Policies

All "BU only" resources are library subscriptions that are accessible only from the Binghamton University (BU) network or from an Internet Service Provider via the authentication server using a PODS account.  Access and use is restricted by license agreements to purposes of research, teaching, and private study by current BU faculty, staff, and students. The following are strictly prohibited: all commercial use; copying or tampering with any software or code used to display and/or run the resources; the systematic downloading, copying or distributing of information (including for use in course packs); and removing or altering copyright notices.   In order to ensure the security of library resources, a library account may be temporarily suspended for an hour if it demonstrates evidence of excessive downloading of data continuously through the authentication server.

Misuse of library resources violates the terms of BU's license agreements. Violation of a licensing agreement could result in termination of the resource to the entire campus community. For more information: Binghamton University Copyright Policy.

Computers are intended for the academic and professional use of Binghamton University students, faculty and staff.

Any person utilizing this facility for non- academic purposes (e.g., game playing, social networking) may be asked to yield the machine to a person with an academic need.

Access to information technology is essential to our mission to provide leadership to the University community in accessing and using information resources in support of teaching, learning, and research. The preservation of that privilege by the full community requires that each faculty member, staff member, student, and other authorized user comply with institutional and external standards for appropriate use. For more information: Binghamton University Computer and Network Policy

The Libraries and Information Commons host six adaptive technology workstations: In Bartle Library, two are located in the Information Commons in LS-1546, one is on the 3rd floor in LS-3523, and one is on the 4th floor in LS-4642. The Science Library and University Downtown Center (UDC) Library each have a workstation located in their Information Commons area. These workstations are available to students with special adaptive technology needs who have registered with the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities and received training on the use of the technology.

To obtain access to the rooms contact the Bartle Library Reader Services Desk, the Science Library Reader Services Desk or the UDC Reader Services Desk. For more information, including assistance learning how to use the adaptive technology, contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities, 777-2686.

Animals are prohibited in the Libraries except for certified guide dogs and service animals.

The Libraries assumes no responsibility for any possible damage to the users' audio or video equipment that might be related to using audio-visual materials borrowed from the Libraries.

A sign-on is required to use all public computers in the Libraries and Information Commons. For library users who just need to check a record in the catalog, there are catalog-only computers in Bartle and Science libraries. Community patrons may obtain a sign-on at the Bartle Reference Desk or the Bartle, Science and UDC Library Reader Services Desks. Authentication is necessary to provide services and enhance network security. For more information: Binghamton University Privacy Policy.

Reference collection items can be loaned based on the discretion of Research Assistance Desk librarians or professional staff.

The Binghamton University Libraries provide educational resources and services to support learning and scholarship at Binghamton University. The Libraries create and maintain a productive environment conducive to thought, research, and study for members of the academic community.

It is the responsibility of library users to contribute to this atmosphere and to respect the needs of other users. Unacceptable behavior includes but is not limited to the following:

• Any behavior not conducive to study;
• Deliberate misuse of materials or equipment that interferes with or prevents access to resources or equipment by other users or staff;
• Violation of university policies, including policies on computer and network use, cell phone use, electronic communications and harassment of any kind;
• Violation of Student Conduct as outlined in the University Student Handbook;
• Vandalism, theft or defacement of library materials or other property;
• Refusal to comply with instructions of Binghamton University Libraries’ staff and campus officials.

The Libraries are committed to the safety of all users and takes seriously its obligation to manage disruptive behavior quickly and professionally. Please contact a Libraries’ staff member if you need assistance. The Libraries’ staff, including student workers or other university officials, may also utilize the services of the University Police should a user become disruptive, abusive or fail to comply with their requests. Failure to comply with these policies can result in patrons being asked to leave the Binghamton University Libraries. All users of the Libraries and Information Commons are expected to abide by our policies and will be asked to comply if necessary.

The Bartle and Science Libraries are open to the public during normal business hours (except for late night hours in Bartle).

Computers in the Bartle Library Information Commons, Science Library Information Commons, and UDC Library Information Commons are intended for the academic and professional use of BU faculty, staff, and students. Guest access to computers is limited to four Community Access PCs in Bartle Library and two Community Access PCs in the Science Library, and one Community Access PC in the UDC Library on a space available basis. A valid picture ID and a completed Library Guest Computer Account User Agreement are required to obtain a guest account. Accounts may only be used in the issuing library.

-Accounts are issued for a two-hour period. After two hours, you may be asked to relinquish your workstation if patrons are waiting to use computers.

-Any person using a computer for non-academic purposes may be asked to yield the computer to a person with an academic need.

-To ensure computer availability for students, guest accounts will not be issued during busy periods (frequently in the afternoons and evenings), mid-term exam week, and the final two weeks of the fall and spring semesters.

This policy may change to meet requirements and needs of BU faculty, staff, and students.

See also, Authentication Policy

For safety reasons, bicycles, roller blades and skateboards are not permitted in the Libraries or Information Commons

View the complete policy in the Faculty-Staff Handbook.

Because of the large number of requests, the Libraries are unable to provide space for posting fliers or to serve as distribution point for newspapers and other promotional materials.

View the complete policy.

 View the complete Food and Drink Policy.

Reservable group study rooms are located in the Bartle, Science, and UDC Libraries. These rooms may be reserved via our online reservation system. When not reserved or occupied, group study rooms are open on a first-come, first-served basis. For more details, see our reservation policies and frequently asked questions.

In addition to the group study rooms, the Bartle Library has individual carrels assigned on a yearly basis to graduate and PhD students. Food and drink are not permitted in the group study rooms or carrels. For more information: Locked Study Carrels.

The Group Study – Presentation Practice Room in the Information Commons is designed for the use of students working on group courses and academic research related projects and for use as a rehearsal space for presentations. The space may be reserved using the online reservation system. 

For more details, see our reservation policies and frequently asked questions.

For health and safety reasons, we require that shirts and shoes be worn at all times. Any activity posing a sanitary or health risk to others is prohibited.

A valid BU ID card is required to access the Bartle Library upon entering during late night hours. Cooperation of all library users is appreciated.

In case of inclement weather reduced staffing may result in reduced services in the Libraries and Information Commons.

Information Commons IT Consultants will provide laptop computer support to assist users in connecting to the campus network, configuring standard tools, and basic trouble shooting as time permits. Staffing and resources do not allow for a drop off/pickup service or hardware repair of any type.

Lost and found items are temporarily held either at the Bartle Circulation Desk, Science Library Information Services Desk or the UDC Library Service Desk. Lost wallets, purses, electronic devices, ID cards and other large valuable items are reported immediately for pickup by the University Police.

We do not guarantee the retrieval of lost data. Efforts will be made to locate and retrieve lost data as time permits.

Quiet Study Areas | Group Study Areas

Libraries: The Libraries are intended to be places of quiet study and research; please be considerate of those studying around you. We appreciate your cooperation. Customer service areas are not considered quiet study areas.

View the complete Noise Policy.

Information Commons: The Information Commons is a research, study, and collaborative work environment. Conversation is acceptable as long as it does not disturb other library patrons. Head phones and laptop audio features should be kept low so as not to disturb patrons. If you wish to listen to audio, please provide your own head phones.

Individuals, classes, groups, or organizations desiring to film in the Libraries, library staff or library users must first seek permission in the Libraries’ Administrative Office.

Confidentiality of library records and activities is governed by New York State’s Personal Privacy Protection Law. This law protects the privacy of individuals by prohibiting libraries from revealing certain borrower information to third parties lacking proper jurisdictional authority. Information regarding Binghamton University Libraries’ patrons is considered confidential. Requests for disclosure of information will be denied and referred for review by University Counsel in consultation with SUNY Central.

In order to use some of our services, you may be required to provide information to a third party vendor. The Libraries are not responsible for the use of your personal information by these services. For details on how your information could be used, please read their privacy policies.

Questions you ask using email and other virtual reference services may be reviewed by library staff. These questions may be used for training or to populate a Frequently Asked Questions database, with all personally identifying information removed.

Also see: Binghamton University's Computing Privacy Policy.

See Reader Services web page

When patron questions cannot be addressed by the staff or documentation in a timely manner, referrals will be made to appropriate sources such as subject specialists, professional staff, the Computing Services Help Desk, other campus units, online resources, or other libraries or organizations that can provide the needed information or assistance.

See Course Reserves web pages

The Library is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all borrowers of library materials. See Privacy – Confidentiality of Library Records This commitment is rooted not only in law but also in the ethics and practices of librarianship. The Library regularly purges personally identifiable information once it is no longer needed to manage Library services. Information that is regularly purged includes, but is not limited to, personally identifiable information on Library resource use, material circulation history, and access logs for Library facilities. See: American Library Association's Code of Ethics,  ALA Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records,  Binghamton University Responsible User Agreement

Scanning equipment is available on a limited number of workstations in the Bartle Library Information Commons, Science Library Information Commons, UDC Library Information Commons, West Pod, and the Hinman Pod. Although these workstations are available for general computing, priority use of them shall be given to those needing to scan materials for academic needs. Those using the workstations for other purposes may be asked to yield the computer to those needing to scan. If you are using a flat-bed scanner and other are waiting to scan, we ask that you limit your time on the workstation to 30 minutes. If you are using a walk-up Bookeye scanner and others are waiting to scan, we request that you limit limit scanning time to 10 minutes. If you need assistance or have questions about this policy, please contact staff at the nearest service desk. Thank you for your cooperation.

See more about scanning.

View the complete policy.

University policy prohibits smoking and electronic cigarettes in campus buildings. For more information, see Tobacco Use and Smoking Policy.

Campus facilities are designed for use by members of the university community, which includes students, faculty, staff and visitors. The Libraries welcome children accompanying a parent or adult caregiver. Children under 12 must be under the supervision of an adult (person 18 years or older) who assumes responsibility for him or her while in the Libraries. If a child is left unattended in the Library or in the event of an emergency situation, staff will notify University Police.

Library and Information Commons users are responsible for their personal property at all times and should never leave personal belongings unattended. Personal belongings left unattended may be removed and placed in the lost and found at a library circulation desk or may be turned over to the University Police. The Libraries are not liable for loss or damage to personal property.

Please do not leave the public computer you are using unattended. Besides the danger of having items stolen and your personal computer files and accounts tampered with, it may prevent your fellow students from being able to access a computer in a timely manner. Information Commons staff are authorized to make any computer unattended for more than 15 minutes available to another user. With the high demand for Information Commons computers, we must enforce this policy.

View the complete policy.