The IU Libraries are a destination for students, faculty, and researchers from every part of campus and beyond. A broad spectrum of activity within the IU Libraries reflects the diversity within the academic community. The Libraries’ goal is to limit disruptions to the everyday work of students and faculty who rely on the environments the library provides, while also accommodating the diverse needs of the campus community.

All library users must adhere to the following:

  • Be respectful of other library users.
  • Behavior that results in complaints or threatens to damage library property, disruptive behavior, food/beverage distribution, soliciting, pets or non-service animals, rollerblades/skates, bicycles/scooters, etc. are not permitted in the library.
  • Any person who is disrupting or whose behavior threatens to disrupt the work of others will be asked to cease the disruptive activity or may be asked to leave.
  • Only post signs, posters, fliers, in designated areas.
  • Per Division of Student Affairs guidelines: Chalking is a temporary form of communication, typically used for meeting callouts or immediate responses to current events. Therefore, it is permitted only in open areas on horizontal surfaces, such as sidewalks and plazas, which can reasonably be expected to be reached by rain and are not covered by an overhang. Chalking is prohibited in the following areas:
    • On exterior facades of buildings
    • On surfaces such as walls, columns, terrace-retaining walls, trees, limestone benches, or covered entry walkways into a building
    • On steps or stairs attached to or leading toward any buildings
    • Under any covered area, where the chalk will not be washed away by rainfall
    • Within 10 feet of any door or building entrance

Disruptive or unlawful behavior:

The IU Libraries mission is to inspire and empower students and faculty to excel in innovative research and creative activity, outstanding teaching and publishing, and deep, reflective learning. In order to achieve this, we must create and ensure a supportive physical environment where our students, faculty, and staff feel safe to engage in intellectual exploration.

  • IU Students, Faculty, & Staff
    • In order to create a safe shared learning environment where people and ideas feel valued, the IU Libraries’ staff will work with students, faculty and staff to resolve disruptions and behaviors that violate the Libraries’ general behavior and conduct policy. In order to achieve this, the Libraries will use a de-escalation approach to address individual situations as necessary and only involve the IUPD in instances of behavior where physical harm is specifically threatened or implied.
  • Unaffiliated Researchers
    • Unaffilliated researchers and visitors to IU Libraries are expected to follow and subject to this policy. If visitors are found to be in violation of these policies, they will be asked to cease the disruptive behavior. If they refuse to comply with the General Behavior and Conduct Policy, they will be asked to leave the Libraries. If visitors refuse to vacate the Libraries upon request, IU Libraries reserves the right to call the IUPD for further assistance.

It is recommended that all library users adhere to the following:

  • Set cell phone ringers to vibrate.
  • Speak in normal conversational tones.
  • Do not leave personal electronics, text books, or any personal belongings unattended. Unattended materials will be submitted to the university's lost and found. 

Related University Policies

All Indiana University policies on appropriate use of computers and on appropriate conduct apply in the Learning Commons:

Location: