Library Policies and Procedures: Patron Conduct

ECTC Library resources, services, and facilities are provided to support the mission of the college and the mission of ECTC Library. All patrons have the right to use the library in an environment that is safe, comfortable, and respectful. Disruptive behavior does not support that environment and may pose a threat to the safety of library patrons or staff.

All patrons must adhere to the KCTCS Information and Information Technology policies and the KCTCS Code of Student Conduct while using library facilities, collections, or services.

Library staff will take appropriate action to remedy disruptive behavior, including, if necessary, notifying campus security and/or the Elizabethtown Police Department.

Patrons are encouraged to bring any concerns to the attention of library staff. Causing a disturbance, failing to comply with a request from library personnel or campus security, and/or showing disrespect for fellow patrons or staff may result in restriction of library privileges and/or removal from the library or campus.

Patrons are expected to attend to personal belongings. The library is not responsible for belongings left unattended. For the purposes of this policy, disruptive or unacceptable behavior is understood to include, but is not limited to:

• Failure to comply with request or directive from library personnel
• Interfering with another person’s use of the library or with the library staff’s performance of their duties
• Loud, unreasonable, and/or disturbing noises, including
  • Loud, continuing conversations
  • Singing/whistling
  • Playing of audio so that others can hear it, including loud headphones
• Behaving in a manner that reasonably can be expected to disturb other persons
• Failure to maintain acceptable personal hygiene
• Obscene or abusive acts and/or language
• Smoking or other uses of tobacco or e-cigarettes (vaping)
• Obstructing or interfering with the freedom of movement through traffic patterns
• Possessing or consuming alcohol or illegal drugs or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Intentionally damaging, destroying, or stealing any library property or a patron's or employee's property
• Littering
• Disorderly conduct, fighting, or provoking violence
• Any type of weapons possession
• Leaving a child under 12 years of age unattended by an adult
• Engaging in sexual harassment or overt sexual behavior
• Refusing to leave the library at closing time, or as directed by library staff, security, or college administration
• Creating a fire or safety hazard
• Any other illegal acts or conduct in violation of federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation