Policy Last Updated:
Policies related to working in and using the Library buildings.
Animals
The Library welcomes persons with disabilities accompanied by a service animal to all areas of the building that are open to the public and third parties (with the exception of the staff kitchenette). Service animals in training are also permitted in the library with their trainer.
Ontario Regulation 429/07 of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, subsection 4(9) states:
“An animal is a service animal for a person with a disability,
a. if it is readily apparent that the animal is used by the person for reasons relating to his or her disability; or
b. if the person provides a letter from one of the approved regulated health professionals listed in Ontario Regulation 191/11 Integrated Accessibility Standard Section 80.45 (4)b
As with the rest of the university, other (non-service) animals are not permitted in the Library.
Cellphones
Library users wishing to use cell phones are encouraged to use the Cell Phone Zones located in the stairwells and elevator areas on each floor of the library building.
Computer usage in the Library
The Laurier Library has a wide variety of technologies to help our students and faculty with their research. Please review the guidelines laid out in the University's Policy Governing the Use of Information Technology.
Contact the Library for questions on Library technology.
For Laurier technology outside of the Library, or for Laurier Network Login questions, contact ICT: Student Service Desk, or Employee Help Desk.
Food and drink
The Laurier Library aims to provide a clean working environment that will be conducive to study by on-site users and to the preservation and protection of the library’s collections and equipment. To this end, the library seeks to control the use of food and drink in the building in order to lessen costly damage to library resources and physical discomfort to users due to litter, unappealing odors and spillage, and the insects and pests that these conditions attract.
- As a general rule, and within reason and in small quantities, certain foods and beverages are allowed in all parts of the library. Food and drink are not permitted in the Archives and Special Collections area. Other areas may also be designated food-and-drink free as occasion warrants.
- Snacks that are non-sticky, non-staining and with little or no odour may be eaten in the Library.
- Non-alcoholic beverages in re-closable and spill-proof containers are allowed.
- Hot and/or strong-smelling foods, as well as those that would normally be construed as meals: e.g., take-out or fast-foods, such as pizza or stir-fries, or home-made lunches and dinners are not allowed. Consumers of such meals will be directed to campus dining areas, including the Library’s Café.
- Users will be encouraged to dispose of garbage in garbage and recycling bins.
- Deliveries of food to the library are not permitted, except for library-authorized activities.
Furniture
Students are requested not to rearrange Library furniture. Study carrels and tables have been placed to make the most efficient use of space.
Instruction Room (3-314) and Learning Lab (2-207)
The primary function of the Library's instruction rooms is library-related instruction. The rooms are used for:
- Instruction given by librarians
- Workshops offered by the Centre for Student Success
- Other activities arranged by the Library
Neither the rooms nor the Learning Lab computer are available for bookings by individual students or as a group study room.
The rooms may be available for external booking based on availability. Instruction has top priority in these rooms, and external bookings may be asked to relocate if there is a conflict. Please contact the Library Administrative Assistant for inquiries.
Group study rooms
The Laurier Library provides group study rooms for collaborative study and research. The rooms on the 4th-7th floors can be booked online up to one week in advance. Any Laurier student can book a room over one or more reservation slots for a maximum of two hours per day. The rooms can accommodate between 3-8 students. Thanks to a gift from WLUSU's student life levy, rooms are equipped with wall mounted monitors and users may connect their own laptops. Simply show up at the room at the time of your booking.
Room regulations
- Minimum of three users is required for group study rooms
- Rooms will not be reserved for regular credit classes or tutorials
- Please remove all personal belongings or library material from the room before leaving
- The Library is not responsible for lost property
- Please report any damage or disorder of furniture or fixtures to the Service desk
- Rooms are strictly for academic use; even your laughter should be academic in nature ;)
- Please be considerate, keep the rooms clean and tidy
Room descriptions
Individual study rooms
Rooms on Floor 3 and Pods on Floor 7
Individual quiet study rooms located on floor 3 and study pods on floor 7 are bookable by all students.
- Book a room using the online booking form up to a week in advance.
- Bookings are for 3 hour time slots on a first come first served basis.
Rooms on Floors 4-7
- Individual study rooms on floors 4-7 are available for students registered with the Accessible Learning Centre. Tutoring or support persons are permitted in rooms on the 4th floor.
- Book a room using the online booking form for ALC-registered students up to a week in advance.
- Bookings are for 6 hours maximum per day.
- With arrangement in advance, rooms on floors 4-7 may be booked for a longer period of time. For details ask your ALC consultant.
- Rooms are located on floors 4-7, near the centre of the floor, facing Albert St.
- Detailed description of rooms
Room regulations: all rooms
- To be used for quiet study by a single person only.
- Not to be used as an office, for group study, for meeting with students, or for tutoring (tutoring permitted in rooms on 4th floor).
- Do not block the window for safety reasons.
- Do not leave library materials in the room. Any items left in the room will be removed and reshelved.
- The Library will not assume any responsibility for lost or stolen materials.
Fines
- Discretionary fee for damages: $30 minimum
Noise
The general expectation is that all activities in the Library will be conducted in a quiet manner to avoid disturbing other library users.
The 7th floor has been designated a "silent" floor. This means no talking, minimal and quiet keyboarding, cell phones in the stairwell only, and all audio muted. There are Quiet Study areas located on the 5th and 6th floors of the library.
Group study rooms are available for collaborative study and research.
Posters and flyers in the Library
All individuals interested in posting information in the library must have the document first approved by the Dean of Students office. Flyers and posters must be of an educational nature or must pertain to upcoming events on campus. Information concerning housing availability, job opportunities (off campus) and recreational activities are not permitted in the library.
Once approved by the Dean of Students office, posters and flyers can be hung in the Library only on bulletin boards that are available by the photocopy machines. Information posted in other locations will be removed immediately.
Smoking
The Library is a smoke free building in accordance with University policy on smoking.
Sanctions
Students who disregard these regulations may be subject to University discipline as set down in the Student Code of Conduct. Other library users may have their borrowing privileges revoked.