Library Policies


Acceptable Use of BU Only Electronic Resources

All "BU only" resources are library subscriptions that are accessible only from the Binghamton University (BU) network or from an Internet Service Provider using the library proxy server. Access and use is restricted by license agreements to purposes of research, teaching, and private study by current BU faculty, staff, and students. The following are strictly prohibited: all commercial use; copying or tampering with any software or code used to display and/or run the resources; the systematic downloading, copying or distributing of information (including for use in course packs); and removing or altering copyright notices. Misuse of these resources violates the terms of BU's license agreements. Violation of a licensing agreement could result in termination of the resource to the entire campus community. For more information: Binghamton University Copyright Policy.

Acceptable Use of Library Computers and the Network

Access to information technology is essential to the Binghamton University Libraries' (Libraries) mission to provide leadership to the University community in accessing and using information resources for teaching, learning and research. The preservation of that privilege by the full community requires that each BU faculty member, staff member, student, and other authorized users comply with institutional and external standards for appropriate use. For more information: Binghamton University Network and Computer Policy.

Animals

Animals are prohibited in the Libraries except for certified guide dogs and service animals for individuals with visual or physical disabilities.

Audio and Video Materials

The Libraries assumes no responsibility for any possible damage to the users' audio or video equipment that might be related to using audio-visual materials borrowed from the Libraries.

Authentication for Accessing Computing Resources

A sign-on is required to use all public computers in the Libraries. For library users who just need to check a record in the catalog, there are catalog-only computers in Bartle and Science libraries. Community patrons may obtain a sign-on at the Bartle Reference Desk or the Bartle, Science and UDC Library Information Services Desks. Authentication is necessary to provide services and enhance network security. For more information: Binghamton University Privacy Policy.

Binghamton University Libraries Services Privacy Statement

The Libraries will not give, share or sell your personal information in its possession except as required by law. New York State's Privacy of Information Law protects the privacy of individuals by prohibiting libraries from revealing certain borrower information to third parties lacking proper jurisdictional authority. Questions you ask using email and other virtual reference services may be reviewed by library staff. These questions may be used for training or to populate a “Frequently Asked Questions” database. All personally identifying information from these questions will be removed. In order to use some of our virtual reference services, you may be required to sign up and download software from a third party vendor. The Libraries is not responsible for the use of your personal information by these services. For information on how your information could be used, please read their privacy policies. For more information: Binghamton University Privacy Policy.

Conveyances

For safety reasons, bicycles, roller blades and skateboards are not permitted in the Libraries.

Cooperation

All library users are expected to abide by Libraries and Information Commons policies and will be asked to comply if necessary.

Users who do not comply with these requests will be asked to leave the library. If a user refuses to leave the library after being requested to do so, library staff will ask for identification and refer the matter to the Office of Judicial Affairs for possible judicial action. The Libraries may also utilize the services of the University Police should a user become disruptive or abusive.

According to the University Student Handbook: “Students are required to cooperate with University officials when those officials have identified themselves and are acting expressly within their authority to enforce a written policy.” Library staff and student employees who are carrying out assigned work responsibilities are included as University officials.

Distribution of Materials

Because of the large number of requests, the Libraries are unable to provide space for posting flyers or to serve as distribution point for newspapers and other promotional materials.

Disruptive Behavior

Behavior that interferes with the appropriate use of the Libraries is not permitted. This includes excessive noise, altercations, theft, vandalism of collection materials or facilities, inappropriate sexual behavior, and harassment of any kind that causes others to feel threatened or uncomfortable. Any patron creating a disturbance will be asked to leave the library.

Food & Drink

In order to preserve a clean and pleasant study environment, we request that library users be reasonable and responsible when bringing beverages into the building. Please dispose of any waste in appropriate trash/recycling bins located throughout the library; alert library staff to any spills; and take particular care around library collections and equipment. Food is not permitted. For more information: please see our complete Food and Drink Policy.

Group Study Rooms/Carrels

On the 4th floor of the Bartle Library, there are 8 group study rooms available for study and consultation on a first-come, first-served basis for groups of 2-6 students. Four of the study rooms are located in the center of the 4th floor and the other 4 study rooms are located in the corners of the building. The Science Library has 3 group study rooms - one on the 1st floor and two on the ground floor.

In addition to the group study rooms, the Bartle Library has individual carrels assigned on a yearly basis to graduate and PhD students. Food and drink are not permitted in the group study rooms or carrels. For more information: Locked Study Carrels.

Hygiene

For health and safety reasons, the Libraries request that shirts and shoes be worn at all times. Any activity posing a sanitary or health risk to others is prohibited.

ID Check for Late Night Study

A valid BU ID card is now required to access the Bartle Library upon entering during late night hours. This policy has been established to ensure the safety of BU students and to preserve the facility for its intended use. Cooperation of all library users is appreciated. Upon entering the library late at night, you will be asked by library staff to present your BU ID card. Additional information regarding ID cards can be found in the University Student Handbook.

Lost and Found

Lost and found items are temporarily held either at the Bartle Circulation Desk, Science Library Information Services Desk or the UDC Library Service Desk. All lost wallets, purses, electronic devices, ID cards and other large valuable items are reported immediately to the University Police to be picked up by the University Police. All lost and found items not picked up in a timely manner will be given to the University Police.

Personal Property

Library users are responsible for their personal property at all times and should never leave personal belongings unattended. Personal belongings left unattended may be removed and placed in the lost and found at a library circulation desk or may be turned over to the University Police. The Libraries are not liable for loss or damage to personal property.

Photography

Individuals, classes, groups, or organizations desiring to film in the Libraries, library staff or library users must first seek permission in the Libraries’ Administrative Office.

Tobacco

The Libraries are a tobacco free environment.

Unaccompanied Children

Campus facilities are designed for use by members of the university community, which includes students, faculty, staff and visitors. The Libraries welcome children accompanying a parent or adult caregiver. Children under 12 must be under the supervision of an adult (person 18 years or older) who assumes responsibility for him or her while in the Libraries.

If a child is left unattended in the library or in the event of an emergency situation, staff will notify University Police.