Bakersfield College

Library Etiquette

(Or a This-Is-College Guide to Courtesy in the Library)

Grace Van Dyke Bird Library

Ø Cell phones: Keep on silent or vibrate. Please go outside to make or receive calls. Inside the library we prefer two words: text messaging.

Ø Food and drink: Keep ALL items INSIDE backpacks or bags. No eating or drinking, please!

Ø Noise: Be considerate of others—talk quietly enough to avoid bothering the many people who use the library for study space.

Ø Groups: Reserve a group study room at the circulation desk downstairs if you have a project that requires discussion. Even then, please keep voice levels so they don’t bother students nearby.

Ø Visiting: When you want to catch the latest gossip or just socialize with your friends, head to the cafeteria. The library is a study space.

Ø Volume: Keep music on earphones at a level so others can’t hear you.

Ø Games: Card games, chess, dice, Yatzee, and Scrabble are better played at home. They’re a losing proposition in the library.

Ø Trash: Clean up after yourself and throw away garbage in trash cans provided.

Ø Computers: Use the computers upstairs for research. Emailing, chatting, shopping, checking Facebook, or playing games are not appropriate uses for library stations. Computer use is a privilege, not a right.

Ø Consideration: Respect the rights of other library users. Help create a positive atmosphere in our library. Disturbing images or pornography may offend other library users. Those who create disturbances may be restricted in library use or referred for disciplinary actions.

Ø Making out: Come to the library to work, not to snog.

Ø Respect library materials: Do not tear, write on, or otherwise damage library books, magazines, and furnishings.

Ø Play it safe: Keep your valuables with you and under a watchful eye.

Ø Ask and ye shall receive: Ask a reference librarian for assistance with any research need. The reference staff can help you save time and find great resources for your projects.

Ø Golden Rule: Treat the library staff and fellow students with courtesy and consideration. Practice your random acts of kindness here.

Bakersfield College

Student Services