The Learning Commons

W. E. B. Du Bois Library, University of Massachusetts Amherst

 

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User Behavior Policies

UMass Amherst Learning Commons

  1. The W.E.B. Du Bois Library and UMass Amherst Learning Commons are open to all users.
    Additional information:
               User Behavior and Library Building Policies (http://www.library.umass.edu/behaviorpolicy.html)
               Animals and pets: According to the Campus Pet Policy (http://www.ehs.umass.edu/pet.html), only service animals assisting disabled persons may enter campus buildings.
               Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by and under the supervision of an adult at all times. Adults are responsible for the behavior of accompanying children.
               Clothing: Users must wear appropriate attire for public places, including shoes and shirts, at all times.
  2. Although the UMass Amherst Learning Commons is not a Quiet Study Area, please set cell phones to vibrate. Cell phone conversations are appropriate in elevator lobbies (Floors 2 and 3 are enclosed in glass) and on the Entrance Level east and west lobbies. The east sides of Floors 2 and 3 are designated Quiet Study Areas and feature wireless Internet access.
    3. Additional information:
               Cell Phones (http://www.library.umass.edu/cellpolicy.html)
  3. The “Procrastination Station” is conveniently located on the Entrance Level for the consumption of food and beverages. Food and beverages in closed, spill-proof containers or pull-top plastic bottles may travel throughout the building, but are not permitted in certain areas designated by signage. Meet food delivery persons outside as they will not be permitted to enter the buildings.
    Additional information:
               Libraries’ Food and Beverage Policy (http://www.library.umass.edu/food&bev.html)
               OIT Classrooms Guidelines (http://www.oit.umass.edu/classrooms/guidelines.html)
  4. Seating, computers, and study rooms in the Learning Commons are first-come, first-served without time limits with the following exceptions.
    a.  During hours when some study rooms and workstations are labeled as reserved by the Writing Center,
         Academic Advising Link, Career Services, Office of Information Technology (OIT), or the Libraries.
    b.  When there is a queue for spaces,

    (1). UMass Amherst students, faculty, and staff with a valid UCard and OIT account performing academic work
        have priority.

    (2). Groups of two or more have priority at group spaces and three or more have priority in study rooms.
         Additional information:
                   Study Space (http://www.library.umass.edu/behaviorpolicy.html)

    (3). Spaces left unattended for 15 minutes will be cleared for use by the next UCard-bearing user.
         Personal belongings left unattended are not the responsibility of the UMass Amherst Learning Commons 
         and Libraries and will be sent to “Lost and Found” in the Circulation Office on the Entrance Level. Contact
         Building Operations on the Entrance Level for assistance.

  5. Some workstations are open to the general public and others require login with an OIT NetID username and password.
    Office of Information Technology (OIT) Policies (http://www.oit.umass.edu/policies) apply to workstations requiring login.
    Additional information:
               Floor plan (http://www.umass.edu/learningcommons/floorplan.html)
               OIT accounts (http://www.oit.umass.edu/accounts/)
  6. Some software package licenses are based on “maximum simultaneous users” and may not be available to every user at all times. These software packages are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  7. Users may not download and/or install software on Learning Commons’ computers.
  8. Policy on the use of Electronic Resources (http://www.library.umass.edu/elecrespolicy.html)
  9. Freedom of Information
    The UMass Amherst Libraries endorses the American Library Association's Code of Ethics, Library Bill of Rights, and Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks, which support access to information and oppose censorship, labeling, and restricting users' access to information of all kinds.
    Additional information:
               Internet Viewing of Controversial Material
    The UMass Amherst Libraries are not responsible for monitoring potentially controversial Internet materials displayed on workstations. However, instances of displaying child pornography, which is illegal, will be reported to the police.
               Privacy and Confidentiality
    The UMass Amherst Libraries are committed to protecting each library user‘s privacy and confidentiality by keeping private any personally identifiable information about users. Information related to items checked out or billed to individual users is not given out over the phone. For additional information, consult the UMass Amherst FERPA policy .
  10. The Learning Commons & Technical Support Desk (http://www.umass.edu/learningcommons/)
    lends drives for some PCs. A vending machine near the copiers dispenses office supplies, including headphones, Ethernet cables, and various types of disks and storage media.

Additional policies: