Noise, Food and Drink Policies

The St. Catherine University Libraries seek to provide an atmosphere conducive to study and research, while at the same time accommodating the needs of as many people as possible. We recognize the need our users may have to confer with classmates, and to use their electronic devices in ways that cause a minimal amount of disturbance. The Libraries’ plan for dealing with noise, food, and drink is based on common sense and a desire to be fair and civil.

Quiet Study Room

In the library, the lower level is the designated silent study space. Talking, music, or electronic devices are not allowed in these areas.

Group Study Rooms

Group Study Rooms are designated rooms in which two or more can expect to study and confer without concern for bothering those around them. However, even with doors closed, excessive noise in group study rooms can bother those in the vicinity. Library staff reserves the right to quiet any group that is excessively loud.

Library Entries, Circulation Desk, & Computer Areas

These areas can be very busy, and the nature of the work performed by staff and library users often creates the need for conversation. Normal conversational levels are permitted for reference and library service purposes. Library users who prefer a quiet environment should go to other areas of the library.

Semi-Quiet Study

The remainder of the library, including all of the public spaces in the lower level, are considered semi-quiet study areas. A reasonable amount and level of talking is allowed, but loud or persistent noise (whether with others or using electronic devices) is discouraged.

If users bring electronic devices to the libraries, they should be used in a manner that will not bother others. For example, phones should be set to vibrate or silent ring mode. Users listening to audio formats should use earbuds or headphones. Users should take their calls outside of the libraries.

Food and drink are allowed in the libraries. Library users should be considerate of others with regard to consumption of food and drink, and with removal/recycling of food waste. Food is not allowed at any library computers. The libraries reserve the right to limit food or drink use or types of food allowed.

(Note: the IT computer labs in the St. Catherine libraries set their own food and drink policies).

If a child is left unattended in the Library or in the event of an emergency situation, staff will notify Public Safety.

The safety and security of children is very important and is the responsibility of the parent or adult caregiver. The St. Catherine University library is open to the public, a situation that can present risks to children. Staff cannot assume responsibility for children’s safety and comfort when they are unattended.

Campus facilities are designed for use by members of the campus community. The campus community includes students, faculty, staff, and sanctioned visitors. The St. Catherine University Library welcome children accompanying a parent or adult caregiver.

Access and Success has rooms for student parents equipped with computers, a printer, study spaces, and an adjacent playroom in Library 066 (lower level of the Library). For more information contact the Access and Success staff at 651-690-6894.

Please note:

• A child not yet in high school must be under the supervision of an adult who assumes responsibility for him or her while in the library.
• Parents and adults must monitor all activities and behavior of their children while they are in the library, and are responsible for any damage to property done by the child.

Policies approved October 12, 2012