Disruption Policy
University of Washington rules provide standards of conduct for members of the campus community. These rules prohibit individuals from engaging in conduct that intentionally and substantially obstructs or disrupts lawful activities on the University campus. The Libraries’ Policy on Library Disruptions applies these rules to the University Libraries and describes the procedures by which the rules will be enforced. The Bothell Campus Library and the Tacoma Campus Library may adopt different procedures to conform with local circumstances.
The University Libraries is committed to maintaining an environment conducive to study and research in order to fulfill its role of supporting the University’s educational and research mission. In providing a quiet and safe environment, the Libraries expects users to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful of library users, staff, materials, and facilities. Library users who fail to adhere to this standard may be subject to expulsion from the Libraries, University discipline, and other legal actions.
The following are prohibited in library facilities and contiguous spaces:
* behavior that is unsafe, putting the individual, other library users or library staff at risk of harm, including but not limited to skateboarding, bicycling, or rollerblading;
* behavior that contributes to excessive noise levels, including but not limited to loud talking, shouting, screaming, making other loud noises, using cellular phones in a loud manner, or noisily soliciting for donations or signatures;
* behavior that damages the property of the library or other users, including but not limited to marking materials, furniture or facilities, throwing items or inappropriately using equipment;
* behavior that is verbally or physically abusive, harassing or threatening to library staff or other library users;
* unsanitary personal conditions or belongings that may harm library equipment or that produce strong odors that can reasonably be expected to disturb other library patrons;
* sexual misconduct or harassment including but not limited to indecent exposure, offensive touching, unwanted sexual attention, stalking, or sexual contact with self or others;
* consuming food or beverages except in designated areas such as meeting rooms;
* smoking or use of other tobacco products;
* misappropriation or misuse of library resources, including but not limited to equipment, furniture, and services;
* bringing animals, with the exception of service animals, into library facilities;
* behavior that is prohibited by other rules or policies of the University of Washington or by other applicable laws;
* Some behaviors, such as using cellular phones, using laptop computers, or participating in group activities, are not directly prohibited by this policy, but may violate the disruptions policy if the behavior reasonably can be expected to disturb other users. Loudness, duration, and location of the behavior are all factors that will be considered in determining whether the disruptions policy has been violated.
Implementation
Because each disruptive situation is unique, library staff must exercise reasonable judgment in assessing the behavior and enforcing the policy. Library staff shall make every effort to apply these standards of conduct in a fair, equal, and positive manner for the benefit of all. Staff members are responsible for knowing the security reporting structure within the library unit in the event actions is needed to end a disruptive situation. When in doubt as to whether the behavior constitutes a violation of this policy or as to what action to take, staff are to refer the matter to a supervisor or administrator.
Library Staff
Library staff members will take appropriate steps to end the disruptions, including involving a Libraries’ security guard when necessary. Depending on the nature of the disruption and whether a security guard is available, more than one staff member may need to investigate the disruption.
When disruptive behavior is identified, the Libraries staff member(s) shall request that the library user cease and desist from the disruptive behavior.
If the disruptive behavior continues or resumes, the Libraries staff member(s) shall request identification of the user. The user may be asked to leave the building and requested not to return for the remainder of the day.
Continued violations will result in the issuing of a formal written warning as noted in the “Repeated Violations” section below. (See Appendix A for a sample warning notice.)
University Police
Staff members, including security guards, may call University police as necessary. The decision to call the police relies on individual judgment and may include, but is not limited to, the following situations:
* property or personal safety of library users or staff is threatened,
* Libraries collections are damaged or threatened, or
* serious or repeated violation of Libraries policies occurs.
If a staff member has any concerns about a situation, the staff member should not hesitate to call University Police. Additionally, if a staff member feels concern for personal safety, he or she should get away from the situation and contact the University Police immediately
In most cases, the University Police will want to speak directly with the person who is filing a complaint or who has been the victim of the offense. When the University Police are called, they will want to know, minimally, the following information:
* who you are,
* where you are,
* your phone number,
* the nature of the incident,
* who was involved in the incident.
Documentation
Documentation is important; record each incident in the unit’s security log or notebook. (See Appendix B for a sample Security Log.) Accuracy is essential; be certain the following details are consistently noted:
* suspect’s physical description,
* name, ID (UW ID card, Driver’s license),
* description of the incident,
* date and time of day,
* staff member’s name or initials,
* if University Police were involved,
* if known, record the names of any other individuals
* who witnessed the disruptive behavior.
Serious or Repeated Violation
In the event of a serious or repeated violation of the Policy on Libraries Disruptions by University of Washington faculty or staff, or a non-affiliated library user, the Libraries may take the actions:
The staff member in charge of the Libraries unit may issue a written disciplinary warning (Appendix A) or may prepare a letter detailing the nature of the disruptive behavior, the applicable procedures or policies that have been violated, the behavioral change that is required for continued use of the Libraries, and potential consequences if the disruptive behavior continues. As needed, the Deputy Director of Libraries may be consulted prior to the issuing of a written disciplinary warning or letter. The written notice will be delivered to the individual either in person or via registered mail. Copies will be distributed to appropriate individuals and offices, depending on the offense.
Serious or continued violation or failure to observe the terms in the warning notice may result in temporary or permanent revocation of all library privileges and a ban by the appropriate library administrator from the use of all facilities within the University of Washington Libraries System. The Deputy Director of Libraries is to be consulted prior to the issuing of a letter banning a user from facilities or revoking privileges. Individuals who have banned from the use of library facilities may be subject to prosecution for trespass upon re-entering the facility.
In the event of a serious or repeated violation by a University of Washington student, the Libraries may seek disciplinary action as allowed by Washington Administrative Code, 478-120-040, Student Conduct Code:
The staff member in charge of the Libraries unit may issue a written disciplinary warning (Appendix A) or may prepare a letter detailing the nature of the disruptive behavior, the applicable procedures or policies that have been violated, the behavioral change that is required for continued use of the Libraries, and potential consequences if the disruptive behavior continues. As needed, the Deputy Director of Libraries may be consulted prior to the issuing of a warning disciplinary notice or letter. The written notice will be delivered to the individual either in person or via registered mail. Copies will be distributed to appropriate individuals and offices, depending on the offense.
Serious or continued violation or failure to observe the terms in the warning notice may result in the issuing of a formal written reprimand censuring the student for violation of the University rules and for failure to meet University standards of conduct. The Deputy Director of Libraries is to be consulted prior to the issuing of a written reprimand to a student. A copy of this letter of reprimand will be sent to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Should the written letter of reprimand not result in acceptable behavior, the Deputy Director of Libraries, working on behalf of the Director of University Libraries, will report the student’s violation of the disruption policy to the Vice President for Student Affairs and request the Vice President initiate disciplinary proceedings in accordance with Washington Administrative Code, 478-120-030 (2) and (3).
Nothing in the policy prevents the Libraries or the University of Washington from taking additional action for violations of other laws, rules, or policies.
Questions about the Libraries’ Disruption Policy and implementation issues may be directed to the Deputy Director of Libraries.
