Approved by:

The President

History:

Issued             -- February 19, 2008

Revised           --
Last Reviewed -- February 28, 2019

Related Policies:

Additional References:

Responsible Official:

University Librarian tel. (202) 319-5055

 

I. Introduction

 

University Libraries serve the academic needs of University students, faculty and staff. As such, they are not designed for children. This document describes the University Libraries policy regarding children visitors.

II. Policy Requirements

A. Children Under 14 Years of Age

 

  1. Children under 14 years of age must be in the company of a parent or other adult at all times. The parent or other adult must present I.D. and sign the guest book upon entering the building.
  2. The child must exhibit appropriate library behavior (for example, observing the Silent and Quiet Talking areas of the library, no running, fighting, skateboarding, roller skating, ball playing, etc.). Excessive noise of any kind (loud conversations, crying babies, noisy toddlers, etc.) will not be tolerated.
  3. Library computers are for use by University students, faculty, and staff. If a child is using a computer, the child must relinquish it immediately if needed by a University student, faculty or staff.
  4. The computers are unfiltered; the accompanying adult, not the Library, is responsible for the child's viewing and should monitor computer use accordingly.
  5. If an unaccompanied child is in the Library, staff will attempt to find the adult who is responsible for the child and ask that the child be removed. If the adult cannot be located, staff will contact Public Safety.
  6. Exceptions to this policy may be made for children under age 14 on an individual basis. An example of a situation where an exception might be made would be a home schooled child. The parent or guardian must make an appointment to discuss the child's needs with the Director of Research and Instruction, University Libraries at tel. (202) 319-6473 before the child will be admitted without an adult.

B. Young adults age 14 and over

 

  1. Unattended young adults over the age of 14 may use the library for school-related research.
  2. The young adult must present I.D. and sign the guest book upon entering the building.
  3. Young adults must follow all library rules (for example, observing the Silent and Quiet Talking areas of the library, no running, fighting, skateboarding, roller skating, ball playing, etc.). No cell phone use (except in designated areas). Excessive noise of any kind will not be tolerated.
  4. If all library rules are not observed, the young adults will be told to leave the library. If they fail to leave, Public Safety will be called.

C. Responsibility for Supervision

 

  1. Library staff cannot and will not watch over (monitor) unattended children. Parents or guardians often view libraries as safe havens, but even on a university campus they are not necessarily safe places. Catholic University libraries are open to the public and just as with any other public place, unattended children and their property in libraries may be subject to serious harm.
  2. The Libraries' computers are unfiltered; therefore, inappropriate content may be viewed. Library staff cannot assume responsibility for content viewed by unaccompanied children or young adults.