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Effective Date August 2024

Last Revision Date August 2024

Responsible Party Dean of Division of Libraries

Policy Purpose and Scope

This policy governs the usage of space managed by NYU’s Division of Libraries and aims to ensure the availability of welcoming and secure spaces for study, research, work, reflection, and interaction for everyone. This policy supplements all University Policies and Guidelines.

The Libraries and University are committed to addressing and resolving violations in a speedy manner in accordance with established processes. Violations of this policy may be referred for disciplinary action under applicable University policies processes. Where appropriate, violations may be referred to local, state, or federal law enforcement officials.

Policy Statement

NYU Libraries is committed to offering a welcoming and secure space for study, research, work, relaxation, quiet socialization, and collaboration. This policy is intended to outline a set of general expectations for using library space in a manner that respects the rights of other users and ensures the maintenance and quality of our spaces for all.

Access

Access to NYU Libraries’ spaces is provided to NYU community members, Libraries-Affiliated Program members, and other registered visitors, see our Access Guide for more information. All individuals with access to NYU Libraries are expected to adhere to the following rules:

  • All individuals must present identification to enter library spaces and comply with requests to present identification to NYU Campus Safety officers or NYU staff at any time.
  • Sharing an NYU ID or any other form of ID to enable unauthorized entrance to NYU Libraries’ spaces is prohibited.
  • All users must vacate the building at closing time, during fire drills, or when requested by NYU Campus Safety.
  • NYU Alumni, Members of Library-Affiliated Programs, and Visitors are expected to leave library spaces during NYU community member-only hours.
  • Entry into unauthorized areas, such as areas marked as “Staff Only” is prohibited.
  • Use of library spaces for prolonged sleeping or as living quarters is prohibited.

Use

Disruption and Noise

Users are expected to refrain from creating disturbances or behaving in a manner that interferes with normal library use.

  • Per University policy, disrupting or interfering with normal library operations is not permitted.
  • Amplified sound (e.g., bullhorns, speakers, musical instruments, etc.) including the use of device speakers (e.g., computer, cell phone, tablet, etc.) without headphones, is not permitted. (Exceptions are made for assistive communication devices.)
  • Conversations are not permitted in quiet study areas.
  • Phone or video conversations should be conducted outside designated quiet areas, not in the stacks or other study areas.

Events

The Libraries strive to create a space for the open exchange of ideas. All events held in spaces managed by NYU’s Division of Libraries are organized by the NYU Libraries staff with the approval of the Dean of Libraries. We are dedicated to providing a positive event experience for all participants, speakers, and audience members.

Participation in discussions should be respectful at all times. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any form. All non-NYU attendees must register in advance. All attendees must adhere to relevant NYU policies and guidelines including any NYU Libraries community agreements for specific events and the Guidelines for Administrative Implementation of NYU Policies on Speech, Speakers, and Dissent.

Filming and Photography

All commercial filming and photography is not permitted in NYU Libraries’ spaces unless approved by University Public Affairs.

Food and Drink

Food and beverages can damage the Libraries’ collections, furnishings, and equipment, and attract pests. Food odors and sounds may be distracting to other users. Trash and recyclables are to be placed in the appropriate containers, and spills should be wiped up. For large spills, please place a request for cleaning.

Bobst Library

  • Covered beverages and small, contained snacks are permitted in Bobst Library except in the following areas:
    • All computer workstations
    • Special Collections Center (Floor 2)
    • Digital Studio and Data Service Studio (Floor 5)
    • Avery Fisher Center (Floor 7)
    • Inside Mobile Storage Cabinets (Mobys)
    • Multifaith Prayer and Meditation Spaces (Lower Level 2)
  • Open containers of food are permitted only in the Snack Lounge on Lower Level 1 and the Graduate Exchange on Floor 10.

Dibner Library

  • Covered beverages and small, contained snacks are permitted on Floors 3 & 4, with the following exceptions:
    • All computer workstations (Floor 3)
    • PC Lab (Floor 3)
    • Multifaith Prayer and Meditation Space (Floor 4)
  • Open food containers are permitted only in the Snack Lounge on Floor 4.

Personal Belongings

  • Do not leave personal property unattended in the library.
  • Items left unattended will be removed to make the space available to others.
  • The library is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings. All lost inquiries should be directed to Campus Safety.

Posting Flyers, Notices and Posters

The Libraries provide community bulletin boards in Bobst Library on Lower Level 1 north corridor and 5th floor south. Only NYU students and employees may post material on community bulletin boards.

  • Posting or distributing materials outside of designated areas is not permitted and may be removed and discarded without notice.
  • All materials should be 8.5 x 11 inches or smaller. Out-dated and duplicate notices may be removed and discarded without notice.
  • All materials must comply with the University’s Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy.

Tabling and Donation Boxes

Space for tabling or donation boxes is available only to NYU students and employees. Requests must be submitted at least two weeks in advance using the Bobst Library Tabling/Donation Box Request (Google form). Explanatory signage must be approved by NYU Libraries administration before displaying and can be up to 11 x 17 inches in size. Tables and donation boxes may only be located in areas designated by library staff.

Tabling

  • A table and chairs will be provided for use; outside furniture is not permitted.
  • Representatives should engage with users passively and courteously and should not wander beyond the assigned tabling area to solicit engagement in other library spaces.
  • Table giveaways or donations should not detract from or impede other community members’ use of library space.
  • The table must be staffed throughout the duration of the scheduled time allotted. No more than three representatives may staff the table at one time.

Donation Boxes

Donation boxes must be monitored for tidiness daily throughout the drive’s schedule, and upon completion of the drive, the box, collected materials, and signage must be removed within 48 hours of the collection end date.

Specialized Spaces

Some spaces in the libraries, including Special Collections, Reservable Study Rooms, Dissertation Writers’ Room, Adaptive Technology, Sensory Spaces, and Multifaith Prayer and Meditation Spaces, have additional policies to help ensure the best experience for all users. All students and employees are expected to know and follow space-specific policies in addition to general use and access policies.