Security and Conduct Rules

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Entry & Exit Procedures  -  Rules of Conduct  -  Security Cameras

The security of the Newberry’s staff, visitors, researchers, and collections require the following rules and procedures.  We ask you to join our efforts to create a research-friendly environment and to preserve the collections for future generations by following our security and conduct rules. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about this information.

Entry & Exit Procedures

Entry Procedure
Store the following items in the cloakroom lockers on the first floor: outer garments, umbrellas, newspapers, food/beverages, scanners, briefcases, book bags, backpacks, large handbags, laptop bags, scotch tape, glue, and scissors.  It costs a quarter to use a locker, but the quarter is refunded when you leave.

Show your Reader’s Card and sign in at the first floor security kiosk. (If you do not have a Reader’s Card and you are over 16 years of age, you may apply for one on your first visit.)  Include your name, destination within the Library, and time of arrival.

Exit Procedure
All items must be presented for inspection when leaving past the security kiosk. Please record your time of departure. 

Rules of Conduct

The Newberry Library is an independent research library and educational institution dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of knowledge.  The library seeks to provide for and promote the effective use of its collections by a diverse community of users.

In order to maintain an environment that is conducive to research and learning, all persons in the Library must be engaged in Library-related activities and must abide by the following rules at any location in the buildings.

Library staff, users, volunteers, and guests shall refrain from:

• Eating and drinking outsider of specifically designated areas
• Damaging Library property (including Library collections, furniture, and building)
• Making excessive or disruptive noise to the distraction of others
• Using mobile telephones in reading areas and during Library programs
• Smoking and using tobacco products
• Using obscene or threatening language
• Engaging in disorderly, disruptive, or harassing actions
• Neglecting personal hygiene or possessions to the distraction of others
• Bringing animals into the Library, other than dogs trained to assist persons with disabilities
• Engaging in any illegal activity
• Entering a controlled or restricted area without prior permission.

Please be aware that the General and Special Collections Reading Rooms have their own set of rules that are designed to maintain a research-friendly environment.  While Library users are in the reading rooms, the general rules of conduct and the rules specific to that reading room are in force.

Persons who disobey these rules or any other rules and regulations of the Library will be asked to stop such activity and may be required to leave the premises.  The Newberry Library reserves the right to remove from its premises anyone whose conduct, in the judgment of the Newberry, is detrimental to its collections, activities, staff, users, volunteers, or guests.

Security Cameras

The Newberry Library utilizes security cameras throughout the facility to enhance the protection of our resources. The cameras are monitored continuously by Reading Room and Facilities Staff, and the footage is archived.