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Bethel Library: Guidelines and Procedures

Guidelines

The Bethel Library provides adult learners with an academic environment, aiming to support research, assignment completion, and studying by providing low noise and low distraction areas. Due to the configuration of study areas, the library team asks all visitors to exhibit appropriate library behavior while visiting the library.

Conduct Guidelines

Behavior 

The following behaviors are not permitted;

  • Removing, or attempting to remove, library materials or property without checkout or other official library authorization.
  • Aggressive or disruptive behavior directed at staff in-person, over the phone, chat or email correspondence. 
  • Concealing, or reserving without Library authorization, material in the Library for the exclusive use of an individual or group.
  • Stealing or knowingly possessing stolen Burroughs Learning Center Library property.
  • Failing either to return or renew library materials when due or failing to clear delinquent accounts.
  • Defacing, mutilating, vandalizing, or otherwise damaging Burroughs Learning Center Library property, which includes furniture or equipment.
  • Opening emergency exits, except when in an emergency, or blocking emergency exits.
  • Being in non-public areas without authorization or in library facilities during closed hours.
  • Use of any tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, or illegal drugs while in the Library.
  • Creating a disruption or distracting behavior
  • Exhibiting any behavior not conducive to a professional learning environment including being loud or boisterous, being rude or insulting to library staff, swearing or using foul language, being overly affectionate (kissing, sitting on laps, laying on top of someone, etc.), or leaving trash in anything other than a trash can.
  • Refusing to show Student ID or other required identification upon request of Library Staff.
  • Consuming food or drinking liquids in unapproved containers in the Library.
  • Sleeping in the Library. It is understood that students will be working long hours, exhaustion occurs and students may fall asleep while studying; however “camping out” or needing a place to take a nap, inside the Library is not permitted.

Computer Access and Use

  • All computers are monitored and visible to the library staff at all times.
  • Unauthorized use of Library computers can result in loss of privileges.
  • It is prohibited to use Library computers to view pornography, ­­­­violence, illegal activities, or any such websites. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Cell Phone

Please respect others’ privacy and need for a quiet place in which to study and observe these guidelines that have been put in place regarding the use of cell phones in the Library.

Cell phones must be turned on silent or off. Cell phone use is prohibited throughout the Library. Calls are to be taken outside of the Burroughs Learning Center as a courtesy to those who are studying. In the event that an individual is talking or video calling on their cell phone while in the Library, they will be asked to please take the call outside by L­ibrary Staff (this includes talking on headphones/earbuds). If the individual refuses, Security will be called to handle the situation.  The individual will then be reported to the Library Dean.

Photography, Videotaping, or Filming

Out of respect for other's privacy and the need for a quiet space in which to study, photography, videotaping, or filming must be approved by the Library Dean.

Procedures

Individuals or groups wishing to photograph, videotape, or film within the Library must:

  1. Email the Library Dean at library@bethelu.edu to Request to Photograph/Videotape/Film in the Burroughs Learning Center Library form at least 3 weeks prior to the date needed (See the end of Code of Conduct Form Section).
  2. Have received a copy of the approved request.
  3. Present the copy of the approved request to the Library Staff at the time the photography/videotaping/filming is to take place.
  4. Obtain prior consent of any individual who is to be the subject of the photography/videotaping/filming.

Right to Terminate

The Burroughs Learning Center Library reserves the right to terminate any photography/videotaping/filming that causes an undue disturbance, violates Library or Bethel University policies or regulations, or endangers the health and safety of participants, Library patrons, or Library Staff. If those violating the Library or University’s policies or regulations refuse, Security will be called to handle the situation.  The parties involved will then be reported to the Library Dean depending on if the individual is a student or community patron.

 

Only light snacks and drinks with lids can be enjoyed in the Library. No messy foods, delivery of outside items, and foods that will damage library property. 

Delivery of food from outside vendors is not allowed.

Minor Guildelines

As this academic environment is available to all students at Bethel, the library shares important guidelines regarding building visitation and use for student, faculty, and staff users and visitors with accompanying minors: 

  • Minors are defined as children and teenagers under the age of 18. 
  • No unaccompanied or unattended minors are allowed in the Library. If an unaccompanied or unattended minor is located away from their parent or guardian, Campus Security will be notified immediately. 
    • Unattended is defined as a minor wandering away from their guardian on the main floor or going downstairs or outside without the parent/guardian. 
  • The parent/guardian of the minor is responsible for monitoring their child, including their behavior and location, at all times. Minors must remain with their parents/guardian for the full duration of their visit to the library. At any point, if the minor’s behavior becomes disruptive to the academic environment, then both the parent/guardian and minor may be asked to leave the library. 
  • Both minors and parents/guardians must follow all library rules and guidelines.
  • Infants are permitted under the direct care of the parent/guardian so long as they do not disrupt the academic environment. This includes noise level and distraction (i.e. running around, using computers). If there is a disruption due to excessive crying, screaming, or running, the library team will ask the parent/guardian and minor to leave the library. 
    • Infants are defined as children under the age of 2. 
  • Currently, there is not an opportunity for minors to use the library's computers. Parents/guardians are solely responsible for monitoring their children while at the computers. Parent/guardian students themselves have computer access opportunities and are asked to be mindful of other users when they have a minor with them in these spaces.
  • The library staff will not monitor or watch children in place of parents/guardians. 

The Group Study Rooms are available for enrolled/active students, faculty, and staff. All participants in the study room must fall into the category noted.  

 

Contact Us
Library Phone: (731) 352-4083 - Library Email: library@bethelu.edu
BU Tutoring Phone (731) 352-6926 - BU Tutoring Email: bututoring@bethelu.edu
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BETHEL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY --- 325 CHERRY AVENUE, McKENZIE, TN 38201, UNITED STATES --- 731-352-4083 --- LIBRARY@BETHELU.EDU