General Policies

Animals Policy

Service animals are allowed in the Park library building following CMU’s Service Animal Policy. However, pets or support animals are not permitted in the Park Library. Occasionally, the Libraries offers programming involving animals in accordance with CMU’s Animals on Campus policy.

Last Updated: 05/26/2022

Children in the Library Policy

The University Libraries provide a welcoming environment for research and life-long learning. 

  • Persons under the age of 14 
    • May use the library facilities under parental or adult caregiver supervision. 
    • Must at all times be accompanied and supervised by a parent or adult caregiver.   
    • Exceptions will be made for minors participating in university-sponsored programs and activities or for minors who are enrolled at Central Michigan University. 
  •  Persons under the age of 18
    • Individuals, including persons under the age of 18, who are not enrolled at Central Michigan University are not permitted in the 1 North Study Room.  
    • Minor children may use the Family Study Room with a parent or guardian present at all times. 
  • Library employees assume no responsibility for the safety or supervision of children left unattended in the library building. Unaccompanied children may be asked to leave the library or may be reported to the CMU Police for assistance. 

We encourage parents and caregivers to be familiar with the following services and policies: 

Last Updated: 10/11/2022   ​

Clothing and Footwear Policy

Clothing and footwear must be worn in the library.

Last Updated: 05/26/2022

Disruptive and Prohibited Behaviors


Library users have a responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect and to behave in a manner which respects the library’s collections and physical spaces.

Users of the Park Library are expected to refrain from disruptive and/or disrespectful behaviors. Examples of such behavior include but are not limited to the following:

  • Viewing objectionable materials, including pornography
  • Discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), or intimidation of any kind directed toward other library users or library staff
  • Talking loudly or creating excessive noise
  • Vaping, smoking, or the use of any tobacco products
  • Refusing to leave the library at closing time or when requested to do so during emergency situations or drills
  • Possessing alcohol or drugs or showing signs of intoxication
  • Entering restricted and/or staff-only areas of the building
  • Vandalizing library materials or property
  • Taking part in any activity which is illegal, endangers others, or otherwise violates Central Michigan University policies

Individuals who do not comply with library policy may be asked to leave the building and may be reported to the Central Michigan University Police Department.

Last Updated: 9/22/2021

Food and Beverage Policy

We recognize that students spend many hours in the library and may need an occasional snack or beverage. Small snacks and drinks in a container with a lid are allowed in most spaces in the Park Library. Please observe the guidelines below and help us keep your library clean.  

  • Small snacks and beverages in a container with a secure lid are permitted in the Park Library building, with the exception of the Opperman Auditorium and the Clarke Historical Library. 

  • Small snacks are things in individual packaging/containers which have no aroma and leave no crumbs, greasy or sticky residue, or other food waste. Anything larger than a small snack should be eaten in the Ponder Café on the 1st floor.  
     
  • Outside food deliveries are not permitted. 

  • We have a "no fault" policy when it comes to spills and messes; please report any accidents to library staff.
     
  •  Please properly dispose of all food wrappers and waste.

Last Updated: 4/12/2023

Noise Policy

The CMU Libraries is committed to providing an environment conducive to study as well as welcoming to all users. Individual study rooms are designated as quiet study spaces. The following areas tend to be quieter spaces: the First Floor Quiet Area, the Mary Dow Reading Room, the Baber Room, and the Clarke Historical Library Reading Room. Please refrain from group work and conversation in these areas. 

General noise

Conversation among people studying together in a group is acceptable in most areas of the library. As a general rule, however, people should keep their voices low. Speaking to people floor‐to‐floor in the atrium area is prohibited. 

Cellular phones and other devices

When you enter the library, we ask that you turn off the ringer to your phone. Be considerate of those studying around you and keep your conversations short and your voice lowered when using devices. 

Excessive noise

If there is disturbing or disruptive noise in your vicinity you may ask the individuals to be quieter. You may also report excessive noise to a library staff member, who will speak to the individuals. Individuals who do not comply with the policy may be asked to leave the building. 
 

Last Updated: 4/13/2022

Personal Transportation Device Policy

Personal transportation devices (including but not limited to, scooters, bicycles, in-line skates, and skateboards) are not permitted in the Park Library building. They are also not allowed on the north entrance porch, ramps, steps, or handrails. Users of the library are expected to observe the university’s Micro-Mobility Device Policy.

Last Updated: 5/25/2023

Privacy Policy

CMU Libraries will respect the privacy of all library patrons. We comply with federal and state laws governing library records. Unless required by law to do so, library staff will not reveal library user registration or circulation records.

If you have questions, please contact the Associate Dean of Libraries at (989) 774-3500.

Last Updated: 5/10/2023

Public Address System Policy

The Park Library's public address system is used only to announce building closing times, and to make service announcements (such as fire alarm testing) and issue weather-related warnings which impact everyone in the building.

Last Updated: 5/24/2023

Remote Access Policy

CMU Libraries licenses remote access to online library resources (e.g., subscription databases, journal subscriptions, e-books, streaming media) for authorized users (e.g., currently enrolled students, current faculty and staff). We do not provide remote access to licensed resources for alumni or community members. 

Some of our library resources are freely accessible online, including U.S. Government Documents, freely available collections created by other organizations, and collections digitized by the Clarke Historical Library. 

Last Updated: 12/1/2023

Unattended Personal Belongings Policy

  • Do not leave personal belongings unattended. There is a risk of theft if you leave your laptop, phone, or other personal belongings unattended.

  • You are responsible for your belongings at all times.

  • When leaving your seat, please take your things with you.

  • Do not leave your belongings to reserve a study space.

If you are searching for a lost item go to the Lost and Found at the Library Services on the 2nd floor of the library or call (989) 774-3114

Last Updated: 6/15/2021

Use of Library Materials, Facilities, Furniture, and Equipment

Individuals are responsible for using library materials, facilities, furniture, and equipment for their intended purposes. Individuals in violation of this policy will be held accountable and appropriate action will be taken according to library and university policy.

Last Updated: 7/28/21

Video Recording or Photography in the Library

Individuals who want to record videos or take photographs in the library must request approval in advance by emailing the Libraries’ Manager of Business Services and describing the event's date, time, and purpose. Activities which create an undue amount of noise or otherwise disturb or inconvenience users of the building (e.g., large groups of people, shouting or yelling, drones, playing music) will not be permitted. Video and photography equipment, such as tripods, additional lighting, external microphones, etc., are prohibited in the library unless you are provided with written permission from the Libraries’ Manager of Business Services. 

 Last updated: 4/22/2024