Service Policy

General Library Policies

Access to the Library Facilities

Access and Services for Disabled Patrons

Behavior and Conduct

Building and Library Equipment

Computer Services and Resources

Computer and Internet Use Policy

Library Environment

Use and Protection of the Collection

Scope of Services

Reference Services Policies

Philosophy and Ethics

Service Policy

Policy Subject to Revision

The Service Policies of the Emma Goldman Memorial Library are periodically reviewed and modified by the Library Management Council, who may consult with relevant University committees, faculty, students, and staff. If you have comments about these policies, please send them to Emma Goldman Memorial Library Reference and Patron Services Section, 8600 Kropotkin Pike, Winstanley, OR 97481 or email: custserv@goldman.russell.edu.

Adopted by the Library Management Council, March 27, 2002.

Scope of Services

The Library's collection is intended to serve the information needs of students and staff in all Bertrand Russell State University (BRSU) departments, but access to information in the collection is available to everyone. Our main goals are to facilitate access to information contained in the Library's collections and in other collections potentially accessible to users, and to provide - to the extent that limited resources and other constraints make possible - service to all users on the basis of need.

Patron Services

Reference Service Policy

• Verification of bibliographic citations using available reference resources.
• Referrals to other academic libraries, departments, experts or agencies when information needs cannot be met at the Library.
• Instruction in using the Library resources, guidance in selecting appropriate resources, and assistance in developing search strategies.
• Acquisition and maintenance of a current collection of reference materials that will satisfy the needs of the library's primary users (see Patron Services above).
• Ready-reference information including identifying patron needs, locating information sources in any of the library's collections and delivering information to well-defined, short questions (as determined by the librarian), e.g. statistical information, chemical properties, and other ready-reference information.
• Specialized services and more extensive assistance can be provided, for example: customized literature searches and on-campus document delivery through Library Express for those affiliated with BRSU. Those unaffiliated with BRSU should contact e-Goldman TechSearch.

  For individual consultation appointments, email AskEmma or call (541) 262-6000.

  Access to the Library Facilities

  Any individual may have access to Emma Goldman Memorial Library facilities to use general stack collections, space and resources permitting. Due to the specialized nature and fragility of some materials, use of some special collections may be governed by more restrictive policies. Please consult with staff in relevant areas. On-site reference services to assist in accessing the collections are also available to any individual. More extended research inquiries, e.g. searches of computer databases, by individuals unaffiliated with the University will be referred to use the library's fee-based service as outlined in our user policy.

  See also: Access and Services for Disabled Patrons

  Access and Services for Disabled Patrons

  • Entrances: Emma Goldman Memorial Library is accessible via a ramp by the front door, electrical doors and wide-gate access on the first level for individuals with wheelchairs. The upper floors are accessible via elevator.
  • Workstations: The Library has two Disabled Adaptive Workstations specially equipped for use by library users with physical disabilities. These machines are on adjustable wheelchair-accessible tables. One is located in the Reference area and the other is near the Information Desk on the 2nd Floor.
  • Photocopying: Located near the library entrance is a photocopier designed for wheel chair access. Library users who have difficulty using the photocopy machines can obtain assistance at the Third Floor Copy Center.
  • Paging Service: Library users who have difficulty in retrieving items from the stacks can request that a library staff member retrieve items for them on an ad hoc basis. Paging requests can be made at the Circulation Desk on the first floor. Advance paging requests are recommended, and can be made through the Interlibrary Loan Office.
  • Alexander Berkman Learning Resources Rooms: These specially equipped rooms, located in Rooms 377 and 379, contain typewriters, braillewriters, text enlargers and magnifiers. Use of these facilities is available free to persons with physical, learning, or other disabilities. Access keys are available at the Circulation Desk. Contact the Noam Chomsky Disability Resource Center for further information.

  Library Policy on Behavior and Conduct

  The Emma Goldman Memorial Library strives to offer a full range of library service to patrons in accordance with both University and Library policy. The Library seeks to provide its services with a minimum of regulations and restriction, adopting only those deemed absolutely essential to maintaining a quiet, safe, and otherwise appropriate environment conducive to study in all areas of the facility. Library patrons are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner in accordance with these regulations and rules. Any person who commits or attempts to commit any of the offenses listed below - or any other behaviors illegal under the laws of the state or federal government - is subject to sanctions, including:

  • Being asked to leave the Library premises,
  • Being reported to the University Public Safety Department, and
  • Legal prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.

  Permission to use this facility revocable at any time. Offenders who are BRSU students are subject, as well, to other penalties as imposed by the BRSU Office of Student Conduct.

  Use and Protection of the Collection

  To protect the collections for future users, prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Mutilating library materials by marking, underlining, removing pages or portions of pages, removing binding, removing electronic theft devices, using post-its and paper clips or in any other way damaging or defacing library materials.
  • Removing or attempting to remove library materials, equipment or property without proper checkout or other official library authorization. The University Library will notify law enforcement authorities concerning theft or vandalism attempts.
  • Failing to either renew or return library materials when due.
  • Concealing library materials in the Library for the exclusive use of an individual or group.
  • Failure to adhere to copyright laws (17 U.S. Code).
  • Eating and drinking in the Library. Damage caused by food and spilled drink is defined as vandalism and is in violation of Oregon Penal Code and BRSU Policy P-5510.
  • Smoking or use of smokeless tobacco in buildings or near entrances and exits. In accordance with Oregon state law, tobacco use must be outside.
  • With the exception of assistance animals, animals are not permitted in any University facilities.
  The Building and Library Equipment

  To protect the building and its equipment, prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Being in unauthorized areas of the library, remaining in the Library after closing or when requested to leave during emergency situations or drills.
  • Opening emergency exits except in emergency situations.
  • Vandalizing or defacing the Library building, furniture, or equipment.
  • Maliciously accessing, altering, deleting, damaging or destroying any computer system, network, computer program, or data.

  The Library Environment

  The Emma Goldman Memorial Library does not permit behavior incompatible with the use of the Library by its patrons or staff. The Library prohibits the following conduct on its premises. Behaviors not permitted include, but are not limited to:

  • Creating excessive noise, or using radios or other devices without earphones or loud enough to disturb others.
  • Using cell phones, pagers and other electronic devices that ring or generate other audible sounds in designated library quiet areas.
  • Any hostile or rowdy behavior, including but not limited to fighting, threatening, intimidating, or abusing library staff or patrons with words or actions.
  • Sexual harassment.
  • Leaving children below the age of 14 unattended in the library. A responsible adult must accompany children below the age of 14. The Library is not responsible for the safety of children left unattended in any part of the library.
  • Posing a sanitary or health risk to others, including but not limited to offensive hygiene.

  Computer Services and Resources

  The Emma Goldman Memorial Library provides computer stations and access to the Internet and electronic resources for the use of BRSU faculty, students and staff in support of educational and research activities. Patrons are expected to use this resource in a responsible and courteous manner, consistent with the purposes for which it is provided and within the appropriate use guidelines detailed below.

  Level of Service

  Library reference staff will provide basic assistance with access to information systems, library catalog and with Internet searches, but cannot provide extensive individualized instruction. Contact the Reference Services staff for a referral for additional personal instruction. The library reserves the right to impose time limits according to the number of computer stations available and the level of demand for computer stations or a particular database.

  Filtering and User Responsibility

  In accordance with a longstanding commitment to providing access to information for the BRSU community, guided by the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights and to the principles of free expression as set forth in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, the library does not use filtering software.

  Users of the Internet must assume full responsibility for the materials they use. Because Internet content may originate anywhere and is largely unregulated and unmonitored, users may find sites where information is controversial, erroneous, biased, dated or offensive. Users are responsible for any direct or indirect damages they may suffer from the use of Internet services.

  Computer and Internet Use Policy

  Acceptable use

  Research workstations are provided for library-related research and educational purposes only. This includes searching the library's catalog, indexes and databases, and other web sites as well as accessing specialized media. Information and search results may be downloaded to a user-provided floppy or Zip disk. Printing (10 page per session limit) is provided from most computer stations at a per page cost with a BRSU copy card, which can be purchased at locations throughout the facility. The e-mailing of search results is also available with most databases.

  Unacceptable use

  The library's computers are available for study and research and are not to be used for personal e-mail, word-processing, games, on-line shopping, gambling, etc., or for the installation of personal software, databases or spreadsheets or other uses which constitute an unauthorized use of software as defined by the Educom Code. Unacceptable use of the computing and networking systems includes, but is not limited to the following:

  • Incurring charges to the University as a result of using fee-based services.
  • Copying of or distribution of material found on the Internet or licensed databases in any way that would constitute infringement of copyright or software licenses.
  • Tampering with the hardware or software on the research workstations is strictly prohibited.
  • Causing or creating distraction or harassment of other library users, including the displaying or sending of graphics that may be reasonably interpreted as offensive.
  • Attempting to circumvent security systems on any facility, or using a computer account without authorization.
  • Developing or using programs that harass other users, or that damage the software or hardware components.
  • Breaching the terms and conditions of a software licensing agreement.
  • Using the Internet and computers in any way that violates Bertrand Russell State University policy and regulations, or state and federal law.

  The nature and severity of any infractions may result in disciplinary measures including, but not limited to, suspension of library and computing privileges and/or academic suspension, by Bertrand Russell State University and/or legal action as appropriate.