These patron behavior policies apply to all individuals using the Libraries at the University of Missouri-St Louis (UMSL). The library staff, library security officers, and campus police may enforce these policies. Additionally, students are required to comply with the UMSL Student Code of Conduct available at: http://www.umsl.edu/studentlife/dsa/student_planner/policies/conductcode.htm

• Patrons are not permitted to consume food in the UMSL Libraries.
• All beverages must be in spill-proof containers or cups with lids. Water bottles with caps are acceptable.
• Beverages are not permitted:

     on or around computer terminals,
     in the Library Research Commons (library computer lab),
     in the Rare Book Reading Room of the St. Louis Mercantile Library,
     in the Reading Room of the Western Historical Manuscript Collection,
     in the Video Rooms,
     or on or around artwork as indicated by signs in those areas.

Bulletin Board in the Library Resource Commons: Only flyers for UMSL related activities which are open to the campus community will be posted in the bulletin board. No personal ads or campaign flyers will be permitted. When a flyer is brought to the library, it will be up to whomever is staffing the reference desk to determine if it is acceptable for posting. Also, Circulation supervisors may make determinations about posting appropriate flyers. Every flyer must be date-stamped and will be posted for a maximum of 4 weeks or until the event has passed. Flyer size will not exceed legal size paper.

Cameras: Photography is not allowed in the St. Louis Mercantile Library or in the Western Historical Manuscript Collection without prior authorization. Permission to use images may be requested at the Reading Rooms of each area.

Cell Phone Use: Cell phone ringers should be turned-off in the Libraries. Conversations should be kept short and voices lowered in conformance with the Libraries' noise policy.

• Beverages are not permitted on or around any computer terminal.
• Faculty, students, staff, and other UMSL affiliated patrons have priority for using the public computer terminals.
• The UMSL Acceptable Use Policy, which lists certain responsibilities and ethical behavior expected of computer patrons, will be followed. This policy may be accessed at: http://www.umsl.edu/studentlife/dsa/student_planner/policies/computing.htm
• The computers in the Library Research Commons (library computer lab) are available to:
1. UMSL affiliated patrons with valid UMSL SSO IDs.
2. University of Missouri (UM) affiliated patrons with valid UM SSO IDs.
3. UMSL alumni with valid UMSL SSO IDs.

• Noise: Patrons must help to maintain a quiet environment and refrain from engaging in any behavior that interferes with the normal use of the Libraries by others.
• Theft and Vandalism: Library materials, equipment, or property must not be taken from library buildings without proper checkout or authorization. Patrons engaging in theft, vandalizing, altering or damaging library buildings, furniture or equipment, including computer systems, networks, programs or data, are in violation of Missouri State Law and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the Law.
• Library materials: Patrons may not use the equipment in an unsafe or harmful manner and should not damage equipment and facilities, as they will be held accountable for any damage they cause. Patrons must handle library materials carefully so that they are not defaced or damaged in any way. Patrons must not mark, underline, remove or fold pages or portions of pages, remove binding, or use paper clips or post its.

In Case of Emergencies: Patrons should follow instructions given by the Libraries' Emergency Monitors, security officers, and staff, verbally or via the public announcement system, during emergency situations or drills.

Library Closing: Prior to the daily closing, three announcements at 30, 15, and 5 minutes will be made reminding patrons that the library will be closing. Upon a fourth and final announcement indicating the libraries are closed, all staff members and patrons must promptly exit the libraries so that staff and security officers can lock the building.

LAPTOP CIRCULATION POLICY

A limited number of laptops are available for a two-hour, in-library checkout to current University of Missouri - St. Louis students. Laptops may be checked out at the Thomas Jefferson Library Circulation/Reserve Desk on the main floor (third level), or at the Ward E. Barnes Library Circulation Desk.

Students will be asked to complete a Library Laptop Use Agreement accepting responsibility for any loss or damage to the laptop computer. Costs of repair including replacement costs.

Each laptop includes an Information Sheet for Laptop Use, which includes basic operational tips. For further information on the operation of laptops or other computer related questions, see the Student Assistants in the Library Research Commons in the Libraries.

Users: UMSL students must present a valid University ID card and must be current in the Libraries' circulation system; laptops will not be loaned if there is a delinquent charge on the student's circulation record. Laptops will be checked out for two-hour use in the Libraries, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Fines and Charges: Damages to equipment and peripherals will be based on the cost of replacement or repair. These charges will be subject to the same collection procedures that are used for fines for damaged or lost library materials. Overdue laptops will accrue fines. All laptops are due to the Circulation Desks before the Libraries close each evening. There is a replacement charge for damage to the laptop and or its peripherals of up to $1630.00.

Acceptable Use Policy: These laptops are intended for university-related use in the Libraries by UMSL students in accordance with UMSL's Acceptable Use Policy. This policy may be viewed at: http://www.umsl.edu/technology/policy/acceptable.html.

Frequently Asked Questions: Please click on this link FAQ to view a list of answers to frequently asked questions about laptop use in the Libraries. Security: DO NOT, under any circumstances, leave laptop computers or any valuables unattended in the Libraries. The Libraries are NOT responsible for lost or stolen laptops, personal computers, their components, or any other items.

For more information: Call the Circulation Desks at the Thomas Jefferson Library (516-5057) or the Ward E. Barnes Library (516-5572).

Unattended Children: Parents may not leave children unattended in the Libraries and they are responsible for their children's behavior while in the Libraries. Unattended children under the age of 16 will be asked to leave the Libraries.