Welcome to the Library at Sinclair Community College. Our primary goal in the Library is to help students succeed with information, and our policies related to appropriate use of the Library are written to achieve this purpose. Whether you are visiting Sinclair or you are a student working on a class assignment, meeting with your fellow students, reading, relaxing, or enjoying a cup of coffee, we want your Library experience to be a positive point in your day.
While almost all students have a positive and productive experience in the Library and find it a supportive and safe learning environment, we do need to establish certain rules and guidelines for appropriate behavior. The following statement has been prepared for this purpose.
Student Use of the Library - Guidelines for Responsible Use
Use of the Library is a privilege extended to Sinclair students to support learning and promote academic success. Through the Library, the college provides students with access to computers, laptops, books, periodicals, study space, tutors and other academic help, comfortable seating, and formal and informal learning spaces. Students are expected to follow college rules defined in the Student Affairs Judicial Code of Conduct Handbook, guidelines, and honor code in order to maintain their good standing and continue to receive library privileges.
In the Library’s course reserve program, college faculty place important readings and media in a special collection to assure all students have access to critical information in order to complete assignments. Most reserve materials are designated for “Library Use Only” and may not be removed from the Library. Library reserves are an extension of the classroom, and the faculty and librarians share information about students and borrowed library materials and work together to supervise their use.
General Expectations:
- Students are expected to behave in a civil manner that does not interfere with other people using the facility. Excessive displays of affection, wrestling, and similar physical contact activities are considered a disturbance.
- Students are encouraged to use the facility for individual and group work, but students who participate in groups that become disruptive through excessive noise or other disruptive behaviors will be held accountable, individually and collectively, for the group’s actions.
- Talking in a normal voice that does not disturb others or quiet cell phone use is permitted in all parts of the library except the Quiet Reading Room.
- Playing musical instruments as well as music from smartphones, tablets, and similar devices without headphones is considered a disturbance.
- Students are expected to leave the furniture, equipment, and facilities in good condition for the next person’s use.
- Food and drink are permitted in the Library in disposable containers, and students are expected to clean up any resulting trash and notify staff of any spills. Trays and dishes from the Market Place are not permitted.
- Students are expected to follow directions or instructions of library and college staff.
- Students borrowing materials (books, laptops, or media) are responsible for returning them on time and in the same condition as when borrowed.
- Students may not remove materials designated for "Library Use Only" from the facility. This includes laptops, course reserves, and any other library property so designated.
- Students are responsible for paying any fines incurred for overdue, lost, or damaged materials charged to their library and college accounts.
- Students are not permitted to share their Tartan Card with anyone or download or share information with non-Sinclair students.
- Students are expected to obey copyright laws and applicable software licenses.
- Students are expected to follow the policy on Appropriate Use of Information Technology.
Students who violate these guidelines may lose their library privileges, have an academic HOLD placed on future registration, and be referred to Student Conduct. Students who take library material without permission or do not return borrowed material can be charged with a crime.
Visitors to the Library
As a community college, Sinclair welcomes visitors to the Library. Generally, visitors are expected to follow the same rules and general expectations as students regarding courteous behavior, college rules, and interactions with college staff. Failure to comply with these expectations will result in the visitor being asked to leave the Library.
Visitors may use library books and periodicals in the Library, but they may not borrow them or remove them from the facility.
The Library provides limited access to computers and Internet access to support the use of Library digital resources, applying for financial aid, registering for classes, and similar personal research. To use a college computer, visitors must be able to show proof that they are adults (age 18 and over). IT staff maintain specific rules regarding required ID, registration for access, and the like. Access is limited to one session per day for a two hour maximum time limit.
Children in the Library
Minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times unless enrolled in a college course or other college supervised activity.
Cooperation with College Officials
All students, staff, faculty, and visitors in the Library are expected to cooperate with library and college employees at all times.