Policies

Acceptable Use | Service and Emotional Support Animals | Cell Phones, Pages and other Audio Devices | Children and Minors | Circulation of Library Materials | Clothing | Computer Use | Confidentiality of Patron Information | Disruptive Behavior | Emergencies | Filming and Photographing | Food and Drink | Gift Policy | Identification | Langsam Library Instruction Rooms | Library Materials, Equipment, Facilities, and Furniture | Literature Distribution and Posting/Advertising | Skateboards, Skates, and Bicycles | Sales and Solicitation

The mission of the UC Libraries is to empower discovery, stimulate learning and inspire the creation of knowledge by connecting students, faculty, researchers and scholars to dynamic data, information and resources.

In order to provide appropriate library environments for all library users, the following policies have been developed. Persons who do not abide by these policies will be asked to leave the libraries. Campus Police will assist as needed. Repeated or particularly egregious offenses may result in being banned from all UC Libraries. Patrons whose offenses result in being banned from all UC Libraries will be notified in writing with the offenses enumerated. An appeal can be made to the Dean and University Librarian within five days of notification. The decision of the Dean and University Librarian is final.

Please refer to the University's Service Animal and Emotional Support Animal Policy.

Cell phones and pagers should be set to silent or vibrate when in the library in consideration of other library users. Patrons talking on a cell phone may be asked to go to an area where the conversation would be less distracting to others or to leave the library. Headsets must be used for any audio listening while using University of Cincinnati Libraries. Audio devices should be played at a reasonable level that does not disturb others. (Cell phone use is prohibited in the Archives and Rare Books Library and the John Miller Burnam Classics Library).

The University of Cincinnati Libraries provides a welcoming environment that supports research, learning, collaboration, access, and discovery. Minors may use library collections and services and attend library programs that are open to the general public.

Minors visiting libraries must be accompanied and supervised at all times by a parent, guardian, teacher, caregiver, or other responsible adult. Unattended minors are not permitted. The accompanying adult is responsible for the minor's supervision, safety, conduct, and compliance with library and university policies.

If library staff encounter an unattended minor, staff will make reasonable efforts to locate the responsible adult. If a responsible adult cannot be located, or if circumstances warrant immediate intervention, library staff may contact the University of Cincinnati Department of Public Safety or other appropriate authorities. In the event of an emergency, library staff will follow applicable university emergency procedures and may take actions reasonably necessary to protect the health and safety of the minor and others.

Use of library computers, networks, and electronic resources is subject to applicable laws and the university's Acceptable Use of University Information Technology Resources Policy. 

The University of Cincinnati is committed to protecting minors on campus. Definitions of terms and information regarding programs and activities involving minors are available in the university's Protection of Minors on Campus Policy.

To learn about more about using the library, including what materials you can access and how to borrow them, visit the Borrowing page.

Remember that removing or attempting to remove library materials or property without following standard check-out procedures or other authorization is prohibited.

Appropriate dress is required. Shirts and shoes must be worn in the libraries.

Library computers are provided primarily for the use of the UC community. Certain computers in each library are available for community users and some may have time limits. State and federal laws and university computer use regulations apply in the libraries. See for example, the Acceptable Use of Electronic Information Resources Policy.

As a Federal Depository Library, the University of Cincinnati Libraries provides free access for the general public to the U.S. government publications collection, including through online resources. By using a community user accessible computer, the general public can view both online and locally held government information for free during all hours the library is open.

Headsets must be used for any audio listening while using University of Cincinnati Libraries. Audio devices should be played at a reasonable level that does not disturb others.

The University of Cincinnati Libraries are committed to protecting patron confidentiality in accordance with the American Library Association's Code of Ethics (below 1) and the State of Ohio's Patron Confidentiality Laws (below 2). Patron information includes: all information on the patron circulation record; any patron information kept in any other paper, microfilm or computer log or file; and, any information about a patron's request for information.

1. The American Library Association's Code of Ethics states: "We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired, or transmitted."
2. Ohio's Patron Confidentiality Laws states: "'Library record' means a record in any form that is maintained by a library and that contains any of the following types of information: (a) information that the library requires an individual to provide in order to be eligible to use library services or borrow materials; (b) information that identifies an individual as having requested or obtained specific materials or materials on a particular subject; (c) information that is provided by an individual to assist a library staff member to answer a specific question or provide information on a particular subject."

Disruptive behavior that unreasonably interferes with the use and enjoyment of the library by students, faculty and staff of the University or other patrons is prohibited. Examples include:

• Creating unreasonable noise
• Harassment of others, including verbal or physical attack or other conduct with intent to annoy other patrons
• Odor constituting a nuisance or health and safety concern
• Bringing in personal belongings not essential to the research undertaking (bedrolls, carts, frame backpacks, large duffel bags, bicycles)
• Behavior that unreasonably disturbs others or interferes with the appropriate use of the facility, including inappropriate sexual behavior

In the event of fire, severe weather, power outages, or other emergency situations, library staff, Public Safety staff, or a public emergency announcement will alert building occupants to the procedures for evacuation or taking shelter. All fire alarms require immediate exit by all building occupants.

UC students, faculty, and staff may film/photograph for academic use in the libraries provided that they do not photograph users without permission or cause a disruption. Others wishing to film/photograph in the libraries (i.e. the Media) must be approved to do so by Library Administration (513-556-1558) or an appropriate library administrator provided no users are photographed without permission and no disturbance is created.

Policies on food and drink vary in our library facilities.

In most UC Library locations, food and beverages in covered containers (i.e. bottled water, travel mugs, sodas, coffee cups with lids, thermoses, etc.) are permitted in the library. Use extra care at the computers. If you spill anything, please clean up and notify someone at a public service desk if you need assistance.

Exceptions: Food and beverages are not permitted in the following areas:

• Library classrooms and the Computer Lab in the Donald C. Harrison Health Sciences Library
• Archives and Rare Books Library
• Henry R. Winkler Center for the History of the Health Professions
• John Miller Burnam Classics Library
• College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Library Reading Room
• Study rooms in the Robert A. Deshon and Karl J. Schlachter Library for Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning

Those not complying with these policies will be asked to dispose of their food and/or beverage or leave the building.

• Library staff may request a valid photo ID at any time to verify identity, university affiliation, eligibility for library services, or compliance with library policies.

• During evening Bearcat Hours (after The Desk@Langsam closes), a valid UC Bearcat Card is required for entry to Langsam Library.

Misuse of library materials, equipment, facilities, and furniture is prohibited. The following are examples of prohibited actions:

• Destruction, mutilation, misuse or defacement of any library materials, furniture, or facilities
• Damaging of hardware or equipment
• Tampering with software or changing equipment settings

• Bulletin boards within library service areas are reserved for official University of Cincinnati and library communications.
• A public bulletin board is available in the fourth-floor lobby of Langsam Library for postings consistent with university policy.
• Posting, advertising, and literature distribution must comply with the UC Use of Facilities Policy Manual. Materials not in compliance with university policy may be removed. 
• Questions about posting materials in the libraries should be referred to Library Administration (513-556-1558) or College and Departmental Library Department Heads.

The University of Cincinnati is a pedestrian campus acclaimed for its landscape, hardscape, and open areas. The university's sustainability initiatives are supportive of students navigating campus via bicycles, skateboards, in-line skates, scooters, and other personal mobility devices.

However, bicycles, skateboards, in-line skates, and scooters are for transportation on and across campus only. They are not permitted inside any library facility and should be stored or chained outside of the libraries. 

(See the Bicycle-Skateboard-and Other Similar Device Policy in the University of Cincinnati Use of Facilities Policy Manual.) 

Please refer to University Rule 2261:10-51-01 “Sales and Solicitation Policy and procedure."

Questions regarding these rules may be directed to the Library Administration (513) 556-1515.

Approved by MC December 7, 2011    Edited August 31, 2026.