General Library Policies

Cell Phones

The Dick Smith Library allows the use of cell phones in the building; however, you are expected to use them courteously and not disrupt others.

  • Turn your cell phone to its lowest volume or use the silent signal function.
  • Keep your cell phone within easy reach so you can answer it quickly.
  • Keep your voice low and your conversations short when talking on your phone.
  • Step outside to use your cell phone if you are disrupting other library patrons.

Document Retention and Privacy Policy

It is the policy of the Dick Smith Library, Tarleton State University to protect the privacy of patrons. The circulation system does not compile a list of past loans. Circulation records created to document the loan of library materials to patrons are retained until the transaction is complete, and then destroyed. Only current loans are maintained on patron accounts. All printed documents containing sensitive personal material are shredded by staff, with no back-up records.

The privacy of all borrowers of library materials shall be respected in compliance with federal and state laws and professional standards. The library will not reveal identities of individual users or reveal what information sources or service they consult. This policy applies to all resources regardless of their format or means of delivery as well as all service offered by the library.

The library will not reveal what books are charged to any individual. Borrower information, including names, borrowing habits, files, addresses, phone numbers, and social security numbers will not be given to anyone other than the owner of the information after providing staff with appropriate identification. All information included in the patron database, published on circulation notices or reports are considered confidential.

Current borrower’s records are not made available to anyone other than the appropriate library staff. They are not made available to any government agency “except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized of, and pursuant to, federal, state, or local law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigatory power” (ALA policy on Confidentiality of Library Records).

Food and Drink

(revised October 15, 2014)

The Dick Smith Library permits limited eating and drinking within the Library. We count on all of our users to help us make sure that the books and the computers remain safe and that the building stays clean. Spills from food and drink can cause permanent stains, mold, and mildew on materials, furnishings, and carpets. Food leftovers not disposed of properly can cause pest infestations. Therefore, to ensure the preservation of collections, library equipment, and facilities, we ask you to be conscientious in disposing of trash and in abiding to these guidelines:

  • Drinks in rigid containers with secure lids are permitted throughout the library, except in areas listed below. Open containers are not permitted.
  • Food is permitted in the student lounge and coffee bar area, study tables, and study rooms. Be respectful of others and refrain from eating loud, smelly, or messy foods.

Food deliveries, food parties and group meals are allowed only with advance permission and only in designated meeting rooms.

  • Food is not allowed in the following areas:
    • Library Training Center
    • Book and periodical stacks
    • Computer workstations and other equipment (i.e. copiers, printers, library laptops, scanner, and so on)
    • Special Collections Room (no food OR drink)
  • Dispose of all trash properly before you leave. Large trash receptacles are available throughout the library. Encourage others to take care of the library and to treat it responsibly.
  • Accidents happen. Should spills occur, please use paper towels from restrooms to clean up and notify library personnel at one of the service desks. We just need to make sure it gets cleaned up. Cleaning supplies are stored on every floor:
    • Main Level: At the Circulation Desk.
    • Lower Level: At the Information Desk
    • Upper Level: In the Administration Office

Library staff reserves the right to ask anyone who disregards these guidelines to remove the food/drink from the building immediately or move to another area of the library or to leave the building.

Study Areas, Meeting Rooms, and Collaboration Spaces Policies

General Policies

  • These policies apply to all study areas, meeting rooms, and collaboration spaces in the library.
  • Room reservations can be made online, in person at the Circulation Desk, over the phone (254-968-9450), or by sending an email to [email protected].
  • For all reservations, a contact name, email, and phone number as well as specific dates and times, number of participants, and course or event name are required.
  • To claim a reservation, users must check in at the Circulation Desk and be escorted to the room.
  • Reservations that are not claimed within 30 minutes will automatically be canceled unless prior arrangements have been made.
  • Library staff is not responsible for setting up rooms or operating equipment.
  • Users are responsible for any cleaning and/or repair cost brought about by their use of the room(s). Report any problems or mishaps that may arise to the front desk immediately.
  • Leaving your belongings (backpacks, laptops, notebooks, etc.) unattended in these rooms will result in the loss of the room. Library staff will collect the abandoned items and keep them at the circulation desk for users to pick up upon their return.
  • Keep noise to a minimum. Violators will be required to leave the library.
  • Do NOT attach anything to the walls.
  • Do NOT use candles or anything flammable in the meeting rooms.
  • Do NOT partially or fully cover any window to the rooms.
  • Rooms MUST be left clean and tidy. All trash must be placed in appropriate trash receptacles prior to leaving.
  • Tarleton is a smoke free campus. No smoking or use of smokeless tobacco is allowed on the library premises.

Study Rooms & Meeting Rooms

Group Study Rooms 225, 226, 227, 229, 230, 231,233, 237, 238, 239 – First-come, First-served

  • The time limit for these rooms is also four (4) hours to ensure accessibility to as many users as possible.
  • Rooms 225, 226, 227, 229, 230, 231, 233, 237, 238, & 239 are all located on the upper level of the library.

Group Study Rooms with computer and large monitor – First-come, First-served

  • The time limit for these rooms is also four (4) hours to ensure accessibility to as many users as possible.
  • Rooms A, B, C, D, and E are located on the upper level of the library near the Quiet Zone.

Individual Study Rooms 209, 210, 242, 243, 244, 245, & 246 – First-come, First-served

  • These rooms are intended for use by one (1) person at a time.

Multi-Purpose Room (104)

  • Reservations for the Multi-Purpose Room are only accepted for events and meetings hosted by faculty, staff, and student organizations.
    • This room is not intended for extended recurring use or use as a classroom (e.g. having a standing meeting multiple times a week for the entire semester). In order to allow everyone the opportunity to use this space, we limit each person/organization’s use to 4 reservations per month. To appeal this limit, please contact the library circulation desk at 254-968-9450 or email [email protected].
  • Faculty and staff may book the room online, contact the circulation desk by phone (254-968-9450) or send an email to [email protected].
  • Student organizations must be active in TexanSync to book the Multi-Purpose Room by placing an event request in TexanSync and linking the event to the Library Multi-Purpose Room. Library staff review event requests Monday thru Friday and will approve or deny the event request based on availability, and then reserve the room for you. For assistance submitting an event request in TexanSync, please contact the office of Student Involvement, Spirit, Tradition, and Family Relations.
    • Please submit your TexanSync request a minimum of five days in advance to allow time for library approval.
    • Students may book the Multi-Purpose Room online using their NTNET information on behalf of their organization in order to guarantee their meeting time, but the organization must also submit a TexanSync event within 3 business days to receive reservation approval.
  • The group minimum for this room is eight (8).
  • This room can seat up to forty-six (46) with tables and up to seventy (70) without tables.
  • The Multi-Purpose Room is equipped with a computer, video conference equipment, projector, white board, and a conference phone.
  • Please consider set up and cleaning time needed for your reservation and book the room accordingly. Individuals are responsible for returning the room to the original table/chair configuration prior to the conclusion of their reservation.

Collaboration Spaces

Practice Presentation Room 155 – For Reserve Only

  • This room seats up to six (6).
  • There are three (3) tables and seven (7) chairs, as well as a computer on a podium with a chair, InFocus projector, and SmartBoard.
  • This room can be reserved for a maximum of two (2) hours at a time and is not eligible for renewal.
  • Upon checking in at the Circulation Desk, users will receive kit with dry-erase markers and presentation remote.
    • Only approved dry-erase markers are allowed to be used on the SmartBoard, which are provided upon check out of the room. Non-approved markers frequently stain the SmartBoard, which could result in a damage fee to the user.
  • The Practice Presentation Room is specifically for rehearsing presentations. Usage of the room for any other purpose, such as studying, will not be tolerated. In the event that the room is being misused, library staff will cancel the reservation and require users to relocate.

Collaboration Rooms 159 & 160 – For Reserve Only

  • There are two (2) collaboration rooms next to the main level printing center.
  • These rooms seat up to eight (8).
  • Each is equipped with a large TV screen, on-board computer, HDMI cables to allow for laptop viewing on the larger screen, and glare-resistant white boards.
  • This room can be reserved for a maximum of four (4) hours at a time and is not eligible for renewal.
  • Upon checking in at the Circulation Desk, users may request a kit with dry-erase markers.

Collaboration Tables – First-come, First-served

  • There are five (5) collaboration tables with booth seating on the main level. These tables will seat up to six (6).
  • There are three (3) collaboration tables on the lower level. These tables seat up to five (5).
  • Each of these tables is equipped with a large TV screen which is hooked up to a computer, HDMI cables to allow for laptop viewing on the larger screen, a keyboard, and a mouse.