Code of Conduct

Updated: 06-27-2025 (Updated text and format to meet new library policy standards, consolidated building policies)

Policy Narrative

Northern University Libraries are committed to providing an attractive and supportive environment for quiet study and research. Users should refrain from activities that disrupt or hinder the use of Library resources and facilities for these purposes.

Respectful Behavior

• Please leave study spaces neat and clean, ready for use by other patrons.
• Please do not leave possessions unattended.
• Please do not enter areas restricted to Library staff.
• Smoking, illegal drug use, the consumption of alcoholic beverages, weapons or firearms are prohibited.
• Items that place the Libraries’ collections or users at risk, such as Hoverboards, are prohibited.
• Please follow the directions of Library staff, especially in emergency situations.
• Please leave promptly at closing time.
• Animals are not permitted in the Libraries, except service animals.

Noise and Disturbances

• When entering the library, please mute all telecommunication devices.
• Conversations should be conducted in quiet tones.
• Please use headphones on any device that produces sound or use such devices in designated rooms only.
• Noise or activity that is disruptive to the quiet study and research environment is prohibited.
• Groups using the library, such as classes or study groups, are encouraged to use the group study rooms, if available, with the doors kept closed.
• The 4th floor is for quiet study.
• Anyone who is making excessive noise or disruptive activity in the library will be asked to be quiet or cease such activity. Upon continued infraction, a person may be required to leave the library, written up for violation of the Student Judicial Code for noise, disruption, or obstruction (Section 3-4, NIU Student Judicial Code) or will be subject to further action in accordance with university regulations.

Appropriate Use of Library Materials & Equipment

• Please keep track of Library materials you have borrowed and return materials promptly.
• Please do not steal, damage, mutilate, or deface Library materials, equipment, or facilities.
• Please do not conceal Library materials in the Libraries for your own exclusive use.
• Please do not misuse or monopolize Library computers or equipment.
• Please leave Library materials to be reshelved by Library staff.

Food and Beverages

• Refrain from eating over open Library materials.
• Beverages in containers with securely fastened lids and food are allowed in most areas of the library.
• Open beverage containers (including paper or Styrofoam cups) are only allowed in the staff lounge on the lower level (including the adjacent elevator/escalator lobby) and in designated staff meeting rooms and offices or in direct transit to one of these staff areas.
• Users are liable for any damage to library property and equipment caused by food or beverages.

Filming and Photographing in the Library

• No photography, videotaping, recording, or filming is allowed in the Libraries without permission.
• Individuals or organizations that wish to film or take photographs in the library, including all branch libraries, must get permission to do so from either the Associate Dean for Public Services or the Dean of the University Libraries. Once approved, these requests will be forwarded to the Libraries’ Security office.

Children in the Library

• The same regulations as all other library users, e.g., eating only in designated areas or keeping noise at acceptable levels.
• All children aged 16 and under must be accompanied and supervised by a parent, teacher or guardian while in the library.
• If an unattended child is doing something that could result in an injury such as playing on an elevator or escalator, intervention to protect them from physical harm will be taken.
• If after a verbal warning policy violations persist, children may be requested to leave the building.

No Smoking

The University Libraries complies with the State of Illinois, Illinois Clean Indoor Air Act (enacted January 9, 1990), and the Northern Illinois University Smoke-Free Campus Policy. Individuals found smoking in an area will be asked to extinguish what they are smoking. Upon continued infraction of this policy a person will be asked to leave the Libraries and/or be subject to charges of violation of university regulations and state laws.