The MCC Library Conduct Code affirms a commitment to providing a safe and hospitable environment conducive to intellectual pursuits. Such an environment is characterized by respect for the rights of others, respect for the Library's resources, and respect for appropriate conduct in a public forum. All library patrons are expected to comply with the MCC Library Conduct Code and all other applicable policies and/or laws.

In addition to generally applicable UH/Maui Community College policies and regulations regarding the use of college facilities and property, the following specific library use and conduct policies apply.

Library Behavior & Safety

Library patrons will refrain from engaging in behavior that leads to the denial of, or unreasonable interference with, the rights of others; or which disrupts the regular operations and activities of the Library.

Conversation and noise must be kept at an acceptable level in the library so patrons are afforded an environment conducive to study and research. Running, fighting, intoxication, substance abuse, yelling or any other conduct which disrupts library operations is strictly prohibited.

Library patrons are not allowed to be in unauthorized areas of the Library, or remain in an area after its closing.

Library patrons are not allowed to stay in the building when requested to leave during emergency situations or drills.

Children and adults needing supervised care must be in the immediate vicinity of and in visual contact with an adult caregiver at all times and not left unattended while in the library. Responsibility for these individuals, in the library, rests with parents, guardians, or assigned chaperones, not with library staff.

Harassment

Library circulation records are confidential. Staff is prohibited from disclosing any circulation information, including the person’s identity, regarding checked-out books, materials and/or audio-visual items. Repeated requests for this information may be considered staff harassment.

No one may verbally abuse, threaten, harm, endanger, or harass library staff, volunteers, or patrons in any manner.

Inappropriate touching, repeated derogatory comments and questions that are personal in nature and directed to staff and other patrons have been found to amount to harassment.

Exhibitionism, sexual acts, stalking or any other conduct which infringes on the rights of others to use and enjoy the library is strictly prohibited.

Library Materials & Property

Library patrons are expected to respect and care for all library materials, equipment and property and may not remove or attempt to remove such items from the Library without following proper checkout procedures or receiving authorization to do so.

Library items are purchased with state funds and are considered state property. Damage to Library property include but are not limited to, mutilating Library materials by marking and/or underlining pages, tearing or cutting out pages or sections thereof, removing binding and staples, removing or tampering with security tags. Pencil or pen markings, earmarking, or mutilation in any manner of library materials is not tolerated. In addition to loss of library privileges, violators may be subject to criminal prosecution or civil liability.

Handbags, backpacks, briefcases, large bags and other containers are subject to inspection upon the patron's departure from the library.

Library patrons are responsible for the security of their personal property at all times, and should never leave personal property unattended. The MCC Library is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal property.

Equipment

Personal electronic equipment such as laptops, notebook, iPods, etc. may be used in the library, but they must not pose a hazard or nuisance to patrons and staff. AC adapters are permitted only if outlets are available, not servicing library equipment, or being used by maintenance personnel. The library is not responsible for any damage, lost data, etc., resulting from power surges, electrical outages or any use of library facilities and/or equipment.

Library equipment must be used properly in accordance with posted instructions. Patrons must comply with directions from staff members for the proper use of equipment. Library and/or personal radios, stereos, cassette players or other audio and video equipment may not be played without using headphones or other devices to insure that other patrons are not disturbed.

Library patrons must not alter, damage, destroy or engage in unauthorized access of any library computer or database.

Telephones

Library telephones are for use by library staff only. The library has no paging system and will not take messages. Patrons may use the pay phone located outside the main exit door.

Use of cellular phones must be done in a manner that avoids disturbance to other library patrons. Cellular phone users are encouraged to take their calls outside the library. If there are complaints about a cell phone user in the library, the cell phone user will be asked to leave the library.

Bulletin Boards, Commercial Advertising & Vending

Commercial advertisements and personal notices are not allowed on MCC Library premises.

Selling, soliciting, or distributing materials is prohibited on MCC Library premises 

Notices may be posted in the library only with the prior approval of the librarian. Unauthorized postings will be removed by the library staff.

Violation of Rules of Conduct

The MCC Library Conduct Code is published for the benefit of all users of the MCC Library and is applicable to all. Violations should be reported to the Library staff who will take appropriate action. This policy is enforceable by all members of the Library staff.

Any person who violates MCC Library Conduct Code may be asked to leave the Library and may be refused future access to the building, its resources and services. Such persons may be subject to the sanctions of suspension, prosecution, forfeiture, warning and restitution, as well as criminal penalties and civil fines, and may be accountable to University and civil authorities (city, state, or federal).

The MCC Library Conduct Code supplements the University of Hawai'i Student Conduct Code, UH Policy E2.210, “Use and Management of Information Technology Resources,” the Libraries of Hawaii System Circulation Policy as well as other University policies. Use of the MCC Library is a privilege, not a right.