Mission Statement

Although the Library endorses the Albright College Code of Conduct and its Statement of Principle as the mechanism designed to implement the standards of conduct for the Albright College student community, it has further defined appropriate behaviors for all patrons of the Albright Library, whether or not they are students enrolled at Albright, in order to provide the College community with the best possible environment for research and study.

Responsibilities of the College

Members of the Albright community and visitors are invited to use the Library's information resources and services. The Gingrich Library strives to provide access to complete and well-maintained collections, information resources and equipment. The Library seeks to provide a safe and secure environment with facilities suitable for reading, studying and other activities associated with scholarly teaching and research. Library staff endeavor to meet or exceed the patron's service expectations.

Responsibilities of the Patrons

Library users are expected to respect the rights of others, the integrity of the Library's resources and the scholarly mission of the Library. Patrons will:

• Use email, computer or Internet resources within the guidelines of the Administrative and Academic Computing Ethical and Legal Practices Agreement.
  
• Adhere to policies governing appropriate use of college identification and present identification upon request.
• Agree to pass through a security system at the exit. Patron may be asked to present book bags and briefcases for inspection to prevent theft of Library materials.
• Comply with library policies and college policies as stated on the college website and the Compass.
  
• Respond to emergency and security gate alarms and other situations as instructed by staff; leave buildings at closing and limit use of the library to authorized areas only.
  
• Use cell phones in designated areas only.
• If under 18, be accompanied by an parent or guardian if they wish to use the Library computers.
• If under 13, be accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian at all times if they wish to use the Library, unless a formal request for service has already been approved by the Library staff.
• Respond to Library staff requests for compliance with these rules immediately and civilly.

Patrons will not engage in conduct that disturbs Library users, is unsafe or harmful to themselves or others, or interferes with Library activities. Library users will not:

• Exhibit any threatening or intimidating behaviors, e.g., abusive language, threats of violence or harassment.
• Engage in behavior that is potentially unsafe or harmful to self or others, e.g., bringing weapons into library, rollerblading, or throwing objects.
  
• Create disturbances with disruptive noise, e.g., loud talking or audible electronic devices.
  
• Engage in any sexual activities including, but not limited to, unwanted or inappropriate touching, unwanted or inappropriate advances, harassment or indecent exposure.
  
• Vend, peddle, solicit or petition in the Library.
• Post or distribute materials without permission.
  
• Use alcohol, tobacco or controlled substances.
  
• Disturb others with strong odors, e.g., perfumes, alcohol or unsanitary personal conditions.
  
• Obstruct use of Library equipment or facilities, or deny access to Library materials through theft or deliberate misplacement.
  
• Deface or damage Library materials including, but not limited to, underlining, highlighting, writing, removing pages or security devices.
  
• Misuse, misappropriate or damage Library furniture, buildings or equipment, including computer systems.
  
• Have food or unapproved drink containers in the Library, except in designated areas.
  
• Bring animals, other than identified service animals, into the Library.
  
• Leave personal belongings unattended.

Sanctions for noncompliance

• Library users found in violation of this conduct policy may be asked to present their identification card or personal identification to Library staff or the Public Safety staff; may be subject to a search of backpacks or bags; may be directed to leave the premises and not return to any Library facilities for the day or longer; and may be reported to the Albright College Department of Public Safety.
• Disciplinary or legal action may also be taken in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws and policies.

Albright College Code of Conduct -- Statement of Principle

"Albright College seeks to provide students with an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to critical analysis, problem solving, and the leadership skills required to translate what is learned into effective action. Students at Albright College are both citizens and members of the academic community. As citizens, students enjoy the freedoms of speech, peaceful assembly, and the right to petition. However, as members of the academic community, they are subject to certain obligations, which accrue to them by virtue of this membership. The success of an academic community in a residential setting depends upon the willingness of individuals to associate together in such a way that individual freedom and responsible order coexists. As a socially responsible academic community, Albright College seeks a structure within which individual freedom may flourish without jeopardizing the requirements of an academic community and without becoming so self-centered that the resulting environment damages the very freedom it was intended to support. Representative student input will always be solicited in developing policies governing student conduct. This Student Code of Conduct balances the rights and responsibilities of the individual with those of the College. It also recognizes that rights and responsibilities are separate entities, yet one cannot exist without the other. To promote the optimum learning by everyone within the community of this campus, all must adhere to principles that support these goals. The principles outlined in the Student Code of Conduct describe the rights and responsibilities of which each community member must be aware."