Facilities Access Policy

The University Library system has a primary mission to support the educational, teaching, research, and administrative needs of the faculty, students, and staff of Illinois Institute of Technology. The collections are also accessible to others whose information needs require these resources. Policies governing the use of the facilities and collections reflect this mission.

Library staff are committed to maintaining a quality study and research environment, protecting the rights of users and sustaining the integrity of collections. In addition to policies and procedures noted below, University-wide policies or civil laws related to facilities or collection vandalism apply.

Access

Any individual may have access to University Library facilities to use general stack collections, space and resources permitting. Due to the specialized nature or fragility of some materials, use of some special collections may be governed by more restrictive policies. Please consult with staff in relevant areas. On-site reference services to assist in accessing the collections are also available to any individual. More extended research inquiries, e.g. searches of computer databases, by individuals unaffiliated with the University will be referred to use the library's fee-based service.

Access for Disabled Patrons

Galvin Library is accessible via a ramp by the front door, electrical doors and wide-gate access on the first level for individuals with wheelchairs. The second floor is accessible via elevator. The Reference area has a special adjustable computer unit for use by those in wheelchairs. Located near the Library entrance is a photocopier designed for wheel chair access and a TDD phone for the hearing impaired. Library staff will also help with retrieving items from shelves.

Classrooms and Group Study Rooms

These facilities are available to our primary clientele only, i.e., members of the campus community, except by special arrangement. The Galvin Library has study carrels for individual use. These carrels are shared with the Career Development Center and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Members of the campus community may consult the administration office for procedures for reserving the Donnelly conference room and the Centennial/Kemper room.

Classroom facilities at the Galvin Library are available for class use related to library instruction. Consult library administrative staff concerning availability.

Destruction or Mutilation of Library Materials

Any person who shall willfully, maliciously, or wantonly mutilate, deface, tear, write upon, mar, or injure any library material or facility may be subjected to loss of library privileges, to appropriate administrative action within the University, and to prosecution under State law.

Emergencies

In the event of fire, tornadoes, or other emergency situations, library staff will alert building occupants to the procedures for evacuation or taking shelter.

Events

Requests for events to be held within a library facility should be directed to the appropriate library's administrative staff.

Filming/Photography

Individuals who wish to film or photograph within a library facility must obtain the permission of the relevant library's circulation staff. Such requests will be accommodated only if there is minimal impact on the environment for research and study.

Food and Drink

Food and drink are not allowed in library reading areas in an attempt to maintain the usable condition of library materials and to improve the study and research environment. Individuals with food and drink will be requested to leave the facility

Literature Distribution, Solicitation

Display of posters, distribution of literature, or solicitation is prohibited except in designated areas or with the permission of the Dean of Students and the Dean of Libraries.

Security

Identification: A person using a library facility may be asked by library staff and/or security personnel to show identification and, if the person refuses, he or she may be asked to leave the facility.

Trespass

The library staff are authorized and will call security to remove a person refusing to vacate the facility.

Department of Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety should be called any time a person refuses to leave after being asked to do so by the proper library staff or any time there is a disturbance or suspicious activity. 911 should be called in case of fire or medical emergency or if law enforcement assistance is needed.

Smoking

In accordance with University regulations, library facilities are no-smoking environments.

Study/Workstation Areas

Some areas within library facilities serve users with specific collection needs. Priority seating in these areas may be given to those individuals who are our primary clientele using these collections and services.

In order to maintain a quality study and research environment, we ask that individuals exercise sensitivity to other users; individuals who wish to engage in discussion are encouraged to use group study rooms when available.

Questions concerning library facilities may be directed to the library's administrative staff. Failure to comply with these policies may result in limitation of access to library facilities.