The Frederick Douglass Library

This Library Code of Conduct for the Frederick Douglass Library has been established to provide a conducive and sound environment for study, research, and learning for students, faculty, staff, and the entire university community that upholds the mission of the library.  This Code of Conduct applies to all patrons who visit and utilize resources and services in the Frederick Douglass Library. 

 

Library Code of Conduct and Guidelines 

Alarm System 

Patrons who trigger the alarm system at the security gate must immediately report to the front desk.  The patrons’ belongings may be inspected for unchecked library items by the library staff. 
 

Animals 

Service animals defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are allowed to accompany patrons with disabilities in the library. 

Assistance animals also known as companion, therapy, comfort or emotional support animals are not allowed in the library. 
 

Auditorium 

Requests to reserve the auditorium for events and meetings must be scheduled by the Office of the Registrar (410-651-6460). 
 

Behavior 

Loud and disruptive behavior in the library will not be tolerated. 

Patrons who do not adhere to requests to minimize their behavior will be asked to leave the library by the staff or Public Safety. 
 

Building Access 

Patrons must use the front door of the library as the main entry and exit. 

Other exit doors are for emergency use as directed by the library staff. 

Patrons must adhere to the posted library hours for in-person service. 

Patrons are not allowed in the areas designated for “Staff Only.”
 

Children 

Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult during the entire library visit. 

Library computers do not have filters.  It is the responsibility of the adult to monitor the materials that the child accesses, some of which may be inappropriate for that age level. 
 

Computers 

Computers are designated for academic library research by students, faculty, staff, and the university community. 

Inappropriate and obscene materials are prohibited from being displayed and transmitted. 

Re-configuration of software, theft, and vandalism to workstations and printers is prohibited. 

Click Policy on Information Technology Acceptable Use and Resource Access for more information.
 

Filming and Photography 

Requests to film or photograph the library’s interior must be approved by the Director of Library Services. 

Consent must be given by individual staff members and patrons when requested to be included in filming or photography. 

Some requests may be referred to the Office of Public Relations for validity. 
 

Food and Drink 

To maintain a clean space for everyone to utilize library services, patrons should adhere to the Food Policy. 

Snack foods such as chips, crackers, candy, fruit, energy bars, bottled water and non-alcoholic beverages with attached lids are permitted in the library. 

Meals including burgers, pizza, subs, salads, fried foods, ice cream, etc. are not permitted. 

Food deliveries are not permitted. 
 

Group Study Rooms 

Study rooms are reserved for a 2-hour time limit. 

Groups consist of 3-7 people.  Only one person per group may reserve a study room. 

If a group is late after 15 minutes, the reservation will be cancelled. 
 

Identification 

A valid Hawk Card must be presented in its original format to check out library materials, use the printer, and reserve study rooms. 

The Hawk Card must not be loaned to other users.  The loaner assumes the responsibility for all card transactions made by the user. 

Library patrons from other USMAI campuses may use their valid campus ID. 
 

Personal Belongings 

Personal belongings will not be stored for patrons behind service desks by the library staff. 

The library staff will not be responsible for unattended personal belongings. 

Unattended belongings at the time of library closing will be placed at Lost and Found. 
 

Phone Usage 

Cellphone conversations are to be at minimum volume so as not to disturb patrons.
 

Printing 

The Hawk Card with sufficient funds available must be used for printing. 

The library does not provide free printing. 

In addition to the library, printers are located in multiple buildings throughout the campus. 
 

Prohibited Conduct 

Loud, disrespectful and disruptive behavior towards library patrons and staff will not be tolerated. 

Theft, damage, and the destruction of any library materials and furniture will result in charging replacement fees to the patron. 

Misuse of library facilities that create health and safety concerns including inappropriate sexual behavior will be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. 
 

Sleeping 

Sleeping in the library is discouraged for safety and security reasons. 
 

Smoke and Fire Systems 

Systems are tested periodically for operational and safety concerns. 

In the event of an emergency, an announcement will be made to leave the building. 

Patrons must immediately leave the library as directed by the library staff. 

Standing on the library portico and steps is prohibited during an emergency. 

It is advised to remain at a distance from the library until directed to safely return inside. 
 

Smoking and Vaping 

Smoking tobacco products or vaping in any area of the library, including the lobby, auditorium, and restrooms is prohibited. 
 

Solicitation 

Marketing materials are to be displayed on the designed bulletin board in the library lobby or at service desks with permission from the library staff. 
 

Visitor Computer Usage 

Library visitors may use the Chromebooks on the first floor 

Printing is not accessible for library visitors. 
 

Wheeled Transportation 

Wheeled transportation for mobility impaired library patrons is permitted in the library. 

Bikes and scooters are not allowed in the library. 

Racks are provided outside for patron convenience. 

 

Revised: August 5, 2025