PATRON GUIDELINES

The Western Oklahoma State College Learning Resources Center seeks to provide quality library service for all patrons. We ask your cooperation in helping to provide a safe, pleasant environment for our patrons and staff members that is conducive to learning. We encourage you to read, study, research, work, and take full advantage of these services and resources. 

This policy is designed to:

1. Protect the rights of individuals to use Library property, materials, and services;
    
2. Protect the rights of Library employees and volunteers to conduct library business without interference;
    
3. Ensure the use of the facilities, materials, and services by the greatest number of individuals;
    
4. Preserve those materials and facilities from harm; and
    
5. Ensure the safety of Library patrons, employees, and volunteers.

The patron guidelines below have been established for the comfort and protection of all those using and working in the LRC facility. Please help us achieve the appropriate academic atmosphere by adhering to the following rules and guidelines:

1. Conduct that disturbs library users or staff, or that hinders others from using the library or library materials is prohibited. This includes behavior that constitutes a nuisance, or presents a safety and/or security hazard. 
    
2. Profane, abusive or offensive language, as well as conversation that is disturbing to others is prohibited.
    
3. Damage, destruction or theft of library property is prohibited.
    
4. Use of tobacco products in the LRC is prohibited.
    
5. Food or beverages are prohibited except for those using the staff work areas.
    
6. Possession or use of alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, or weapons is prohibited.
    
7. Harassing others, either verbally or through actions, is prohibited.
    
8. Animals, except service animals, are prohibited on library property.
    
9. Other prohibited behaviors include intoxication, illegal drug influence, card playing and other games, littering, skating, skateboarding, running, and soliciting.
    
10. Shoes, shirts, and appropriate clothing must be worn in the LRC.
     
11. Radios, CD players, televisions, tape recorders, DVD players, etc., may be used only with earphones and only in such a manner that does not disturb other patrons or Library staff members.
     
12. Telephones should be turned off or placed on the vibrate mode while in the LRC. For lengthy phone conversations, please step outside the LRC or use one of the study rooms.
     
13. In most cases, patrons are discouraged from bringing children to the LRC. For safety reasons, patrons may not leave children unattended. LRC personnel will not be responsible for supervising children. We reserve the right to ask patrons to remove children if they cause disruption of normal activities and at any time we feel it is in the best interest of other patrons.
     
14. Bundles, packages, back packs, briefcases, purses, and other containers may be subject to search upon entering or leaving the LRC in order to protect and preserve the safety and security of property and persons using the Library.

Patrons who violate any of these guidelines will be given notice of this policy. A violation may result in a patron’s expulsion from the LRC, suspension of Library privileges, or criminal prosecution or other legal action, as appropriate.