noise, or interfering with staff duties is prohibited.

Access and Materials Use

Users must maintain the integrity of library materials through proper stewardship. All materials must be properly checked out with appropriate IDs or W&M ID before removal from the library and returned on time to the proper location. Users are expected to respond promptly to all library notices regarding their borrowed materials. 

To maintain equitable access for all patrons, library users are expected to exercise reasonable discretion in utilizing collections and services to prevent excessive demand that could limit availability for others. 

Care of Library Property 

Library patrons are expected to keep all library materials and property clean, unmarked, and intact. This includes careful handling of books, journals, and other physical materials, as well as proper use of furniture, equipment, and spaces. 

Any damage or maintenance issues should be reported to library staff immediately. All equipment and spaces should be returned to their original configurations for the next user. 

Computer Systems and Copyright

All users must abide by US copyright laws and University Intellectual Property policies on copyright when using library resources and materials. This applies to both physical and digital materials.  

Explicit Material 

When displaying images, sounds, or messages in the library, it is the user's responsibility to be respectful of other library users and to help maintain a scholarly environment. Library spaces, equipment, and resources, including computing resources, are provided in support of uncensored research and learning. Users viewing explicit material in direct public view will be asked to cease this activity or, if available, to move to a different area where library users and staff are not subject to involuntary exposure.  

Children 

Children under the age of 18 who are not W&M students must be supervised by a parent or other responsible adult while in the library. 

Animals  

Library visitors are prohibited from bringing animals inside the library, except for service animals as defined by the university.  

Cell Phones, Amplified Audio, and Headphone Use 

Library users should conduct cell phone conversations away from study and research areas. Please do not play amplified audio from any electronic device, including video calls. If using headphones, ensure the volume is not loud enough to be heard by nearby users. In collaborative spaces, video calls are permitted if headphones are worn and nearby users are not disturbed.

Food and Drink

Food and drinks are permitted in many library locations; however, food and drinks are prohibited at/near specialized audio and video equipment and workstations, microfilm/ microfiche machines, or other equipment susceptible to damage. All waste should be disposed of properly in appropriate receptacles. Please report spills on floor, carpet, furniture, etc. to the circulation staff.  

Personal Property

Library users are responsible for their personal property at all times and should never leave personal property unattended. The library is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal property.  

All unclaimed or found items turned into the staff will be placed in the library’s Lost and Found Area.  As a courtesy, library staff will make a reasonable attempt to determine and contact the rightful owner of the lost items if they contain sufficient identifying information. Patrons may claim lost items by providing a satisfactory description of the item to library staff as well as the appropriate date it was lost. 

Lost and found items will be held at the Circulation Desk for the current semester.  After this period, all unclaimed items will become the property of William & Mary Libraries at which time library staff will decide the appropriate method of disposal. 

Events 

Events held within William & Mary Libraries’ spaces must be either organized or specifically approved by William & Mary Libraries. 

William & Mary Libraries, including Swem Library, are non-solicitation areas; library users, including students, are not permitted to fundraise, sell goods, or distribute or display materials within the libraries without express permission from library administration. No distribution of materials outside of approved bulletin boards is allowed.  

No student tabling activities will be permitted inside Swem Library. Students can table outside of Swem Library according to university guidelines. The Libraries’ External Relations Office reviews all facility requests.

No professional, commercial, or mass media photography, videography, or audio recording is allowed without prior approval.  

 

University-wide Policies 

Library users are expected to adhere to generally applicable university policies and regulations regarding the use of university facilities and property, including but not limited to: 

Smoking 

Smoking and using Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) like vaping are prohibited inside all facilities owned or leased by the university and within 25 feet of all entries, outdoor air intakes, and operable windows. This applies to faculty, staff, students, and visitors.  

Smoking Policy

Weapons 

The university prohibits the possession, storage, and use of weapons, firearms, combustibles, and explosives on university property. This prohibition shall not apply to law-enforcement officers who are on duty or contracted with the university to provide services within the university's territorial jurisdiction.

Weapons, Firearms, Combustibles, and Explosives Policy

Alcohol and Drugs

The consumption of alcohol, except at officially sponsored events, is prohibited in all libraries. With recent changes to state cannabis/marijuana laws, students and employees should be aware the university's alcohol and other drug policy continues to prohibit possession and use of cannabis/marijuana on William & Mary’s campus.  

Alcohol Beverage Policy

 

The library reserves the right to modify these guidelines as needed to maintain an effective learning environment. Users are responsible for staying informed of current policies.

Violations of Library Use Guidelines may result in referral to the Office of Community Values and Connection or William & Mary Police. Violations of Library Use Guidelines may result in temporary or permanent loss of some or all library privileges. Appeals may be directed to Dean of University Libraries Carrie Cooper. 

Approved: March 21, 2025