The Amherst College Library is committed to providing a safe, pleasant and productive environment for both patrons and library staff.

The Library does not regulate or restrict what patrons read or view. It resists all efforts to censor library resources. (See section II of the American Library Association Code of Ethics.)

The following are examples of behaviors that, because they are illegal, are not permitted:

  • Smoking in or within 25 feet of the building (includes all forms of e-cigarettes)
  • Using illegal substances (including alcohol, unless it is part of an approved College function)
  • Damaging library property, including computers
  • Stealing library materials
  • Exhibitionism
  • Soliciting or canvassing of any kind unless authorized by the College

Other behaviors, while not illegal, do violate the communal expectation for use of the Library's shared resources, and are therefore not permitted. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Refusing to leave at closing time
  • Verbally abusing or harassing staff or patrons
  • Using a cell phone so as to disturb others
  • Leaving personal belongings at a computer workstation without returning for 30 minutes or more
  • Riding vehicles with wheels (other than service vehicles)
  • Bringing animals into public areas (except service animals) 
    • We request that service dogs/animals be marked with a harness, vest or collar that indicates that they are in service. This helps others know not to interact with your service animal
  • Prolonged physical exuberance or loud talking

Patrons who feel threatened by the behavior of others should immediately report the threat to the Amherst College Police: x2291. They should report other concerns to library staff.

12/2013