Building Use Policy

The Musselman Library serves many constituencies in the University, community, and state.   With this building use policy, our goal is to promote responsible user behavior in order to meet everyone’s need for service and comfort while protecting library materials, furniture, equipment, and the building.

Food and Drink
Food is not allowed in any area of the Musselman Library because it can stain paper and attract insects and rodents. Any food intended for consumption at a later time must remain properly packaged and in backpacks, lunch bags, or purses at all times. Exceptions: Library-supervised functions (e.g., receptions), faculty-supervised classes (in the Fourth Floor Seminar Room), and University-sponsored functions in the Nord Room.  Food may be consumed by a person with a documented health condition (e.g., diabetes).
Beverages are permitted in most locations if they are in approved spill-proof containers (non-spill travel mugs and water bottles are allowed, but styrofoam cups and aluminum cans are not). Beverages are prohibited in the Archives, the Mennonite Historical Collections area, and at computer workstations and microform readers.
Persons who violate this policy will be asked to immediately dispose of their refreshments.

Examples of
approved
beverage containers
Examples of
unapproved
beverage containers

Alcohol and Tobacco Use
The use of alcohol and tobacco is not permitted on the Bluffton College campus.

Noise in Public Areas
All library staff and users should respect the rights of others to study and work in peace, and should refrain from making noise in study areas. In consideration of others, the use of cell phones is restricted to the Library’s lobby, and earphones must be used when listening to radios.  The Reading Room is reserved for quiet study space. Groups are encouraged to study in the fourth floor seminar room when classes are not in session or on the second floor.

Destroying or Damaging Library Materials and Equipment
Individuals who deface, destroy, or attempt to steal library materials and equipment will be asked to give library staff their identification card for photocopying, and the incident will be reported to the appropriate college administrator.

Animals
No animals, except service dogs, are allowed in the Library.

Paging and Telephone Calls
The Library does not have a paging system, but staff will attempt to locate people in the building in the event of an emergency.  A public phone is available to users in the Library lobby.

Posting Notices
The only public location in the Musselman Library for the posting of notices (other than official library items) is the bulletin board located in the stairwell near the Musselman Library entrance.  Anyone wishing to post announcements must submit them to the Director first for approval.  They will be dated and removed periodically.   Unapproved postings will be removed.