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Library Community Standards and Expectations

The George Mason University Libraries seek to provide all patrons with a welcoming, comfortable, and safe environment that promotes free intellectual exploration, research, and learning. The University Libraries offer well-managed, diverse collections of library resources and a knowledgeable and professional staff to serve George Mason University students, faculty, and staff, as well as researchers and alumni. Members of the community are also welcome to use library facilities, consistent with George Mason University Libraries’ Circulation and Off Campus Access Policies.

Library Patrons are expected to contribute to an environment conducive to learning by using spaces for their intended purposes and complying with the University Libraries Noise Policy. Library Patrons must treat other users, library staff, and library resources with respect; properly borrow and care for materials and equipment; follow staff directions regarding library policies, resources, and spaces; silence mobile devices; and relocate to appropriate areas when engaging in conversations. Disruptive Activities—including verbal abuse, intimidation, or harassment—that interfere with library operations, or the experience of others are prohibited. 

Use of the George Mason University Libraries is a privilege, not a right. All Library patrons are expected to follow all Library policies. Failure to comply may be grounds for removal from the Libraries on a temporary or permanent basis.

Library Patrons:

  • Contribute to a space conducive to learning by following University Libraries Noise Policy and using the spaces best suited for their needs.
  • Respect other library users, library resources and property, and library staff.
  • Take care of any library computer, furniture, equipment, or materials, borrow them properly through the Information Desk, and do not maliciously access, alter, damage, or destroy library property.
  • Follow library staff direction regarding the library’s resources, policies, equipment, and spaces.
  • Silence their phones and move to appropriate spaces amenable to the noise level when they need to make or take a call.
  • Do not engage in disruptive activity that interferes with normal library use and operations or unacceptable behavior, which includes, but is not limited to, verbal abuse, intimidation, or harassment of other library users, staff, and faculty.

In the Libraries:

  • Patrons are responsible for personal property. Do not leave your belongings unattended (see the Lost Items Policy). The University Libraries is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal property.
  • Food and covered beverages, within reason, are generally permitted, however:
    • Please check with the location you are visiting for site-specific policies.
    • Please do not bring food or beverages into Special Collections Research Center, or near any computer workstations or other easily damaged library equipment.
    • Please be considerate of others regarding mess, smells, or noise in the food or beverages you bring.
  • Minors under the age of 16 must be supervised by a caregiver, tutor, youth program coordinator, or other responsible adult while in a Goerge Mason University library. Exceptions for minors under the age of 16 may be made on an individual basis for those who are directly engaged in research or educational activities and require access to University Libraries’ resources. Whenever possible, access should be coordinated with Access Services prior to visiting any University Libraries location. If a minor under the age of 16 arrives without prior coordination, library staff may inquire about the purpose of the visit and coordinate with Access Services to determine whether an exception is appropriate. Minors should be prepared to provide proof of age upon request.
  • Patrons are expected to clean up after themselves - disposing of trash and recycling appropriately and notifying library staff of any spills or other damage found.
  • Smoking, vaping, etc., are strictly prohibited.
  • Patrons are expected to keep shoes and clothing on.
  • Animals, other than service animals, individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, are not allowed.
  • Bicycles, scooters (electronic and non), hands-free segways, etc. are not allowed within Fenwick Library in accordance with University Policy Number 1145, due to documented fire hazards, except for those with a documented medical condition or an approved accommodation for a disability that requires a power-driven mobility device. Skateboards and longboards may be carried but not used within the building.
  • Patrons are expected to follow university and library policies regarding the use of technology, including appropriate online usage, specifically regarding viewing sexually explicit materials.