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Policies & Guidelines

Temple University Libraries Community Standards

The University Libraries are committed to providing quality services and resources within an environment conducive to intellectual pursuits and social interaction among community members. Sustaining our environment requires mutual respect for the rights of others and respect for the Libraries' resources and facilities.
All library users are required to produce a valid form of identification to enter our facilities. Valid forms of identification include:
  • An OWLcard for current Temple students, faculty and staff.
  • An Alumni Card for Temple Alumni.
  • An unexpired government-issued ID such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID for guest patrons.
All library users are entitled to have:
  • A library free of disruptive activity
  • Clean and pleasant surroundings
  • Access to library materials or an ability to obtain them as allowed
  • Journals, books, and other library materials that are complete, unmarked, and well-organized
  • Access to equipment and services, including computing, for the purpose of performing research
  • Privacy and confidentiality in their use of library services and collections
Each user of the Libraries must comply with the following set of standards:
  • Observe all appropriate federal and state laws, local ordinances, the University’s Student Conduct Code and Smoke-Free Policy, and other University policies that guide behavior on the campuses.
  • Treat all library users and staff with respect and courtesy. Comply with staff requests and directives.
  • Be properly clothed (shirts and shoes required) and maintain acceptable personal hygiene. Offensive bodily hygiene that constitutes a nuisance to other library users or staff may require us to ask you to leave.
  • Food brought into the Library should be consumed only in the Café. Light snack foods (e.g, chips, pretzels, etc) and covered beverages are permitted in other areas of the Library, unless otherwise prohibited (e.g., Special Collections, Scholars Studio).
  • Follow procedures for properly borrowing and returning materials by the due date and in good condition; Never intentionally damage Library material or property; adhere to Library guidelines for the handling of any rare or fragile archival holdings.
  • Minors under age 18 who are not enrolled Temple students must be supervised by an accompanying adult at all times. Parents and guardians are responsible for the behavior of their children and may be asked to leave if children are disruptive to the library environment.
The following are prohibited in all Library facilities:
  • Disruptive behavior that interferes with library operations
  • Soliciting or proselytizing activity of any type
  • Sexual activity of any kind
  • Use of or being under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances
  • Use of tobacco products (including e-cigarettes)
  • Concealing or hiding library materials for the exclusive use of an individual or group
  • Moving furniture to a location that interferes with patron traffic, blocks access to rooms or that uses it for anything other than its intended purpose.  Moving furniture between floors or between indoor and outdoor spaces.
  • Entering areas marked as “staff only” if not accompanied or authorized by a staff member
  • Sharing a Temple University ID, or an Alumni, Friends, Computer Guest Card, or Courtesy card to allow unauthorized use of library materials or electronic resources
  • Congregating around service or security desks or engaging in casual or frivolous conversation with security or service personnel as to distract them from or make it difficult for them to accomplish their assigned duties.
  • Posting of flyers and other print announcements. All such postings are removed. Please post announcements at the Student Center.
Additional guidelines:
  • Unattended property is subject to confiscation.
  • Cell phone and electronic device use:
  • Avoid cell phone calls but if necessary, go to an area where no one is working or studying.
  • Headphones are required for any audio.
  • Set cell phones to silent while in the Libraries.
  • Camping in the Libraries is prohibited. Camping includes: 
    • Sleeping for extended periods of time that exceeds incidental napping. 
    • Use of blankets, bedrolls, and similar coverings
    • Excessive use of personal space that interferes with access to those spaces by other 
    • Attempts to create temporary living quarters 
    • Storing/covering personal belongings 
    • Use of bathrooms for bathing, showering, or for more than casual grooming 
    • Staff reserves the right to determine what constitutes “camping”
  • Service and therapy animals approved in accordance with University policies are permitted.
  • Use library technology resources in accordance with the University's Technology Usage Policy, and respect the privacy and sensitivities of others when using internet resources.
  • Understand that our electronic resources are licensed for current Temple students, faculty, and staff only.
  • Observe copyright restrictions and principles of fair use. [See for example, the Association of Research Libraries' Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for Academic and Research Libraries (2012)]
  • Photography/videography within the library is prohibited unless written permission is obtained in advance from the library administration. Use this form to request permission at least 48 hours in advance.
  • Specialized library units (e.g., Special Collections Research Center; Scholars Studio) may have additional policies to which library users must comply.
Guidelines for attending library events: 
  • Temple University Libraries is committed to providing quality events for our community members. Creating and maintaining a welcoming, inclusive, safe, fun, and engaging environment within our event spaces requires mutual respect for the rights of others and respect for the Libraries' staff and facilities.
  • All event speakers and attendees are entitled to obtain reasonable accessibility accommodations when requested.
  • While attendees are entitled to privacy and confidentiality, we do have a photographer at some events. Please let a library staff member know if you prefer not to appear in photographs.
  • Event attendees must treat all event attendees and staff as well as students, patrons, and staff throughout the library with respect and courtesy. Attendees are expected to comply with staff requests and directives.
  • Food in the event space should be consumed only in the event space.
  • The following are prohibited at all events: disruptive behavior that interferes with the speaker or event and/or harassment of the speakers, attendees, or staff. Harassment is understood as any behavior that produces an unsafe, uncomfortable, or non-inclusive environment for another person or group.
  • Please silence your electronic devices and take any phone calls outside of the event.
  • Photography at events is acceptable unless otherwise stated at the beginning of the event, but please ask permission before recording audio or video.
Report violations of these Community Standards to library staff or campus security in order that appropriate corrective actions may be taken. Violations may be referred for disciplinary action under applicable University disciplinary processes. Non-Temple University guests who violate the Community Standards may be subject to loss of library privileges. Where appropriate, instances of misconduct may be referred to local, state, or federal law enforcement officials. Where applicable, violations may also be referred to internal or external social or behavioral support services.  
Policy History:
Approved by University Libraries Administrative Council 07/15/04; Updated 6/5/2015
Revised by University Libraries Administrative Council 12/03/2019
 
 

Effective Date

DECEMBER 03, 2019