Library Guidelines
Libraries adopt policies, directives, guidelines, and procedures to regulate and advise staff on various aspects of materials, library service, facilities, and guide our practices. Below are a few of our guiding documents.
Code of Conduct
Library materials must be signed out at the Circulation Desk before they are taken from the library and must be returned or renewed when due. Failure to return materials or to pay for lost or damaged items will result in the withholding of transcripts and/or subsequent registration at the college.
Library users are requested to not re-shelve any library materials. Instead, they are to leave items used in the library on the designated carts around the library space.
Library furniture is to be treated with respect. Repair or replacement of damaged library furniture or equipment will be charged to library users.
Noise
The Silent Study Room is aside for quiet study and research. No talking or device noise is acceptable in this room. Users must use headphones or mute their devices while in the room and must leave the room to talk with each other or on the phone.
Quiet Zones are designated for low-volume activity. Short conversations at a low or whispered volume are acceptable, but all device noise and longer or louder discussion must take place in Social Zones.
Social Zones are meant for group study and activity. Conversation at a reasonable volume is permitted, but users should remain contentious of their volume level. Headphone use is encouraged, and device noise should be kept short and at a low volume (intended only for people in close proximity to the source).
Group Study Rooms have the same volume stipulation as Social Zones, but users should be aware that insulation between each group study room is limited, and sound travels more easily between them than between the rooms and the larger library space.
Library users are encouraged to contact library staff with any noise concerns. QR codes are available in the Silent and Quiet Zones so complaints can be shared quietly and in real time.
Food and Drink
Food and drink are allowed in the library. Strong smelling food should not be consumed in the Group Study Rooms or Quiet Study Room out of consideration for other users.
Users are expected to put garbage and recyclable items in the proper containers. Users are responsible for returning trays and dishes to the cafeteria. Any spills are to be reported to a library staff member immediately.
Displays
All posters, notices, or displays must be approved by the Manager of Library Access Service or designate before being posted or distributed in the library.
Children
Children are welcome in the libraries. Disruption to other users should be limited and noise zones respected. Small children should not be left unattended in the libraries.
All computer users must follow college policies related to the use of email, internet, computers, and information technology.
Priority for use of computers is given to students. During peak times, access for members of the public may be limited.
Library staff have the authority to request a user to move from a computer or to leave the library. Serious offences and repeated violations may result in college security personnel being involved.
Users are encouraged to assist library staff by following these guidelines and reporting any problems to the library staff.
Collection Development
This directive’s purpose is to guide and inform the selection and maintenance of print and non-print materials by the library. It is our goal to ensure an adequate, balanced collection that meets the needs of the College community. Read the complete directive here.
Harmful Language in the Library Catalogue
The Medicine Hat College Library recognizes that language used in our catalogue, including titles, descriptions, and subject headings, reflect the biases, norms, and perspectives of the time in which it was created and may be outdated and harmful. These descriptions are based on international standards such as the Library of Congress Subject Headings which include some headings that are offensive or inappropriate. We support and actively participate in efforts to update and change these headings to be more inclusive, respectful, and not cause harm, to foster an inclusive library environment.
We acknowledge the importance of community consultation in these efforts and welcome your feedback. If you encounter offensive or harmful language in the Medicine Hat College Library catalogue titles or resource descriptions, or if you have questions about this work, please contact us at mhclibrary@mhc.ab.ca. We review and update harmful language in our catalogue records as appropriate and feasible.
[This statement was adapted from the University of Alberta, University of Lethbridge, and Simon Fraser University.]