General Library Policies

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Patron Privacy

The Illinois Library Records Confidentiality Act forbids the release of library circulation records unless required to do so by a court order. This includes any information that would indicate materials borrowed, resources reviewed, or services used by library patrons. Library patron information (name, address, etc.) is confidential and may only be released to a sworn police officer as a result of an emergency where the law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that there is an imminent danger of physical harm. For security reasons, library staff will neither confirm nor deny the presence of any library user over the telephone.

Cell Phone Usage

Quiet and short cell phone conversations will be allowed in the Library.

Video calls, speakerphone usage, and long calls should be done in the Atrium.

Food

Can I eat in the library?

Prairie State College Library is committed to providing an environment that is conducive to study as well as to the protection of library materials, technology, and furnishings. Responsible stewardship of library collections, in particular, requires that we exercise care in allowing food and drink in library facilities. All users of the library should respect the following guidelines in terms of consuming food and drink in the library.
In general:

• Snack foods and covered beverages are allowed in most areas of the library.
• Meals are not permitted in the library and should be consumed in the nearby cafeteria.
• Unattended food and/or beverages are subject to being disposed of by staff.
• Clean up any spills right away, and alert library staff to any spills or messes requiring further attention.
• Deliveries of food to the library are not permitted, with exceptions for scheduled, catered events taking place in the library.
• Properly dispose of all food, trash, and recycling in appropriate receptacles, as food residue attracts insects and rodents.
• The library prohibits the consumption of food while using college computers or other technology (such as copiers, scanners, printers, etc.) and in the book stacks.

Supervision of Children

All children at Prairie State College must have appropriate supervision. Leaving children unsupervised is in violation of PSC Board Policy F-15. Library staff will determine whether or not the proper supervision is being exercised. If a parent or guardian cannot be located, library staff will call campus police in an effort to find the parent.