Library Use Policy

St. Kate’s Library strives to provide a welcoming and accessible environment for study, collaboration, and community. This policy is designed to ensure that every member of the St. Kate’s community has access to a safe, inclusive space for these purposes. 

Library staff are committed to ensuring that the Library use policy is enforced in a fair, equitable, and reasonable manner. Library staff have the right to make decisions that are in the best interest of all library users whenever these guidelines do not specifically cover a situation. 

• Whenever possible, staff will first inform individuals about the applicable policies before taking measures to enforce those policies. 
• If an individual persists in violating library use policies, staff may ask them to leave the library. 
• Any conduct that threatens the safety and dignity of any person or that is damaging to library property, equipment or facilities will result in immediate expulsion from the library premises and in some cases, result in Public Safety being contacted.

Quiet Study/Lower Level

The lower level of the library is designated as a quiet study space and is not meant to be used for conversation, online class/meeting participation, or cell phone use.  Headphones/earbuds must be used in the quiet study space if you are listening to audio through your computer or mobile device, and are available at the Tech Hub on the main floor of the library. Sensory earmuffs are also available for checkout from the circulation desk. While users of this space are asked to be courteous and limit noise, the library can not guarantee silence. 

Main Floor

Normal conversational levels are permitted throughout the main floor of the library. Library users who prefer a quiet environment can utilize the quiet study space in the lower level of the library.  

Group Study Rooms

Group study rooms are designed for collaborative work. However if a group’s noise level is interfering with another group’s ability to collaborate, they may be asked to adjust their noise level or find another place to study. See the group study room policy for further details regarding use.

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices

Library users are asked to limit phone conversations and online meetings/classes utilizing external speakers in public areas of the library. The library encourages the use of headphones/earbuds when listening to audio through your computer or mobile device, and headphones are available at the Tech Hub.

Food and drink are allowed in the libraries. Please be considerate of others and the facilities and make sure to:

• Dispose of food and drink containers in trash or recycling bins 
• Use tops or lids on beverage containers
• Alert library staff about any spills or messes

The Library supports parents, guardians and caregivers of children in their academic pursuits and welcomes them to bring their children into the library provided they are under appropriate supervision during their visit.

In the interest of safety, children under the age of 14 should not be left unsupervised. If a child is left unattended in the Library or in the event of an emergency situation, staff will notify Public Safety.

Access and Success has rooms for student parents equipped with computers, a printer, study spaces, and an adjacent playroom in Library 66 (lower level of the Library). For more information contact Access and Success.

The library is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings. When belongings are found unattended, they will be taken to the lost and found at the information center located on the 2nd floor of Coeur de Catherine. Valuable or sensitive belongings like phones, wallets, etc will be taken immediately to Public Safety.

For questions, concerns, or appeals regarding the library use policy, please contact library@stkate.edu or the Director of Library & Archives, Emily Asch at ejasch@stkate.edu or 651-690-6650.

Policies updated5/2/2024