Policies

Library Conduct Policy

Please join Meyer Library in creating and sustaining an environment conducive to study and scholarly collaboration. This includes:

•  Treating others with dignity and respect
• Refraining from engaging in behavior that creates a disturbance or interferes with the use of the Library for research and study

The following behaviors are deemed unacceptable within an academic library:

• Writing in, underlining, highlighting or otherwise damaging library materials
• Using scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, skates, etc. (except those assisting persons with disabilities), within the Library or near Library entrances
• Exposing others to pornographic or obscene images
• Leaving minors (children under the age of 12) unsupervised within the library [See Unattended Children Policy]
• Consuming alcohol or exhibiting behavior which indicates intoxication or illegal drug use
• Smoking, vaping, or using electronic cigarettes
• Entering any non-public, restricted, or closed area of the library, including opening emergency exits or activating emergency alarms, except in emergencies
• Stalking, harassing, or making unwanted sexual advances
• Causing a disturbance while obtaining signatures on a petition.  Signatures may not be obtained inside the library except within the context of scheduled meetings in Library meeting rooms.

Loan Periods

Meyer Study Room Reservation Policy

Purpose: Study rooms are intended as a place for students, staff, and faculty to study, research, and collaborate. These rooms should not be reserved as meeting space to conduct University business.

Study Room Use

• If not reserved, study rooms are available on a first come, first served basis.

• There are reservable rooms that are for individuals or groups up to three. There are also larger rooms for groups.

• The larger rooms are designated as such in the reservation system and on the windows of those rooms. They should only be reserved for groups of 3 or more.

• Individuals or pairs may use a group study room if it is empty but must relinquish the room to any group. For the purpose of this document, a group is three or more people. Please feel free to reserve a study room that is for individuals or two people.

Reserving study rooms

• Individuals may reserve a study room by using the room reservation system online. Individuals may reserve study rooms up to two weeks in advance.

• People can reserve a room for no more than two hours per day across all study rooms.

Overdue Fines

All patrons are subject to overdue charges for late return or replacement of library materials. Overdue notices are sent to Missouri State University email accounts. All notices are a courtesy, and failure to receive or respond to overdue notices does not absolve the borrower from overdue charges. Books borrowed from other libraries through SWAN/MOBIUS may incur substantial charges if returned late, damaged or if they are lost. These charges cannot be waived and will result in encumbrances being placed on student accounts.  We accept BearPass Cards, cash, or paper check for payment of fines.  

Fine and Lost Book Policy

Proxy Cards Policy

• Proxy Authorization is a service offered to Missouri State faculty and staff members who want other Missouri State individuals to be able to check out materials for the faculty/staff member.
• Completed cards will be given to the faculty or staff person to give to their proxy. The proxy will have the authority to check out library materials for the identified faculty/staff member only at the Springfield Missouri State University libraries.
• A proxy must present the proxy card and a valid picture ID to check out items using the card.
• Only three proxies may be authorized at any given time for one faculty/staff member.
• All proxies will be authorized for a maximum of one year, unless the faculty/staff member specifies a shorter period of time. After 1 year please submit another form and bring in the old proxy card if possible.
• The faculty/staff member is responsible for all materials borrowed on his or her patron record by an authorized proxy. This includes responsibility for payment of all fines and replacement charges.
• Faculty/staff members who use a proxy are encouraged to view their library accounts on a regular basis (we suggest weekly) to confirm all materials checked out by the proxy have been approved by the faculty/staff member. 
• You can also fill out a printable form and return it to the Meyer Library Circulation Desk

Unattended Children Policy

Library staff cannot assume responsibility for children left unattended on Library property. While on Library property, children under 12 years of age (and those requiring supervision) must be in the physical presence and supervision of a responsible adult (defined as a parent, guardian, teacher or assigned caregiver who is at least 16 years of age).

If a responsible adult cannot be located, Library staff will contact MSU Security, which may contact appropriate agencies, which may include emergency medical services, law enforcement agencies or the Missouri Department of Social Services–Children's Division.