BHCC Library & Learning Commons
Use and Access Guidelines
The mission of the Library & Learning Commons is to support the educational, teaching, and research needs of the students, faculty, and staff of Bunker Hill Community College and community users. The Library & Learning Commons staff is dedicated to maintaining a quality environment, protecting the rights of users and sustaining the integrity of the collection. The library consciously works with its users to foster an environment conducive to learning and the development of information literacy skills.
The Library & Learning Commons follows and enforces college policies and procedures. For further information about college policies and procedures, please refer to the current BHCC Student Handbook posted at http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/298.
Library Environment
The library provides a civil and respectful environment. Towards that end, users are asked to be conscious that their actions affect others. Among other activities, users are asked not talk on their cell phones, eat, or be loud and disruptive.
Access Guidelines
BHCC students, faculty, and staff have priority access to the BHCC Library and Learning Commons and its resources.
Permission for access to the library is not automatic for the general public. Access restrictions apply to some segments of the Library collection and services. Members of the general public may apply for a community borrower's card. Check with the Library Director for more information.
For details on library cards and borrowing privileges, please consult the Library Guidelines Page at http://www.noblenet.org/bhcc/guidelines.htm or the current BHCC Student Handbook http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/298.
Computer Use
Use of the library’s electronic resources and personal computers (PCs) requires compliance with the BHCC Student Computer & Network Usage Policy - http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/PDFs/ComputerNetworkPolicy.pdf. The library provides computers with access to the Internet and specialized electronic resources for academic research. BHCC students, faculty, and staff have priority in the use of PCs. Computers may be reserved for library users by library staff only. All Internet access and use provided by BHCC is subject to review by BHCC.
To reduce the amount of wasted paper, library computer users who wish to print more than 10 pages should ask for permission from library staff. The BHCC computer lab (D111) is available for word processing and general computer needs.
Classrooms, Events, and Group Study Rooms
The library classroom, E319, is used for library instruction sessions and meetings. Library classroom use is scheduled through the Director’s office. In addition to the study areas within the library, study areas are also available in the College’s D building.
The library contains a “quiet study” area, where groups may engage in quiet conversation, as well as “silent study” areas, where absolute silence is encouraged. These areas are indicated by signs. In all of these areas, users should be respectful of other users.
The library may be used for events that support the mission and activities of the College. Furniture may be moved by library staff to accommodate the needs of an event, and library users may be asked to sit elsewhere. Library users must comply with such requests to move. Request for use of the space for events are scheduled through the Director’s office.
Destruction or Mutilation of Library Materials
Any person who willfully, maliciously, or otherwise mutilates, defaces, tears, writes upon, mars, or injures any library material or facility may be subject to loss of library privileges, to appropriate punitive action by the administration, and to prosecution under state law. Any damage to library materials must be reported to library staff.
Please click on the following link to see the Massachusetts General Lawthat focuses on mutilation and destruction of library materials: Policies
Emergencies
In the event of fire, tornados, or other emergency situations, library staff will alert library occupants to the procedures for evacuation or taking shelter.
Food and Drink
Food is prohibited in library facilities. Individuals with food will be asked to discard it or to leave the Library.
Non-alcoholic beverages in closed containers (thermoses, travel mugs, bottled water or soft drinks, etc.) are permitted in the library. Any spill, leak or other accident affecting the facilities or collection requires immediate notification of library staff. No beverages allowed in close proximity to equipment and other library resources.
Literature Distribution, Solicitation
Displays of posters and other literature is exclusive to the Student Government Association (SGA) and BHCC Administration. For further information, see the Bulletin Board Posting section of the BHCC Student handbook: http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/298. All postings and literature distribution within the library must be approved by the Library Director.
Security
In cooperation with appropriate College departments, the library provides a welcome, open environment that is safe and secure for everyone. The library takes all reasonable measures to protect its collections and equipment from loss or mutilation and to protect its space from unauthorized intrusions. The library reserves the right to prosecute in cases of theft or significant damage.
The library is open to the public, and thefts do occur. Users should not leave personal belongings unattended. Staff or users are encouraged to call the Department of Public Safety (x2253) in an emergency. Library staff should be alerted if users feel threatened or otherwise uncomfortable in the library.
All persons 16 years of age and younger must be accompanied, supervised, and kept in close proximity to a legal guardian at all times.
Cell Phone Use
In order to maintain a quality study and learning environment, cell phone use is not allowed in the library. Library users are asked to turn their cell phones off or put them on vibrate when entering the Library.