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Policies

This page provides an overview of library policies.

Patron Responsibilities

We expect that individuals using the library will govern their own actions by basic rules of civility, respect and courtesy. The goal is to maintain a safe, comfortable, and respectful environment in which to study and collaborate. Any behavior that impedes the safe and effective use of the library and its shared resources may be identified by library staff as unacceptable.

Following are several basic guidelines, provided as examples of behavior expected in order to ensure a positive atmosphere for all Library users.

  • Abide by zone designations. 
    • Red: Silent Study
    • Yellow: Quiet Study
    • Green: Social Area
  • Collaborative technology (headphones, microphones, Zoom, FaceTime, etc.) can be used in areas not specifically designated as quiet or silent areas, as long as its use does not disturb the surrounding patrons.
  • Respect library materials and remove items from the library only after checking them out.
  • Respect library staff and patrons. 
  • Follow all policies described on the library website.
  • Follow all rules and regulations of Trinity International University, and all relevant federal, state and municipal laws.

If a library patron fails to abide by our established patron responsibilities after adequate warning, he or she may be asked to leave the facility. TIU security personnel will be called for assistance in the event of further non-compliance.

Patrons are responsible for their belongings. Rolfing Library cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items and strongly urges patrons not to leave their belongings unattended. 

Items left behind by patrons will be placed in the library's lost and found. Unclaimed items will be discarded or donated at the end of the semester.

Patrons are welcome to enjoy food and beverages in the cafe area near the front of the library. In order to avoid odors from food spoilage and to avoid attracting pests, the library does not permit food in other parts of the library. Beverages in containers with secure lids are allowed in other areas of the library except for the Gleason Archer Archives.

It is the individual’s responsibility to throw away wrappers, containers, and other trash in trash receptacles. Report major spills to library staff immediately, so we can arrange for clean-up. In the event of damage from food or drink to library materials or equipment, costs may be assessed to the responsible patron. Care should be taken around library equipment such as computers, microfilm reader/printers, scanners, etc. No coffeemakers or hotplates are allowed in the library.

Microwave

The library has a microwave available for patron use, located in the cafe. Please be mindful of others, and do not leave food in the microwave once the cooking time has elapsed. Please clean any spills or mess created by your meal and alert library staff if further attention is needed.

Refrigerator

Rolfing library is not responsible for any items left in the refrigerator available for patron use. Please clean up any spills immediately, and make sure to close the door completely. All items will be cleared from the refrigerator on Saturdays. Non-disposable food containers left in the fridge will be disposed of after one week in the lost and found located next to the fridge.

Signs and leaflets bearing the stamp of approval from Student Life may be posted to the bulletin board in the library entryway or on the bulletin board near the Research Help area. (Note: The bulletin board near the Research Help area is self-adhesive; do not use thumbtacks or pushpins on it.) Notices are not permitted on library doors or windows except for library hours, library events, and some TIU-sponsored events at the discretion of the Library Director. Likewise, signs may not be placed or handed out anywhere else in the library.

Solicitation and selling are not allowed in the library. 

Laptops may be used anywhere in the library. Please do not alter or move power cords or surge protectors installed in the library. Please do not plug in laptops across aisles, where the cords can easily be tripped on. We strongly encourage you never to leave your electronics or other belongings unattended. The library is not responsible for lost or stolen items. 

The library is not to be used as a place to leave items for pickup by someone else. The library staff assumes no responsibility for items left for others. This includes, but is not limited to, books, papers, backpacks, and laptop computers.

Similarly, do not have mail or meals delivered to yourself at the library.

At closing, all personal belongings left in the library will be placed in Lost and Found. Library materials will be reshelved. Closing procedures begin 15 minutes before stated closing times. At that time, materials to be checked out should be brought to the Library Services Desk. Please follow staff instructions and leave the library by closing time. Doors are locked promptly at stated closing times.

Visitors and Alumni

As suggested by our "All Are Welcome" mural, we are are happy to offer our building and many of our resources to visitors and to alumni. Our primary mission, however, is to support the academic needs of current Trinity students, faculty, and staff. Moreover, some of our services such as I-Share and database access, are limited to the Trinity community by contractual agreements. 

Click here for more information about services for alumni.

Click here for more information about visitor access. 

Children in the Library

Rolfing Library welcomes children of all ages. However, for their safety and comfort as well as in recognition of the rights and privileges of other library patrons, parents are asked to observe the following:

  • Any child under the age of 13 must be supervised by a parent or caregiver* at all times while inside the library. The Library does not act in loco parentis (in place of the parents) and staff cannot take responsibility for monitoring the safety or behavior of unattended children.
  • If any child visiting the library experiences a problem and the parent or caregiver is not present in the building or cannot be reached by telephone, Campus Security will be contacted to take charge of the situation.
  • Rolfing Library strives to provide an atmosphere conducive to study and research and children are expected to use the library in a quiet, orderly manner just as we expect from all patrons. Loud, noisy or disruptive behavior is inappropriate and children, as well as the responsible adult, will be asked to leave if this type of behavior persists.
  • The library is dedicated to providing all of our patrons with free and equal access to information. Parents who wish their children not to have access to certain types of materials should accompany their children to the library and monitor their use of its resources.

*A caregiver is defined as any individual 18 years of age or older who has been given the authority and responsibility to care for a child by the child's parent or legal guardian.
 

Family Area

A Family Area is located on the southeast side of the building.

  • This room is intended for adult library patrons who are accompanied by children, and priority will be given accordingly. If you are using this space without children, you may be asked to leave.
  • Children must be accompanied and supervised by a caregiver at all times.
  • While this is a child-friendly area, please be mindful that it is still located within the library, and volume should be kept at an appropriate level.
  • This area should be left clean and orderly. Please place used books in the labeled return area and return toys and puzzles to their shelves.

Animals in the Library

In accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), Rolfing Library welcomes service animals. Service animals are permitted in any area of the library where members of the public are permitted to go except where the presence or behavior of the animal may compromise the health or safety of the animal or others, or fundamentally alters the nature of the program or activity. Trainers are also permitted to accompany service animals in training in the library.