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Library Expectations of Behavior and Use

The James E. Walker Library supports the academic needs of students by providing library materials, technology and services in an environment that is conducive to studying, research, and other scholarly activity, including collaborative work among students.

Code of Conduct and Consequences

All library users are expected to adhere to all university policies including the Student Code of Conduct (https://www.mtsu.edu/student-conduct/) and the True Blue Pledge (https://www.mtsu.edu/trueblue/pledge.php) as well as all applicable federal, state, and local laws. The following behaviors are not what is expected of MTSU students and will not be tolerated under any conditions:

  • Engaging in activities that are loud, disruptive, or otherwise hinder normal use of the Walker Library.
  • Removing or attempting to remove library materials or property without proper checkout.
  • Misusing or vandalizing the library building, furniture, or equipment.
  • Possession of weapons in the library unless authorized by law.
  • Speech or action that is threatening, harassing, or otherwise creating an uncomfortable environment for library users or staff.
  • Using library computers for the viewing of illegal, sexually explicit, or other material that creates a hostile, harassing, or uncomfortable environment for others.
  • Stealing the personal belongings of another library user.
  • Engaging in activities that violate any university policy.
  • Non-compliance with a library staff member's request regarding behavior.

Failure to comply with any part of this library policy may result in a request to leave the building, campus disciplinary action, and/or legal prosecution. MTSU campus police may be called at the discretion of the Walker Library administrative staff.

To help maintain this learning environment, please observe the following:
General

  • Be respectful and courteous to all library users and staff.
  • Users are responsible for their belongings. Please do not leave personal items unattended.
  • Observe all relevant copyright laws and regulations.
  • Service animals are the only animals permitted in the building. MTSU’s policy on service animals may be found here (https://www.mtsu.edu/policies/general-policies/I-01-13.php) (Section V).
  • The building cannot be used for profit-making activities. MTSU's policy on facility use can be found here (https://www.mtsu.edu/policies/general/100.php) (Refer to section IX.B. regarding solicitation on campus).
  • Walker Library does not allow the distribution of flyers or advertising materials (including coupons and free samples) beyond the public bulletin boards located in the vestibule and first floor lounge. Flyers and advertising materials distributed elsewhere will be discarded.
  • Sleeping in the library is not allowed for safety and security reasons.
  • Except for wheelchairs and other medical devices, operation or use of wheeled vehicles of any sort is prohibited in Walker Library. Bicycles are prohibited inside the building. Other wheeled vehicles (skateboards, scooters, unicycles, roller blades, motorized two-wheeled riders/Segways, etc.) may be brought into the library but not ridden and must be hand-carried. They should be stowed on the floor to avoid creating a trip hazard. If a device is a bicycle or cannot be hand-carried, it must be stored outside the building according to MTSU bike regulations (https://www.mtsu.edu/police/bike-registration.php). 
  • Review our policy on filming in the library. If your project requires more than a simple camera, tripod, and minimal props, your project must be approved by Library Administration.

Noise Restrictions

  • Keep voices low in consideration of others and hold casual conversations in the atrium.
  • Use cell phones in the atrium and set them to silent or vibrate while in the library.
  • Use headphones to listen to media.
  • Use headphones when utilizing video conferencing or video chat services unless you are using university-installed devices at service points.
  • Quiet Zones are located on the third and fourth floors.
  • Study rooms for all students are available on the second, third, and fourth floors. Additional graduate study rooms are available on the third floor. Study rooms may be reserved online (https://mtsu.libcal.com/booking/groupstudy). 

Food, Drink, and Tobacco

  • Food and drink are allowed in Walker Library with the following exceptions: Special Collections and Archives.
  • Drinks should be in covered containers.
  • Accept food deliveries in the vestibule at the main entrance of the library.
  • Place food waste and drink containers in designated bins and report all spills to the Service Desk.
  • Alcohol is prohibited.
  • All smoking and tobacco use, including e-cigarettes, are not allowed.

 

Quiet Zones

In response to student requests, the Library has designated the third and fourth floors as Quiet Zones.

Quiet Zone Policies

  • No talking except the occasional whisper.
  • Use headphones/earbuds to listen to music and videos, not your computer's speakers. Be aware that at high volumes, sound may "leak" from your headphones.
  • No talking on cell phones. If you need to use a cell phone, please move to the area around the stairway.

What to Do if a Quiet Zone is Too Noisy

  • Help us keep these zones quiet by reminding other students of their purpose.
  • If you feel uncomfortable approaching noisy users, you can call for backup and a library staff member will investigate.
    • Contact the Service Desk through our chat service ("Ask Us" tab to the right) and let us know exactly where the offenders are and give a brief description of them.
    • Phone the Service Desk (615-904-8533)

Questions

Questions about Library Quiet Zones may be directed to the Service Desk at (615) 898-2817 (option 1).

Study Rooms-- Policies

Purpose and Scope:  This policy describes the study room reservation process.

Policy Statement:  The Library provides study rooms for current MTSU students, faculty, and staff to reserve.

Procedures: 

  • Study rooms are reserved online on a first come, first served basis and may be reserved for a maximum of 4 hours at a time.  Please note:  No waiting list for available study rooms will be maintained. 
  • Study rooms may be reserved up to one week in advance.
  • Present your MTSU ID to pick up your reservation card. 
  • Large group study rooms (301B, 401D, 477D) require two or more persons to be present to pick up reservation cards. If only one person is present to pick up the reservation card, that person will be asked to wait for another person in their party to arrive or the reservation will be cancelled.
  • Individual study rooms (236, 238, 240) are limited to one person only because the room is very small. If two or more users attempt to check out the room, the reservation may be denied.
  • Reservation cards are picked up at the 1st floor Service Desk.
  • Display the reservation card on the window of your assigned study room.
  • Return the reservation card to the Service Desk when you are finished using the room.
  • Reservations will be held for 30 minutes and may be cancelled if the reservation card is not picked up from the 1st floor Service Desk within that time period.
  • The Library is not able to supply the names of individuals reserving study rooms, nor the location of an individual in a study room.
  • Problems with technical equipment in the study rooms should be directed to Technology Services, 1st Floor, (615) 898-5666.

Graduate Student Study Room Procedures

  • The study rooms in the Library’s 3rd floor Curriculum area are available only to graduate students. They are reserved online on a first come, first served basis and may be reserved for a maximum of 4 hours at a time.  Please note:  No waiting list for available study rooms will be maintained. 
  • Study rooms may be reserved up to one week in advance.
  • Present your MTSU ID at the 3rd floor Curriculum Desk to pick up your reservation card. 
  • Display the reservation card on the window of your assigned study room.
  • Return the reservation card to the Curriculum Desk when you are finished using the room.
  • Reservations will be held for 30 minutes and may be cancelled if the reservation card is not picked up from the 3rd floor Curriculum Desk within that time period.
  • The Library is not able to supply the names of individuals reserving study rooms, nor the location of an individual in a study room.
  • Problems with technical equipment in the study rooms should be directed to Technology Services, 1st Floor, (615) 898-5666.

All Library policies and procedures must be adhered to while using study rooms. 

Related Policies:  Presentation Practice Room Reservation Policy, Graduate Research Carrels Policy

Responsible Unit:  Service Desk/Library Administrative Office

Date:  June 26, 2013

Revisions:
March 11, 2022

See other available Library work spaces here.

Questions
Questions about study reservations may be directed to the Service Desk at (615) 898-2817 (option 1).

Presentation Practice Room Policies

The Presentation Practice Room allows students to practice and record presentations. The purpose of this space is for practicing and refining presentations for classes, seminars, conference presentations, thesis defense, etc. The room is not intended to be used to actually host seminars. Make a Reservation.

General Policies

  • The Presentation Practice Rooms are intended for individuals and groups of up to 7 to practice and edit presentations.  Additional Study Rooms are available for reservation on the 4th floor of the Library by contacting the Service Desk, 1st Floor lobby.  There are also study rooms on all floors of the Library that are available without scheduling.
  • The Presentation Practice Rooms can only be reserved by current MTSU students with a valid ID.  Students should not let student groups into the room during or after their reservation time.
  • Users of the Presentation Practice Rooms agree to the Presentation Practice Room Policy and Use Guidelines.
  • Groups or individuals using the Presentation Practice Rooms for uses other than their intended purpose may be asked to leave.
  • The room will not be reserved by University departments, faculty, or staff, nor by parties not affiliated with MTSU.  Faculty and staff may be present in the room to assist students, but may not make the reservation request.
  • The room is not to be used strictly for meeting purposes or for regularly scheduled events.

Hours:  
Available for 1 or 2 hour reservations per day (no renewals)

Room Features:

  • PC with monitor, keyboard, and mouse
  • Flat-panel screen to display presentations to an audience (with remote available for checkout at MakerSpace desk)
  • Whiteboard (eraser and markers in MakerSpace)
  • Conference table and seating for up to six
  • Lectern
  • Video camera (with remote)

Room Use Policies and Guidelines:

  • Available to MTSU students with valid ID only.  MTSU faculty/staff interested in presentation practice facilities should contact the Learning Teaching and Innovative Technologies Center (LT&ITC) at 615-494-7616.
  • Students are responsible for all equipment and should report any damaged or missing equipment immediately to the MakerSpace desk.
  • Directions for recording and burning presentations are available in the Presentation Practice Rooms.
  • Call 615-904-8526 or see the MakerSpace desk if you experience technical problems.
  • Rooms must be attended at all times or locked when vacant.
  • Noise levels must be appropriate to the Library’s environment.
  • All furniture and equipment must be restored to original position when finished with the room.
  • Users must abide by the MTSU Computer and Network Acceptable Use Policy and all Library policies. 
  • Walker Library is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • After you have received your reservation confirmation, arrive at the MakerSpace desk 5-10 minutes prior to your scheduled reservation time.
  • Present your MTSU ID to MakerSpace personnel to check out the room and desired equipment
  • Sign the Walker Library “Presentation Practice Room Use Agreement” form. 
  • MakerSpace personnel will present you with a reservation slip to post on the room door.
  • Before using the Presentation Practice Room, please report any damage to the MakerSpace desk.
  • Beverages in spill-proof containers are permitted.  Food is not permitted in the Presentation Practice Rooms.
  • At the end of your reservation time:
    1. Log out of your computer session
    2. Power off all equipment
    3. Clean up after yourself
    4. Turn off lights
    5. Close door and ensure it is locked behind you
    6. Bring reservation slip back to MakerSpace desk
    7. Return equipment to MakerSpace desk for check in 

AVAILABLE PRESENTATION PRACTICE ROOM EQUIPMENT
Check out from MakerSpace:

  • Camera remote
  • Flat-screen remote
  • Dry erase markers and eraser
  • Presentation remote with laser pointer

Presentation Room Equipment Fines and Costs Policy:

  • Late MakerSpace equipment return fines are $1.00 per hour up to a maximum of $27.00
  • Lost MakerSpace equipment fines range from $10.00 to $100.00 per lost item plus accrued overdue fines and a non-refundable $20.00 service charge.

Technical Support – Call 615-904-8526 for support:

  • Support is provided to assist with any minor system problems or questions which may occur related to use of the equipment.
  • Please Note:  Failure to follow these policies, or other applicable library policies, may result in a temporary or permanent suspension of access to this room and our study rooms and meeting places.
  • If you find that the room was left in poor condition by the previous occupants, please report this immediately to the MakerSpace desk.

Revisions: September 2021

Exhibit Policy

Goals of the Exhibit Program

  • Increase awareness, appreciation, and use of the Library by promoting its materials and services.
  • Focus on academic themes of interest to the MTSU community.
  • Highlight research and creative works by MTSU students, faculty, and alumni.
  • Highlight Library materials which relate to events and programs as well as local or national calendar events important to the MTSU community.

Exhibit Guidelines

  • Exhibits must be sponsored by an MTSU affiliated group or organization. 
  • Materials must be suitable for display in a public space for an audience encompassing an ethnically diverse student and faculty community as well as members of the general public including children.
  • Exhibit quality must be commensurate with the environment and decor of the library.
  • Signage and labels for an exhibit should be informative and attractive. Materials necessary for special display methods, beyond those items listed in the policy under "Available Exhibit Spaces," are the responsibility of the requestor.
  • Exhibitors will install and remove exhibits under the supervision of Library staff.    
  • The Library will not accept exhibits that promote the financial profit of any individual, organization, or commercial enterprise.
  • Exhibit promotion must be coordinated with the Library's External Relations Specialist.
  • Exhibits will be displayed for a maximum of 30 days unless otherwise approved.
  • The Library is not responsible for the security of items on exhibit or otherwise associated with the activities covered in this policy, nor is it responsible for exhibit items not removed by the agreed upon date.

Requesting Library Exhibit Space

  • Priority use is given to Library-sponsored exhibits.
  • The Library External Relations Committee is responsible for consideration and approval of exhibit requests. The Library reserves the right to refuse an exhibit or any part of an exhibit, to request additional content, or to change the manner of display.
  • Requestors are encouraged to submit digital photographs and a display diagram with their request.
  • Requests should be submitted to the administrative office at 615-898-2772, (betsy.drown@mtsu.edu).

Available Exhibit Spaces

  • Entrance Vestibule. Exhibit size may vary but must not impede flow of traffic or block accessible pathways.
  • First Floor Atrium. Exhibit size may vary but must not impede flow of traffic or accessible pathways.
  • Upright glass display cases (2), fixed, on first floor just past elevator lobby. Interior of case is approximately 56" H x 45"W x 13" D. Four adjustable shelves, each approximately 21" wide.
  • Flat cases (2), movable. Interior of case is 7.5" H x 57.5" W x  27" D.
  • Wall space in first floor periodicals lobby.
  • Floor space in front of the first floor periodicals reading area.
  • Use of other Library space may be proposed in an exhibit space request. The request must specifically identify the proposed space(s) and display method(s).

Special Collections Reading Room Policies

Books and other items held in Special Collections can be fragile, old, unique, and often of considerable monetary value. They require careful handling as well as a stable and secure environment. Please observe these rules when using Special Collections:

  • First-time users are asked to complete a registration form and present a photo ID before using materials.
  • Special Collections materials--including reference books--do not circulate.
  • Food or drink must not be brought into the area.
  • Pencils--but not pens--should be used in the Reading Room.
  • Rare books must remain on the work tables. Please do not pick them up and carry them around the Reading Room.
  • The Reading Room is a quiet area. Patrons and staff engage in research, cataloging, and other activities that require concentration.
  • Fragile or rare items may require handling by staff. Use of some materials may be otherwise restricted at the discretion of staff.
  • Photocopying and digital imaging are considered on an item-by-item basis.
  • The current legal status of copyright regulates the photoreproduction of MTSU theses. By law, we cannot photocopy entire or substantial portions of any MTSU thesis without permission conveyed in a letter signed and mailed to Special Collections by the author.
  • Requests for photocopying cannot be immediately accommodated.
  • Briefcases, backpacks, bags, and other items brought into the Reading Room are subject to inspection when visitors leave the area. Lockers are available for storing these items while users are in Special Collections.

 

The Buchanan Family Reading Room, located on the library's fourth floor (Room 448), is a study lounge for Honors College students. Honors College students have access to the room by swiping their MTSU ID card. 

Each student should swipe their card each time they enter the room. Do not grant access to non-Honors College students. Do not prop the door open to give free access to anyone. Students who do not swipe their card may be asked by Library staff to verify their status as Honors College students. Non-Honors College students will be asked to leave the room.

Much of the furniture and important family items in the Buchanan Room are antique and must be treated with care. If items in the room are damaged, the student responsible for the damage may also be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement.

The Buchanan Room is in a quiet zone. Quiet zone policies are: 

  • No talking except the occasional whisper.
  • Use headphones/earbuds to listen to music and videos, not your computer's speakers. Be aware that at high volumes, sound may "leak" from your headphones.
  • No talking on cell phones. If you need to use a cell phone, please move to the area around the stairway.

Walker Library Bulletin Board Policy

Purpose: To ensure that the Walker Library bulletin boards remain viable opportunities for patrons to post announcements, flyers, and/or notices.

Walker Library Vestibule Bulletin Board

  • The Walker Library provides a public bulletin board just inside the Library’s main entrance for announcements and notices of local events.
  • Items posted anywhere except the public bulletin board will be removed immediately.
  • Announcements and notices posted are not indicative of endorsement by Walker Library.
  • Items posted are subject to removal at the Library’s discretion.

Walker Library Building AND 1st Floor Lounge Bulletin Board

  • The Walker Library provides bulletin boards in the First Floor Lounge area for announcements and notices of MTSU events only.
  • Announcements and notices for all non-MTSU events must be posted on the public bulletin board just inside the Library’s main entrance in the foyer.
  • Items posted anywhere except the designated First Floor bulletin boards will be removed immediately.
  • Announcements and notices posted are not indicative of endorsement by Walker Library.
  • Items posted are subject to removal at the Library’s discretion.