The Ohio State University Libraries is dedicated to an inclusive and respectful environment, prioritizing community well-being, information stewardship and facility preservation. Our Community Standards guarantee a welcoming and safe experience for all library users. Staff will address any behavior contrary to these principles through dialogue for issue resolution whenever possible.
1. Respect for Safety and Well-being
The safety and well-being of our Ohio State community are paramount. All library visitors must adhere to the guidelines and requirements outlined on the Safe and Healthy Buckeyes website and pertinent university rules including university space rules. Each person plays a vital role in maintaining a safe community, and we expect faculty, staff, students and community members to lead by example in promoting healthy behaviors.
2. Living our Values
We encourage all library users to engage in behavior that promotes a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere and is in line with Ohio State's Shared Values. This includes:
- Excellence and Impact: Embracing creative approaches, proactively collaborating with fellow visitors for meaningful outcomes, and offering feedback to help us better serve the community.
- Diversity and Innovation: Actively seeking and valuing the potential of every individual to contribute new and innovative ideas.
- Inclusion and Equity: Engaging in civil discourse, listening to multiple voices and perspectives and working toward dismantling systemic biases and discrimination when possible.
- Care and Compassion: As you explore our spaces, our staff will acknowledge and support our visitors' physical and mental health, fostering a culture of kindness and gratitude. We ask that you extend similar consideration to your fellow visitors.
- Integrity and Respect: Being mindful of your actions and behaviors and their impact on others while engaging in our spaces.
3. Prohibited Activities
Certain activities are prohibited within the library premises to maintain a safe and inclusive environment. These activities include:
- Unlawful Behaviors: Behavior that violates University policy or federal, state or local laws.
- Harmful and Dangerous Behavior: Engaging in or soliciting a sexual act, indecent exposure, physical assault, vandalism or possession of or selling alcohol or drugs on library premises. Weapons are also strictly prohibited, and violation of posted concealed weapons prohibition will not be tolerated.
- Solicitation: Engaging in activities for personal profit, including gambling.
- Space Utilization: Monopolizing or obstructing space, seating, tables or equipment to the exclusion of others. Utilizing strong scents that may cause discomfort or disturbance to those around you is also prohibited.
- Property Damage or Theft: Activities that damage, destroy or lead to theft of any property belonging to the library or another visitor.
- Public Facilities: Activities like bathing, shaving, washing clothes, roller skating, rollerblading, skateboarding, ball playing, cycling and actions that can lead to someone's harm in our spaces.
- Smoking and Chewing Tobacco: Smoking, vaping and chewing tobacco.
- Distributing or Posting Unauthorized Materials: Visitors must submit materials for review and approval for posting and distributing those items. For more information about Bulletin Board Policy, please visit: https://library.osu.edu/bulletinboardpolicy
- Disruption: Behaviors that are disruptive to fellow visitors and staff.
4. Access for Minors
Minors wishing to access U.S. Federal information can contact the documents office in Thompson Library at (614) 688-8770 or email ries.3@osu.edu for guidance.
Thank you for adhering to our Community Standards. Your cooperation is vital in maintaining a safe, inclusive and conducive learning environment at The Ohio State University Libraries.