Acceptable Behavior Policy
The University of Southern Mississippi Libraries are committed to providing an environment for the university community that is conducive to academic research and study. In order to provide an environment that meets the diverse needs of students, faculty, and staff, the following guidelines apply:
- University Libraries users should conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful of the needs and rights of others.
- Excessive or disruptive noise will not be tolerated. For details, please refer to the libraries' Cell Phone Policy and Quiet Study Zone Policy.
- As University Libraries do not maintain absolute quiet in high traffic areas of library buildings, quiet zones have been established for those who prefer a quieter study environment. Please refer to the Quiet Study Zone Policy for details.
- Consumption of tobacco, alcohol, or illegal substances inside library buildings or directly outside building entrances will not be tolerated.
- Disorderly, disruptive, or threatening behavior, such as engaging in unwanted or inappropriate interactions with library users or employees, making threats to the personal safety of library users or employees, or committing violent acts will not be tolerated.
- Sexual offenses, including indecent exposure, inappropriate sexual advances (physical or verbal), or contributing to a sexually harassing environment will not be tolerated.
- Violations of local, state, federal, or international law will not be tolerated.
- Suspicious behavior, which might include loitering or watching library users or employees or their belongings.
- All use of University Libraries’ computers must comply with the university’s Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy, available at http://www.usm.edu/infosec/policies.php.
- Children under 15 must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times. Please refer to the Children in University Libraries Facilities Policy for details.
Violations of this policy should be reported to a library staff member at the nearest service desk. Individuals who do not comply with University Libraries policies may be asked to leave the library building. In some cases, University Police may be called to take charge of a situation involving non-compliance with library or university policies, or local, state, federal, or international law.
