Staff Policy D-110.03
Institutional Effectiveness Criterion: Scholarship

Library Acceptable Use

NMC Library (the “Library”) strives to create a safe, comfortable, and inclusive environment for learners to connect to useful information, new perspectives, and each other. As such, the Library prohibits any behavior or activity that: 

• Compromises Library users’ privacy 
• Constitutes harassment or a threat to the safety of Library users
• Interferes with Library users’ ability to access and use Library facilities and collections
• Interferes with the operations, programs, and activities of the Library

Photography and Recording
NMC Library is a space for students, faculty, staff, and members of the public to use for research and individual or collaborative study.  NMC Library permits photography and other forms of recording (videography, filming, audio, etc.) under the conditions listed below to the extent that it complies with the law and does not interfere with the Library's operations, programs, and activities. 

1. Photography and other recording forms are permitted for patrons and visitors, provided these activities do not capture any identifiable likenesses of any Library users without their permission. Anyone photographing or recording within the Library must not engage in illegal, harassing, loud, or disruptive conduct. Public disturbances interfering with the Library’s operations, programs, and activities are unacceptable.  
2. To protect privacy interests, Library users may not take distinguishable photographs, video recordings, or audio recordings of Library users’ materials, computer screens, computer history, or printed documents.
3. Any individual who agrees to be recorded, photographed, or filmed within the Library may revoke permission at any time. All Library users agree to comply with the terms of this policy and other Library rules and regulations.

Cell Phone Use
Quiet, non-disruptive use of cell phones is permitted in the Library. Phone use should be brief and discreet; extended conversations should be taken to the Library’s first-floor lobby.

Food & Drink
Careful, responsible, nondisruptive consumption of food and beverages is permitted in the Library.

Consequences of Unacceptable Library Use

Except when there is a threat to public safety where Library users may be required to leave immediately, warnings will be given by Library staff before a person is asked to leave the Library’s premises.

Student Library users disregarding a warning and continuing to violate the above rules will be asked to leave the Library and will be subject to disciplinary action via the procedures outlined in NMC Staff Policy D-602.01 Student Rights and Responsibilities - Process or other applicable policies.

Continued disregard for the above policies by community Library users (i.e., those with no current formal affiliation with the college) may result in further consequences pursuant to NMC Staff Policy D-505.12-Trespass or other applicable policies.

The Vice President for Student Services and Technologies, in conjunction with the appropriate faculty and staff, is responsible for developing and publishing any procedures or guidelines necessary to administer this policy effectively. The office of the VP for Student Services and Technologies maintains relevant procedures, guidelines, and forms mentioned in this policy.

If any provision(s) of this policy or set of bylaws conflicts with laws applicable to Northwestern Michigan College, including the Community College Act of 1966, the Freedom of Information Act, or the Open Meetings Act, as each may be amended from time to time, such laws shall control and supersede such provision(s).