Code of conduct

The Norris Medical Library is committed to providing quality service through its staff, resources and facilities. This Code of Conduct is for the benefit of all users of the library and is applicable to all.  Adherence to these policies will help create a pleasant and quiet environment for all.

Library Use

Access to the library is permitted only for purposes of using library resources or studying. Soliciting or loitering is not permitted.

Identification

Library users must be prepared to provide valid personal identification if asked by library staff or campus Public Safety personnel.

Study Areas

A quiet atmosphere is expected in all areas of the building except for the group rooms and the Plaza Level Exchange. Any noise or activity that disturbs others, including noise from conversations, cell phones, pagers, musical devices, etc., is considered inappropriate. If you are disturbed by persistent noise in the stacks and study areas, report the problem to the staff at the circulation desk. Areas where there are service desks, library phones and computers will be noisier than other areas.

Cell Phones

Cell phones and pagers are to be turned off or put on silent mode when brought into the library. Cell phone conversations are not permitted inside the library except in phone booths on the lower level.

Food and Drinks

  • Drinks are permitted in the library as long as they are in covered containers.  Users with drinks without lids will be asked to consume them outside of the library.
  • All food is allowed in The Exchange. Users eating meals elsewhere in the library will be asked to move to the Exchange.
  • Snacks (foods that do not require utensils; are not messy, smelly, or noisy; and are packaged in individual containers) are permitted throughout the library, including in group study rooms.
  • Users are asked to clean up after themselves. Trash cans are available throughout the library.
  • No food or drink is permitted in the computer classroom or the computer lab.

Library Computers

Library computers serve as access points for databases and web sites that assist faculty, staff and students in their research, patient care and class assignments.  These uses have priority over any other use. Patrons using the workstations for personal communications, entertainment, Internet browsing unrelated to academic research, or only as a study desk can be asked to vacate a workstation when those conducting research need them. For non-keyed stations, each user must log in at the beginning of the session and exit properly on departure. Users are not permitted to monopolize computers by leaving personal items to prevent others from using them while away for any length of time. Use of all library computers must comply with the Norris Medical Library Computer Use Policy and USC Information Technology Services policies.

Personal Computers

Wired and wireless access is provided for laptops.  To avoid potential tripping hazards, electrical cords must not be stretched across walkways.  The Library has provided convenient electrical outlets at most study tables and carrels. Security cables are available, see Computer Accounts & Services for more information.

Theft Prevention

By entering the library, users are agreeing to pass through a security system.  Library users may be asked to present book bags, backpacks, and briefcases for inspection, especially when the detection alarm is activated when exiting the library or when the book detection system is not in use.

Unattended Items

Personal items should not be left unattended even for a few minutes. The Library is not responsible for thefts or vandalism to personal property.

Children in the Library

Children younger than 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times while in the library.  Parents are reminded that others are using this facility as a place of quiet study/research and, thus, we require parents to monitor their child’s/children’s behavior.

Pets in the Library

The presence of pets in the library can be disruptive as well as unsanitary; they may compromise the safety and health of people visiting the library. Therefore, no pets are allowed in the library. This is in accord with University policy, see Pets on University Property. This policy does not apply to animals used as disability-aids.

Unacceptable Activities

The following activities are deemed unacceptable and not permitted in the library:

  • Removing or attempting to remove library equipment or property without authorization from library staff.
  • Posting of announcements, flyers, personal invitations, etc. in or on library property without authorization from library staff.
  • Conducting disruptive meetings in the library’s group rooms or public spaces.
  • Concealing library materials or deliberately misplacing materials in the library for the exclusive use of an individual or group.
  • Damaging library materials by marking, underlining, removing pages or portions of pages, removing binding, removing electronic theft devices, using post-it’s and paperclips or in any other way damaging or defacing library materials, furniture or equipment.
  • Failing to respect copyright laws, including persistent downloading, printing  scanning or saving of copyrighted information to library computers or personal devices.
  • Inappropriate use of the Internet that violates Library and University computer use policies.
  • Loitering in restricted areas of the library or remaining in the library after closing.
  • Opening emergency exits except in case of an emergency.
  • Misusing or tampering with computing or media equipment or Internet connections.

Patrons and visitors whose conduct or activities violate this code of conduct will be asked to modify their behavior or leave the library. Failure to comply with library policies may result in the loss of library privileges.