CHAPTER 6 – Rules of Behavior
6.1 Noise
6.2 Cell Phones
6.3 Groups
6.4 Eating and Drinking
6.5 Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products
6.6 Underage or Unattended Children
6.7 Intimate Behavior
6.8 Personal Property
6.9 Damaging Library Property
6.10 Library Materials
6.11 Headsets
6.12 Library Computers
6.13 Animals
6.14 Safety Procedures
6.15 Library Phones
The Libraries’ rules of behavior are designed to protect the rights and safety of Gaston College’s students, faculty, and staff as they relate to the proper use of the library as a resource and study sanctuary. Library rules of behavior are enforced in accordance with the Gaston College Student Code of Conduct, as outlined in the student handbook.
The interpretation and enforcement of these rules rests with the library staff. Violations observed by library users should be reported to library staff, who will take appropriate action. Violations of library rules, including disruptive behavior, may result in loss of library privileges or expulsion from the library.
All users are asked to abide by this behavior policy.
6.1 Noise
Users must help to maintain a quiet environment and refrain from engaging in any behavior that interferes with the normal use and operation of the Library by others. This includes, but is not limited to, loud talking and boisterous behavior.
6.2 Cell Phones
Cell phones should be turned off or turned to vibrate. Cell phone conversations should be conducted outside the Library.
6.3 Groups
Study groups of no more than 10 persons are restricted to the study room at Morris Library. Study groups exceeding 10 persons must abide by the noise policy and other disruptive policies or they may not meet in the Library.
6.4 Eating and Drinking
Food and drink are not allowed in the Library except by staff in designated areas and at special Library-scheduled events.
6.5 Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products
Smoking and other tobacco products are not permitted in the library.
6.6 Underage or Unattended Children
Children must not be left unattended in the Library. Unattended children will be turned over to campus security or local authorities. Minor children should not be unattended and students are strongly discouraged from bringing them to Gaston College. The College does not assume responsibility for unattended children.
6.7 Intimate Behavior
Engaging in sexual conduct or lewd behavior is prohibited.
6.8 Personal Property
Users are responsible for their personal belongings. Unattended personal items may be discarded or turned into the College’s lost and found.
6.9 Damaging Library Property
Users engaging in vandalizing, altering or damaging library buildings, furniture or equipment, including computer systems, networks, programs or data, are in violation of North Carolina State Law and will be subject to the School’s disciplinary policy and local law enforcement (North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 14, Section 398).
6.10 Library Materials
Destroying, damaging or defacing library materials is not permitted and is a violation of North Carolina State Law (North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 14, Section 398). Leaving the library without checking out materials is prohibited.
6.11 Headsets
Computer audio, music and video materials require the use of headsets at all times. Noise from headsets should not be audible to others.
6.12 Library Computers
Computers are for academic research and class-related activities. Staff members reserve the right to ask users to relinquish use as warranted.
6.13 Animals
Only service animals are allowed in the library. Unattended animals found around the library will be reported to the campus police.
SERVICE ANIMALS The ADA defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. If they meet this definition, animals are considered service animals under the ADA regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by a state or local government. A service animal is not a pet. The service animal will be permitted to accompany the individual with a disability to all areas of the college where students are normally allowed to go. A student with a service animal may not be segregated from other students. The service animal is under the care and supervision and is solely the responsibility of his or her owner. The College is not required to provide care, food, or a special location for the animal
6.14 Safety Procedures
Staff will lock unoccupied rooms and ensure the library doors are locked before and after published hours. Only campus employees are allowed in the library outside of posted hours.
6.15 Library Phones
Circulation desk phones are to be used for library business. Anyone using the phone should keep calls local and limited to 2-3 minutes.
Page last updated April 26, 2024
