User Code of Conduct

UK Libraries’ User Code of Conduct ensures that library facilities provide a safe, enriching atmosphere conducive to research, reading, and study.

UK Libraries users include students, faculty, staff, and community members. We expect that all users will conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the function of an educational institution and adhere to the following policies.

Refusal to comply will be met with interventions by library staff, security personnel, or campus police, as necessary, and may result in the loss of library privileges or restricted access to university property.

Code of Conduct

When present in UK Libraries, please be mindful of the following guidelines and prohibited activities, violation of the which constitutes a “minor offense”:

• Users must comply with circulation policies and procedures. Do not preempt or limit the availability of materials or facilities to other users in any unreasonable manner 
• Be mindful of those around you: keep conversations quiet and brief and refrain from playing audio without headphones.
• Other than brief naps, please do not sleep in the libraries
• Do not bring personal belongings into the libraries, such as bedrolls, pillows, or heaters, which are not essential to the research undertaking 
• Do not solicit goods, services, or donations from other library users, or engage in any other commercial activity
• Other than those trained or being trained to assist persons with disabilities, do not bring animals into the library
• Do not bathe in or otherwise misuse the restrooms
• Please ensure that your personal hygiene is inoffensive to other library users
• Keep cell phones silenced. In areas allowing cell phone use, please lower your voice and keep conversations brief

Violation of the following guidelines are deemed to be "major offenses":

• Abusing, threatening, or intimidating UK Libraries staff or users through language or actions
• Fighting
• Being intoxicated or using any intoxicants
• Indecently exposing one's self
• Harassing others
• Damaging library property
• Stealing
• Refusing to leave a library building at closing time or an evacuation
• Repeated violation of minor offenses
• Violating any federal, state, or local law or University of Kentucky regulation

Library staff or security personnel shall intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors. The campus police may be called as needed.

Sanctions for minor offenses may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Users may receive an oral or a written warning
2. Users may be asked to leave the facility
3. Student infractions may be reported to the Dean of Students.
4. Repeated minor offenses or egregious minor offenses may result in more serious discipline

Sanctions for major offenses or repeated minor offenses may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Campus police may be called, and, if appropriate, criminal charges may be filed
2. Users may be removed from the building
3. Student infractions may be reported to the Dean of Students
4. Users may be banned for a period up to one year or longer, depending on the nature and seriousness of the offense

Additional Policies

• For the safety of library users, UK Libraries does not permit the use of bicycles, skates, skateboards, hover boards, scooters, or other wheeled devices in library facilities. Exceptions include wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and wheeled devices approved by the University of Kentucky Disabilities Resource Center.
• If a user has been restricted from the University or campus through court proceedings or through University regulations, the user shall also be restricted from all UK Libraries. This restriction shall continue until the restriction is rescinded by the appropriate authority. Additionally, pursuant to KRS 511.080 and OAG 90-11, a non-student or non-employee who has been notified that s/he may not enter University grounds or facilities may be charged with criminal trespass in the third degree if s/he enters University grounds or facilities.