Library Code of Conduct

The Library Code of Conduct promotes positive experiences with library spaces, resources, and services for all library users. 

Library users 

The Library Code of Conduct applies to all users of library spaces, resources, and services, regardless of membership status. 

Flinders University Library’s priority is to support the learning, teaching and research needs of our students, staff and council members. These users automatically receive library membership.  

Library membership for other users may be subject to registration and a fee, and access to spaces, resources, and services limited (see membership categories for details). The following users are eligible for library membership:  

• Flinders University alumni
• Retired Flinders University staff
• Year 11 and 12 high school students from South Australia (including ASMS)
• Flinders Medical Centre employees
• Members of other Australian and New Zealand universities, and other organisations that the library has a reciprocal agreement with
• Members of the public   

General behaviour  

We expect all library users to be considerate of others, both online and in person, and to behave in a reasonable manner that does not interfere with the enjoyment, comfort, or safety of others.  

You will help to contribute to a culture of respect and tolerance by:

• Using decent language and being polite
• Behaving in a friendly and peaceful manner
• Respecting boundaries and sensitivities

Use of library spaces 

Flinders University Library provides library users with a safe and inclusive space for study and research.  

You will help to contribute to a positive environment, conducive to learning by:

• Being mindful of your noise levels and selecting an appropriate area to work in
• Only consuming food and drinks (lidded non-alcohol) when you can avoid spillage and disturbance to others
• Leaving areas as you found them, by placing rubbish in the bins provided and taking your personal belongings with you
• Notifying library staff of any areas or equipment in need of cleaning or repair
• Reducing clutter by refraining from displaying and distributing posters, flyers, or other printed material, unless approved
• Supporting Accredited Assistance Animals to work in a distraction-free environment by not bringing in domestic pets and other companion or therapy animals
• Using library equipment and information technology facilities in a responsible manner that does not infringe copyright or any other rights
• Notifying library staff before filming or engaging in other activities that may affect other library users. External companies and individuals must not film or conduct activities in the library without obtaining permission
• Enjoying a smoke-free environment by not smoking or vaping. 

Use of library resources 

Flinders University Library provides access to high quality and relevant information resources in a variety of formats, and endeavours to make these as widely available as possible. 

You will help to contribute to the care and equitable sharing of library resources by: 

Physical resources

• Treating items with care to avoid damage, both within and outside the library
• Borrowing items with your Flinders University ID card before removing them from the library (books identified with a Read & Return sticker are exempt from this requirement)
• Following loan conditions and returning items when they are due
• Communicating with library staff if you are unable to return items, including if items are lost or damaged
• Paying fees for lost or damaged items in a timely manner. 

Digital resources

• Only using resources for your own research, teaching, or study purposes
• Respecting any licence terms and conditions, including downloading and printing limits
• Keeping your login credentials private. 

Consequences 

Flinders University Library strives to provide access to our spaces, resources, and services for all library users. However, in cases where library users fail to adhere to the Library Code of Conduct, we reserve the right to implement the following measures while ensuring access to our facilities and offerings.

• Users behaving unreasonably will be required to leave the library immediately when requested by library or security staff. To ensure clarity, unreasonable behaviour includes, but is not limited to, engaging in disorderly behaviour; participating in any form of sexual activity; making aggressive, derogatory, racist, or highly defamatory remarks; and behaving rudely, confrontationally, or in a threatening manner
• Users who misuse library resources may have borrowing restrictions applied and/or lose access to digital resources. Failure to pay fees for lost or damaged items may result in sanctions, affecting a student’s ability to graduate
• In cases of severe misconduct and/or repeated breaches, the Director of Library Services will take the following action:
  • Students will be reported to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students) to action appropriately as per the Handling a Matter under Statute (6.4): Student Conduct
  • Staff will be reported as per the processes set out in the Enterprise Agreement and associated policies
  • Other library users may be prohibited from accessing library spaces, resources, and services and/or reported to the appropriate authorities   

Authorisation  

The Director of Library Services may vary any of the conditions outlined in the Library Code of Conduct at any time either in specific cases or generally. 

Feedback   

If you have any feedback or questions about the Library Code of Conduct please contact us at library@flinders.edu.au or complete our feedback form.