Facility Use

The mission of the Georgia Gwinnett College Library is to support the institutional goals of the College by serving the information and research needs of the students, faculty, and staff of Georgia Gwinnett College, a four year unit of the University System of Georgia. The library also serves as a resource center for the Gwinnett County community.

As the primary purpose of the Library is to serve as the intellectual commons of the College, policies have been developed in order to maximize its utility for all users. The overarching principle guiding facility use at the Library is that users should exercise courtesy and respect toward their fellow scholars and toward the facility. These policies are designed to give the greatest amount of freedom and discretion to the user while maintaining an atmosphere conducive to study and research.

Any users who fail to comply with any of these rules and regulations may be escorted from the premises and prohibited from further use of the Library.

SECURITY

Please be advised that security cameras are in use and all bags are subject to inspection.

Noise

Library patrons have the right to expect a quiet and pleasant library environment conducive to research and scholarship and free of disruptive activity. Noise levels may fluctuate during the day. Patrons bothered by excessive noise should contact a library employee at one of the service desks. Library employees are authorized to resolve any noise complaints. The third floor is a designated quiet area. Absolutely no noise or conversation is allowed in the Quiet Reading Room.

Unattended Items

Items may not be left unattended in any areas of the library and cannot be used to reserve any spaces. Security Guards will remove any unattended personal items. The Library is not responsible for the loss or theft of personal property.

Bicycles, Scooters, and Skateboards

Bicycles and motorized scooters are not allowed inside the library building. They must be placed in the bike racks in the plaza between the Library and Student Center, not left on or attached to benches or railings. Non-motorized scooters or skateboards are allowed inside the building, but must be carried and not ridden. They must be kept off of any furniture and out of the way of other patrons.

FOOD & DRINK

Users are asked to adhere to the following basic guidelines:

Only foods that are contained and do not disrupt others are allowed. This includes foods that are overly aromatic. Messy foods are not permitted.
All drinks must be in spill proof containers.
Group and/or party foods such as pizza or cake are not permitted.
Food may not be delivered to the Library.

The Library staff has sole authority in its discretion to enforce any food and beverage related requirements under this policy.

CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Cell phones and other portable electronic devices may be used with discretion in the Library provided their use does not disrupt others. All cell phones must be placed on vibrate mode while inside the Library. All portable electronic devices, except cell phones, are required to be used with headphones.

TOBACCO

Tobacco use of any kind, including chewing tobacco, is prohibited in the Library. Use of electronic cigarettes or similar devices is also prohibited.

MINORS

Children and young adults under the age of 17 may not use GGC Library facilities unless they are enrolled at GGC or accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Violations will be referred to Public Safety.

POSTINGS

Postings of any kind are prohibited.

SOLICITATIONS

Selling, peddling and/or soliciting of services or materials of any kind is prohibited. Any violation under this entire solicitation statement may result in a trespass warning issued and/or further judicial action may be pursued.

SUPPLIES

Users must provide their own supplies, including but not limited to dry erase markers, erasers, headphones and flash drives. These supplies may be purchased at the Book Store, located in the Student Center.

PHOTOCOPIES

Photocopies cost ten cents per page. Photocopiers do not accept cash, but operate on a swipe card system. Cave Cash must be added to your Claw Card either at the kiosk located in the Building B Atrium or at Student Accounts in Building D. Guest cards may be purchased for $2 from the kiosk located in the Building B Atrium. Additional funds must be added to the Guest Card at the kiosk in order to make copies. The Library cannot make change. Change may be obtained in Student Accounts in Building D. Note: GGC faculty/staff cannot make photocopies in the Library using departmental account numbers. Library photocopies only work via swipe cards with Cave Cash. The main Library first floor photocopier does allow users to e-mail materials. The copyright law of the United States (Title 17 U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The person using the equipment is liable for any infringement.

COMPUTER USE

Please see GGC Library and Information Commons Computer Use Policy.

Enforcement

Rules and regulations of Georgia Gwinnett College, as stated in the Student Handbook Instructional Technology Acceptable Use statement, are to be followed. Violators may be forbidden future use of GGC library facilities and/or recommended for disciplinary action.

Library Spaces

The GGC Library contains a number of unique spaces that have specific use policies.

Quiet Reading Room – No cell phone use allowed. Audio must be listened to through headphones rather than computer speakers. No food allowed. Drinks must be in spill proof containers. Book bags should not be placed on the tables. Absolutely no noise or conversation is allowed in the Quiet Reading Room.
Instruction Rooms - Drinks must be in spill proof containers. Food is not allowed in the instruction rooms.
Information Commons - Drinks must be in spill proof containers. Food is not allowed at computers.
Study Rooms – Priority of use is given to groups of two or more students. If you are using a study room alone for quiet study, please allow others students to share the room with you. First floor study rooms may be reserved; see rules below.

Reservations of Library Spaces

Heritage Lecture Room – The HLR is reserved for official functions of the President’s Office and educational presentations sponsored by the Library or a School of GGC. Reservations are coordinated through the Library Administrative Office. Event sponsors are responsible for arranging for setup, breakdown and cleanup of the HLR. Event sponsors are also responsible for access and security for any events which take place outside of Library hours.
Administrative Conference Room (L3121) – The ACR is reserved for College related meetings. Reservations are coordinated through the Library Administrative Office. Recurring meetings can only be on monthly or greater sequences. Use of this facility can only take place during Library hours.
Instruction Rooms – The Library Instruction Rooms are designated for the delivery of library instruction classes and may be reserved by library employees to provide instruction and training sessions; this usage will have priority over all other uses of the rooms. During non-peak times, the rooms may be scheduled by GGC faculty and staff at the discretion of the Head of Research Services.
First Floor Study/Presentation Rooms – These study rooms may be reserved by GGC students, faculty and staff for periods of up to 2 hours. They must be reserved at least 2 hours ahead of the reservation time. Reservations can be made at the Help Desk. Recurring reservations are not allowed for these rooms. Preference of use for Presentation Room L1128 is given to students. Faculty and staff who need a conference room will be referred to the Library Administrative Office for availability of L3121. Only if that room is reserved will L1128 be reserved for faculty or staff events.
Study Rooms in Library Information Commons – Study rooms in computing facilities that are managed by the Library but located in buildings other than L are subject to the same rules as in the Library. These rooms may be reserved at the corresponding Help Desk.

FREE SPEECH

All library users are reminded that if they desire to exercise their Freedom of Expression they must complete a Free Speech Area Request form and it must be submitted according to the Freedom of Expression policy.

Note: Activities not included in this policy statement may be deemed inappropriate by the Library staff member on duty, and users may be asked to stop engaging in such activity. Violators may be forbidden future use of GGC Library facilities and/or recommended for disciplinary action.