Tufts libraries code of conduct

The Tufts University is a student-centered research university dedicated to the creation and application of knowledge (Tufts University Mission Statement, 2013). The Tufts University libraries embrace the University’s mission by providing support for the educational mission of the university through selecting, organizing, preserving, and disseminating information in all its formats and manifestations.

The libraries endeavor to provide welcoming, safe, respectful, and inclusive environments for collaborative and individual study and learning. We welcome individuals locally and from all over the world to study and engage in scholarship. Our users bring with them a wide variety of professional, personal, and social backgrounds; whatever these may be, we treat each other with dignity and respect.

In order to provide these environments students, faculty, staff and visitors who make use of Tufts libraries agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

Scope

Visitors and all members of the Tufts Community.

Table of contents

The libraries' commitment to users

  • We provide collections that meet the research and instructional needs of users.
  • We protect your privacy and confidentiality to the extent provided by university policies and any applicable laws.
  • We strive to provide a supportive learning environment conducive to scholarly research, quiet study, and mutually respectful social interaction.
  • We provide services that support the needs and priorities of our users.

Library use policy

  • Library users are expected to abide by all applicable University policies* (see below)
  • Authorized individuals may have access to university library buildings to use collections and most resources and services on-site. Access policies may vary by library. Due to the specialized nature or fragility of some materials, use of some special collections may be governed by more restrictive policies. Please consult with staff in relevant areas.
  • The libraries try to provide welcoming, open environments that are safe and secure for everyone.
  • Tufts University has implemented a smoke-free environment. Library facilities are non-smoking environments. Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes or vaporizers, is not permitted in the library.
  • Only service animals are permitted in the library. Patrons accompanied by non-service animals are invited to return to the library without the animal.
  • A university department or student group/team who wishes to film in the library should seek approval from library administration:

Food and beverage policy

Food policies vary by library. Please see the individual library websites for specific food and beverage policies:

*Applicable University policies include but are not limited to the following:

Events

Tufts Libraries welcomes you and values your attendance at conferences and events. Tufts is a community of members from around the world working on every aspect of our mission – including mentorship, teaching, and connecting people. We are dedicated to providing a positive, supportive, harassment-free experience for everyone. We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form. To this end, we have a few ground rules that we ask everyone adhere to. This is not an exhaustive list, rather consider it a guide that will enrich our experience and our community.

  • We strive to be a community that welcomes and supports people of all backgrounds and identities. This includes, but is not limited to members of any race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, color, immigration status, social and economic class, educational level, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, family status, political belief, religion, and mental and physical ability.
  • Your actions affect users and colleagues. Please consider that when making decisions. We ask that participants use discretion with photographs of others, recordings, and publicly sharing others’ ideas.
  • We are a community of professionals, and we conduct ourselves professionally. All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds. Do not insult or put down other attendees. Remember that sexist, racist, and other exclusionary jokes are not appropriate. Harassment and other exclusionary behavior are not acceptable. If someone asks you to stop, then stop.

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, the libraries may take any action deemed appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the event. If you are being harassed, witness another participant being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact an event organizer immediately. Event organizers will be clearly identifiable, and the registration desk will be staffed throughout the event.

Acknowledgements

This policy is adapted from the policies of:

Approval date

September 14, 2021

Effective date

September 14, 2021

Policy Manager

Tufts Libraries Council (TLC)

Responsible offices

  • Tufts Archival Research Center
  • Ginn Library
  • Hirsh Health Sciences Library
  • Lilly Music Library
  • SMFA Library
  • Tisch Library
  • Webster Family Library

Revision

The libraries reserve the right to change this policy from time to time. Proposed changes will normally be developed by the policy manager with appropriate stakeholders. The policy manager has sole authority to approve changes to these guidelines.