Library and Information Commons – Rules and Directions for Use Guidelines

Each person using the resources available in the University Libraries and Information Commons must be aware of, and comply with, all applicable University statutes, policies, rules and guidelines.

All users of the University of Auckland Libraries and Information Commons.

Rules and directions for users of the University Library and Information Commons.

General

1. Each user must comply with the directions of authorised persons.

2. Any infringement of these rules and directions by a student may lead to the suspension of their use of the Library and Information Commons for such period as the University Librarian sees fit.

Use of the Library and Information Commons facilities including computers, study areas, and other equipment

Research and learning focus:

3. Library and information commons spaces and facilities are provided for the educational purposes of the University and specifically for academic research study and support, not for business, personal or recreational use such as gaming or file-sharing.

Who can use study areas and computers:

4. Only University of Auckland students and staff members may use study areas, desks, and computers in information commons facilities. Associate members of the Library and members of the public may use study areas, desks, and computers within libraries, providing their use does not prevent students and staff accessing these resources and services.

5. Only University of Auckland students may use designated student collaborative study areas and student-bookable spaces.

Reservation of study areas, desks and computers:

6. General study areas, desks and computers in libraries and information commons may not be reserved. This includes leaving personal belongings or signs.
7. Designated student collaborative study areas may be reserved where a formal booking system for those spaces is in operation.
8. In information commons facilities, students will automatically be logged off computers after 15 minutes of inactivity.

Use of study areas, desks, and computers during periods of high demand and examinations:

9. Access and/or time restrictions may be placed on use during periods of high demand and examinations.
10. Users may be asked to make the study area, desk, or computer available within 15 minutes if their activities are not related to the University academic research, study and support.

Logging on and off:

11. A user must only be logged onto one computer at a time.
12. Each user must log off from the computer when they have finished.

Saving work:

13. Work should be saved regularly and not to the computer desktop.
14. While every effort will be made to recover lost work, the University does not take responsibility if the work was not saved and the computer has been logged off.

Additional software and plug-in:

15. No additional software or plug-in may be loaded onto any library or information commons computer or laptop.

Personal behaviour

Respect for others:

16. The aim in the Library and Information Commons is to create and maintain a positive and productive environment in which all persons treat each other with respect.
17. All users of Library and Information Commons spaces, facilities, and services must comply with the University of Auckland Code of Conduct.
18. A person who exhibits disruptive, inappropriate, or behaviour not compliant with the Code of Conduct will be required to leave immediately. Such person may be banned from using these spaces, facilities, and services for a further period as given by an Authorised person.

Respect for Library material:

19. Each user must treat Library material with due diligence and care.
20. The wilful damage to or defacement of any Library material is considered a serious disciplinary offence.

Respect for the environment:

21. All users must treat the physical environment of the Library and Information Commons with care and respect. Users must dispose of any rubbish in the bins provided.

ID cards:

22. A valid University of Auckland ID card must be presented at helpdesks in libraries for specific services and transactions.
23. Users may also be required by any authorised person to identify themselves as members of the University of Auckland Library by presenting their University of Auckland ID card when using study areas, computers, and other facilities.

Computer account:

24. Each student and other Library member is responsible for any use of their computer account and must keep their username and password confidential.
25. The holder of the account may be held personally responsible for any actions that arise from the misuse of the account if their username or password is shared.

Designated collaborative study areas and quiet areas:

26. All libraries are designated as study spaces.
27. Group discussions and group work activity is permitted in designated collaborative study areas.
28. In areas designated as quiet study spaces, quiet conversation is permitted if it does not disturb other users.
29. In areas designated as silent study spaces, conversation is not permitted, and any noise must be maintained at a silent level.
30. Audible use of mobile devices is not permitted in any library or information commons.

Personal belongings:

31. Personal belongings are the responsibility of the owner at all times across all library and information commons spaces.
32. The University is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal belongings that are left unattended.

Stolen belongings:

33. Items left unattended may be stolen. Stolen items should be reported to University Security. The University does not take responsibility for stolen items and does not search video footage to identify potential offenders on behalf of users who have lost belongings.

Food and drink:

34. No food or drink is permitted in Library Special Collection areas.
35. Alcohol of any nature is not permitted in any library or information commons spaces, unless expressly approved as part of a University event.
36. Eating and drinking is permitted in libraries and information commons where:

• Consumption of any food or drink should not disturb other users of the spaces.
• Food and drink should not be overly odorous so as not to disturb other users of the space.
• Drinks are in a spill-proof bottle.
• Food must be contained to prevent mess, untidiness, and disturbance of other users.
• Any rubbish must be disposed of in the bins provided.

37. An authorised person can decide when this rule is not being observed, and is able to confiscate food or drink, or direct it to be consumed elsewhere.
38. All areas are to be left clear, clean, and tidy for the next user.

The following definitions apply to this document:

Authorised person refers to a library or security staff member acting under delegation from the University Librarian.
ID card refers to the University identity card.
Library and/or Information Commons refers to all parts and areas of the University under the management of the University Librarian.
Library material refers to all types of printed, written, photographic, audiovisual, machine-readable material and borrowable equipment held by the Library.
Member refers to all persons permitted to use the Library.
Resources refers to all library material, facilities and services (including electronic resources and software) available in, from or through the Library to some or all users.
Rules refers to rules of conduct as defined in the Statute for Student Discipline and the University Code of Conduct.
Staff member refers to an individual employed by the University on a full or part-time basis. This includes permanent, fixed-term or casual staff members.
Student refers to a person who is enrolled as a student at the University.
University refers to Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland and includes all subsidiaries.
University Librarian refers to the person appointed by the Vice Chancellor who is responsible for the management of all parts of the Library.
User refers to any person who uses the Library.

Include the following:

• Statute for Student Discipline
• Library Statute
• Library Membership and Conditions of Access
• Code of Conduct
• Addressing Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Policy and Procedures
• Te Ara Tautika | The Equity Policy
  
• Health, Safety and Wellbeing Policy
  
• Access to University Facilities Policy

Owner: University Librarian
Content manager: Associate Director Student Hubs and Client Services
Approved by: Library Committee
Date Approved: 6 September 2024
Review Date: 1 June 2026