Conduct: responsibilities and expectations
All persons are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful way at Camosun College; this expectation extends to college libraries.
The Camosun library provides space, materials and assistance to the college community, enabling work and study in a positive and productive learning environment. The library is committed to maintaining supportive and inclusive spaces that are safe and secure, and in which all persons are treated with dignity and respect.
To preserve the library's unique environment the following behaviour responsibilities and expectations must be observed by all who use the facilities. These expectations reflect the principles outlined in the college’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Indigenization policies, and align with the college’s Student Misconduct and Acceptable Technology Use policies.
The library seeks to be an accessible and inclusive environment.
Library services and spaces are designed to:
Accessible equipment and furniture are available, with priority use for individuals with disabilities.
One group study room at Lansdowne is reserved for use by Indigenous students.
All users of the library can expect their privacy respected when they are working or studying in the library.
Users who face any barriers are encouraged to speak to library staff or email lsdirector@camosun.ca
The library is a place for study, research and contemplation and conversations and other noise must be kept at reasonable levels.
Loud conversations, offensive language, rowdy or disruptive behaviour are not tolerated, anyone engaging in this behaviour will be asked to leave.
Collaboration is encouraged in the library. Group study rooms can be booked to facilitate group work. Computers in the open area at either campus, can be used by up to three people at one time. Quiet conversations are acceptable in areas with social seating (near the windows at Interurban, 1st floor of Lansdowne).
Both libraries have designated quiet areas and collaboration and socializing in these spaces should be avoided.
At Interurban the Silent Study room is dedicated to quiet space for study and work. No conversations or actions that result in noise (eating, vigorous typing, noise leak from ear phones or buds etc.) are tolerated. Staff will monitor the room to maintain the quiet environment and users are encouraged to report any noise to library staff.
At Lansdowne the 2nd floor is designated as a quiet area, users of this space are expected to keep conversations to a quiet whisper. Phone calls should be taken on the mezzanine and any actions that might disturb others -- eating, vigorous typing, noise leak from ear phones or buds etc. -- should be avoided. Staff will monitor the area to maintain the the quiet environment and users are encouraged to report unacceptable noise to library staff.
The Learning Lab at Lansdowne is dedicated to individual computer use and quiet is expected in this space.
Library users should set phone ringers to silent or vibrate when entering the library. Outgoing calls and extended conversations must be taken in the enclosed area on the second-floor mezzanine (Lansdowne), a booked group study room, or outside the library. Headphones must be used for all audio playback in the library.
To maintain a clean environment, productive to study and work, library users can consume drinks in spill-proof, covered containers and snack foods. Eating of snacks cannot disturb others or detract from the library’s environment; full or hot meals, messy, strong-smelling food, noisy packaging or food that is known to cause allergic reactions are therefore not allowed. All recyclables and waste must be disposed in marked receptacles.
Users should be considerate of those waiting for workstations. Library staff may request users who have been using a computer for a long time to move to allow someone waiting access. Users should not leave workstations unattended for extended periods of time; personal belongings may be removed by library staff from an unattended computer.
Computers are used according to the college's acceptable technology use policy.
Visitors to the college or community members can request a guest-login to use a library computer. Availability of these logins may be limited to off-peak hours.
The library is open to the public; residents of the region are eligible for a community borrowing privileges. Members of the public are reminded that library space is primarily for students and access to computers and some seating may be limited during peak hours. Community members cannot use group study rooms. Members of the public are required to adhere to the Use of College Facilities and Grounds policy.
Users are encouraged to wash or sanitize their hands as they enter or leave the library. Users are also expected to follow any college directions around the use of face masks and physical distancing and the expectation to avoid the space if feeling unwell.
Library users who are disturbed by the behaviour or activities of those around them are encouraged to ask library staff for guidance on how to handle the situation.
Library staff are empowered to ensure these responsibilities and expectations are upheld. Users unwilling to follow these guidelines or who refuse to follow the direction of library staff will be asked to leave the library. Repeated or serious infractions of these guidelines will be reported to College Security and the Director of Learning Services.
Questions, concerns or suggestions about these expectations and responsibilities can be emailed to lsdirector@camosun.ca