Wilson Dental Library Code of Conduct

  9am to 6pm

Wilson Dental Library Code of Conduct

Library Use: 

Access to the library is permitted only for purposes of using library resources or studying. Soliciting or loitering is not permitted. 

Identification: 

Library users must be prepared to provide valid personal identification (USC ID) if asked by library staff or campus Public Safety personnel. 

Quiet Atmosphere in Study Areas: 

A quiet atmosphere is expected in all areas of the library.  Any noise or activity that disturbs others, including noise from conversations, mobile devices, or laptops, is considered inappropriate. Mobile devices should be placed on silent mode and conversations are not permitted in the library. If you are disturbed by persistent noise, please report the problem to the staff at the front desk. Library staff are permitted to ask persons who are disturbing others to leave. 

Food and Drinks: 

USC Libraries welcome covered drinks and light snacks in public spaces so long as food items do not disrupt the inviting, comfortable environment for study, research, and collaboration.

Please:

  • Be mindful of the value of library materials to learning and research.
  • Drink beverages in securely covered containers.
  • Limit food to snacks, in small containers or packages, that do not emit strong odors.
  • Clean up dropped food and report liquid spills to library personnel.

To protect and preserve library collections and spaces, the following are not permitted:

  • Meals, such as sandwiches and pizza, and heated food of any kind.
  • Food and beverage deliveries.
  • Alcoholic beverages.
  • Other items at the discretion of library personnel.

Please see the complete food and drinks policy for USC Libraries for more information. 

Library Computers:

Patrons engaged in research or coursework have priority use of computer stations in the library. Those using the stations for entertainment purposes may be asked to vacate the station. Policies set forth by the University regarding acceptable use must be followed. 

Theft prevention and Unattended Items: 

By entering the library, users are agreeing to pass through a security system. Library users may be asked to present backpacks or other personal items for inspection if the detection alarm is activated.  

To prevent theft, do not leave personal items unattended.  The Library is not responsible for thefts or vandalism to personal property. 

Unattended items may be removed or reported to the Department of Public Safety (DPS). 

Children in the Library: 

Children younger than 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times when in the library. Parents are reminded that others are using this facility as a place of quiet study/research, and thus, we require parents to monitor their children’s behavior.

Pets in the Library: 

The presence of pets in the library can be disruptive as well as unsanitary; they may compromise the safety and health of students, faculty, staff and visitors and may expose the university to legal liability (for example, if a dog bites someone). Faculty, staff and students are prohibited from bringing pets into any USC building, including, but not limited to, classrooms, work areas, housing and research areas. 

This policy does not apply to animals used as a disability-aid or animals associated with research. 

Please see the University policy on pets.

Unacceptable Activities:

  • Removing or attempting to remove library equipment or property without authorization from library staff.

  • Posting of announcements, flyers, personal invitations, etc. in or on library property without authorization from library staff.

  • Conducting disruptive meetings in the library’s group rooms or public spaces.

  • Concealing library materials or deliberately misplacing materials in the library for the exclusive use of an individual or group.

  • Damaging library materials by marking, underlining, removing pages or portions of pages, removing binding, removing electronic theft devices, using post-it’s and paperclips or in any other way damaging or defacing library materials.

  • Damaging or misusing library furniture or equipment.

  • Failing to respect copyright laws, including persistent downloading, printing or saving of copyrighted information to library computers or personal devices.

  • Inappropriate use of the Internet that violates University technology policies. 

  • Loitering in restricted areas of the library or remaining in the library after closing.

  • Opening emergency exits except in case of an emergency.

  • Misusing or tampering with computing, media equipment or Internet connections.

  • Wearing paper/clinic gowns or personal protective equipment (PPE) within the library.

  • Smoking tobacco or electronic cigarettes in the library facility. Please see USC’s smoke-free policy.

Violation of this code could result in being asked to leave the library or to modify behavior. Failure to comply with library guidelines and University policy may result in the loss of library privileges. Library faculty and staff reserve the right to pursue action through the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry’s ethics committee or SPECC.