The University of Southern Mississippi Libraries provide resources which are primarily intended for the university community in support of academic research and study. As a federal depository, the Libraries and library resources are also used by members of the surrounding communities, including children. Children of students, faculty, and employees also accompany their parents to the libraries.

 

This policy is required for the effective communication of university policies regarding children in the university library facilities.

 

All patrons of the University Libraries.

 

usm.edu/institutional-policies/policy-acaf-lib-003

 

The needs of the university community and the special concerns related to the safety and welfare of children in this environment have prompted the following guidelines:  

 

• Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult. The University Police will be called to take charge of unaccompanied children. Adults who accompany children in University Libraries facilities must ensure that children do not become disruptive or disturb other library users. Disruptive children must be taken out of the library building.

 

• Library computers offer unfiltered access to the Internet. University Libraries is not responsible for children’s use of the Internet on library computers. 

 

• Library computers are intended for the use of members of the university community in support of academic research and study. Children using library computers may be asked to relinquish them for the use of University students, faculty, or staff. 

 

Violations of this policy should be reported to library staff at the nearest service desk. Individuals who do not comply with University Libraries policies will be asked to leave the library building.

 

Federal Depository Library Materials Use: To accommodate the legal use of federal depository materials in Cook Library, any unaccompanied child under 15 who needs to access federal depository materials for research will, upon request, receive mediated assistance from library assistance desk staff to identify and access this material.

 

The Dean of University Libraries is responsible for the review of this policy every four years (or whenever circumstances require immediate review).

Amendments: Month, Day, Year – summary of changes

02/18/13: Formatted for template. Minor editing throughout.