Libraries' Conduct Policy

The University Libraries provide collections and services in support of the instruction, research, and service missions of the University of Georgia community. All patrons to the University Libraries have the right to expect a safe, pleasant, and productive environment for research and study. Libraries’ users are expected to abide by the rules included in the University of Georgia Code of Conduct. Expressive activities must comply with UGA's Freedom of Expression Policy. An extension of these ideals is reflected in this Conduct Policy.

All patrons to the University Libraries are expected to be courteous to Libraries’ employees and comply with the conduct policies and with any other directions employees deem necessary to maintain the safety of all visitors. Failure to comply with staff requests, directions, or instructions may result in loss of privileges, including removal from the building.

Public hours at UGA Libraries facilities end at 6 p.m. at Main and McBay Science Libraries and 9 p.m. at the Miller Learning Center. Guests (those who are not affiliated with UGA) must register to enter the Main Library during public hours. Members of the UGA community (students, faculty, staff) and other students with valid college ID must present their IDs to enter after public hours.

Activities listed below are examples of unacceptable behavior. Violations of the Conduct Policy include, but are not limited to, those activities.

When using Libraries’ facilities, conduct violations include:

• Creating a disturbance or behaving in a manner which interferes with normal use of the Libraries, including: rowdiness, excessive noise, loitering and offensive interpersonal behavior.
• Disruptive use of cell phones or other electronic devices.
• Violating policies concerning food, drink, tobacco products, and/or alcohol or drugs.
• Possessing a weapon or hazardous substance/item, as outlined in the UGA weapons policy.
• Harassing or stalking library employees or users.
• Tampering with emergency mechanisms including fire alarms, alarms in elevators as well as opening emergency exits in non-emergency situations.
• Engaging in sexual activity.
• Being in an unauthorized area of the building; remaining in the building after closing or when requested to leave during emergency situations or drills. 
• Impeding ingress or egress to UGA Libraries facilities.
• Violating group study room policies, Zoom booth policies, or individual study carrel policies, including using these rooms for purposes other than the intended use stated in the policy.
• Using public restroom for bathing or laundering clothes.
• Violating University and Library rules regarding computer use.
• Sleeping for extended periods of time, including on the front porch and steps of the Libraries.
• Arranging furniture for the purpose of sleeping.
• Bringing in an excessive number of personal items not essential for research and study; leaving personal items unattended on library premises.
• Bringing animals into the building that do not provide assistance; leaving animals unattended on library premises.
• Soliciting or distribution of posters or flyers in the Libraries, including on the front porch and steps.
• Leaving children unattended within the Libraries. Any unattended children will be turned over to the custody of the University of Georgia Police Department.

When using Libraries’ materials, conduct violations include:

• Mutilating, defacing or misusing library materials, equipment, or property.
• Removing or attempting to remove library materials or other property without checking them out or without proper authorization.
• Concealing or otherwise restricting access to materials in the library for the exclusive use of an individual or group.

Individuals or groups who do not follow these guidelines outlined in this Conduct Policy may be accountable to both civil authorities (city, state, or federal) and to The University of Georgia.