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Library and Archives Code of Conduct

  • Office of Administration: Library and Archives Administration
  • Approval Authority: Vice-President Academic and Provost
  • Approval Date: September 15, 2026
  • Next Review: September 2029
  • Review History: March 2014
  • PDF version

Purpose and scope

The Laurentian University Library and Archives provides a safe, welcoming, and productive environment for a community of learners. We are united by a shared commitment to discovery, creativity, and life-long learning. The goal of this Code is to foster a climate of care and respect across all Library and Archives locations, services, and resources.

Application

This Code applies to all persons who visit, access, or use Library and Archives physical spaces, services, and resources. Where another University policy, collective agreement, employment process, or student conduct process applies, matters may be addressed under that applicable policy or process.

Community standards

Shared environment

As members of a shared environment, users benefit from a variety of spaces, from quiet zones to collaborative areas. To ensure these spaces remain accessible, safe, and productive for everyone, we ask all users to:

  • Contribute to a positive environment by respecting the rights, needs, and dignity of all community members and Library and Archives staff.
  • Ensure that activities remain compatible with the Library and Archives’ mission and do not disrupt the research or learning of others.
  • Respect posted signage, including those regarding silent zones. Use cell phones only in non-silent areas and use headphones for any device emitting sound.
  • Help maintain a comfortable environment for those with allergies or sensitivities by avoiding strong scents such as perfumes or colognes. If a scent causes physical distress to others, staff may ask the individual wearing the scent to relocate.
  • Treat all furniture and equipment with care and keep pathways, entrances, and stairwells clear to ensure that spaces remain safe and functional for the entire community.

Respect and safety

The Library and Archives is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, accessible, and inclusive environment for all users and staff. Aggression, harassment, threats, abuse, intimidation, discriminatory conduct, or conduct that unreasonably interferes with the rights, safety, dignity, work, study, or research of others is not permitted.

Depending on the circumstances, such conduct may result in a verbal reminder, relocation, immediate removal, temporary restriction of access, referral to Campus Safety, and/or referral under applicable University policies, including but not limited to the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, the Policy and Program on a Respectful Workplace and Learning Environment, the Policy on Workplace Violence Prevention, and the Policy on the Response and Prevention of Sexual Violence.

The Library and Archives will apply this Code in a manner consistent with applicable University policies, human rights obligations, accessibility requirements, accommodation duties, and procedural fairness.

Food and drink

Archives, Architecture Library, and areas with equipment such as computers:

  • No food or drink is permitted to protect unique materials and specialized equipment.

J.N. Desmarais Library & Education Resource Centre:

  • Only lidded non-alcoholic beverages and mess-free finger foods (e.g., fruit, snack bars, cold sandwiches) are permitted to protect library materials and prevent pests.

Many designated campus eating areas are located outside of but near all Library & Archives locations.

Families in the Library & Archives

Children are welcome in the Library and Archives when accompanied by a parent or guardian. For the well-being and safety of the child, they must be supervised at all times. Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring that their children’s presence is compatible with a productive learning environment for all users.

Personal belongings

Valuables should remain with the user at all times to ensure their security. Users are responsible for their personal belongings. The Library and Archives is not responsible for unattended, lost, or stolen items except as required by law or University policy. Lockers are available in the J.N. Desmarais Library to secure nonperishable belongings.

Reporting

To report an incident, contact Library and Archives staff at the Service Desk, by email library@laurentian.ca, or contact Campus Safety (705-673-6562). In appropriate circumstances, staff may refer the incident to the applicable University policy to be addressed.

Reports may contain personal information and will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws and University policies. Information may be used or shared as needed to respond to the incident, maintain safety, administer this Code, and meet legal obligations. Questions about the handling of personal information may be directed to the University’s Information and Privacy Officer at: privacyinquiries@laurentian.ca.

Enforcement and appeals

Library and Archives staff act as stewards of our shared spaces to ensure they remain safe and equitable for everyone. Individuals whose actions continue to be disruptive or violate University policies will be referred to appropriate disciplinary processes.

Immediate measures

Staff will first attempt to resolve disruptions through verbal reminders or by helping users relocate to more appropriate zones.

Depending on the severity of the behaviour Library and Archives staff may require users to leave the Library or Archives immediately. This immediate removal is a temporary measure, typically lasting no more than 24 hours. Where further access restrictions may be required, the matter will be referred for review under the applicable University policy or process, including any notice, accommodation, and appeal rights available under that policy or process.

Escalation

Serious or repeated disruptions, including refusal to follow staff instructions, may require the involvement of Campus Safety. In such instances, the matter will be referred to the appropriate University policy to ensure a fair and safe resolution for all.

Appeals

Appeals regarding temporary, immediate access restrictions may be directed to the University Librarian at 705-675-1151 ext. 4844 or universitylibrarian@laurentian.ca. If a serious or repeated incident is referred to the University, sanctions and appeals will be handled in accordance with the applicable policy.

Related policies and guidelines