The Indiana State Library is a research library serving Indiana State agencies, government officials, historians, researchers and the general public. All visitors are asked to respect the Library’s mission and are required to behave appropriately while on the premises. This is particularly important in the research, circulation, and reading areas of the first and second floors, where patrons expect an atmosphere conducive to reading, research, and study.
To ensure that all patrons and visitors are able to use the Library’s resources and services effectively, the Indiana State Library requires all visitors to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws as well as the following rules and regulations.
- Behavior that interferes with library services and activities (including the ability of library staff to perform their work and the ability of other patrons to effectively use and enjoy the library facilities) is prohibited in all areas of the library building.
This includes, but is not limited to:
a. Unauthorized removal or attempted removal of materials without proper checkout or other official library authorization; mutilation, defacement, or misuse of library property; obstruction of the use of library equipment, resources, or facilities;
b. Being in an unauthorized area; remaining in the library after closing or after being asked to leave; failure to evacuate in an emergency or during a drill;
c. Disorderly or disruptive conduct such as noisy or boisterous activities that can be reasonably expected to disturb others;
d. Obscene or abusive language or acts;
e. Possession, use, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs;
f. Use of furniture, library equipment or facilities in a manner for which they were not intended or designed;
g. Sleeping;
h. Bodily hygiene, including perfume and unsanitary personal conditions, that is so offensive as to constitute a nuisance to other persons;
i. Threatening or intimidating others (for example: abusive language, threats of violence or harassment, staring at or following others through the building,
engaging in unwanted or inappropriate touching, unwanted or inappropriate sexual advances, innuendo, or jokes);
j. Selling, soliciting or mass distribution of materials; posting materials in the library or on library premises;
k. Smoking;
l. Bringing animals in the building (except guide/assisting dogs);
m. Possession of weapons, (except law enforcement officials);
n. any behavior that is potentially unsafe or harmful to self or others;
o. Use of restroom facilities for any purpose other than that which is intended.
2. Internet stations are located in public areas and patrons are expected to use the Internet in a manner that represents the library environment. Staff will ask patrons to exit websites disruptive to an atmosphere suitable for study, reading, and activities in support of research. Failure to comply will result in the loss of Internet privileges. See Patron User Agreement for Internet and Indiana State Library Public Computer Use for further requirements regarding use of the State Library’s internet connection and/or the State Library’s public computers.
3. Consumption of food or beverages is permitted only in designated areas. No food or beverage items or containers are permitted in the research and reading areas. These items may be stored temporarily in the lockers provided.
4. Patrons will keep the volumes of their conversations as low as practical while in the research and reading rooms.
5. Patrons will use headphones with all audio/video and computer equipment with sound.
6. Patrons will use personal telephones only in the lobbies of the Ohio and Senate Avenue entrances. Ringers on pagers and cell phones must be muted in the research and reading areas.
7. The library welcomes children of all ages to use the library and wishes to provide a safe and inviting environment. Children under the age of 11 may not be left unattended in the library. In the event that a child is left unattended and a parent/adult caregiver cannot be reached, the library will contact law enforcement.
8. All briefcases, handbags, luggage, packages, overcoats and shopping bags may be subject to inspection by library or security staff.
9. Patrons are responsible for personal belongings at all times. There is a risk of theft if personal belongings are left unattended.
10. Patrons will not be permitted to enter the building without a shirt or other covering of their upper bodies or without shoes or other footwear.
11. Lockers are the property of the Indiana State Library and are provided for the temporary, daily use by patrons. Any items remaining in lockers at close of business will become the property of the library.
12. Patrons must remain on the first and second floors of the library and are not permitted on the third and fourth floors unless they have signed in as a visitor at the circulation desk and received a visitor badge.
13. Any violation of federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulations will be reported to the State Police Government Facilities Unit.
Visitors whose conduct or activities violate this Patron Code of Conduct policy will be asked to modify their behavior. Further failure to comply with this policy will result in the suspension of library privileges and removal from the building. The length of the suspension of library privileges and/or eviction from the library premises shall depend on the nature and seriousness of the offense that required removal, the extent of the disruption caused, any history or prior infractions of this policy or other library policies, and any other relevant circumstances. Any patron who is aggrieved by a State Library conduct decision may appeal in writing to the State Library Director. Loss of library privileges exceeding thirty (30) days may be further appealed in writing to the Indiana Library and Historical Board. Appeals must be made within thirty (30) days of the effective date of the suspension of library privileges or eviction from the building.
Updated and adopted by the Indiana State Library and Historical Board
September 13, 2024