The University Libraries uphold the mission of Wright State University by providing exceptional research services and resources to facilitate faculty and student success and by fostering innovation and life-long learning in our diverse community.
Toward this end, these policies have been created to ensure a high level of service for all users. Contact the Library Administration at (937) 775-2380 with questions regarding library policies.
The following guidelines govern the general use of public areas and rooms in the Paul Laurence Dunbar Library. The University Librarian or his/her appropriate designee may authorize exceptions to these guidelines:
In addition to these general guidelines, the following rules apply to specific locations in the Library:
Many people come to the Wright State University Libraries seeking a quiet place to read and study. Please be courteous by observing the following cell phone rules:
Patrons not adhering to the policy may be asked to leave the library.
Full Internet access at library computers is available to Wright State University students, faculty and staff through their campus computing accounts. Persons who are not Wright State students, faculty, or staff may use the computers on the 2nd floor of Dunbar Library by getting a one-day Library Guest Computer Account. You must present a government-issued photo ID at the 1st floor Circulation Desk.
Library computers are provided for searching, retrieving, viewing, printing, or downloading resources for educational purposes. Internet use is logged in order to trace illegal activity as necessary. All use of library computers must comply with the following University, Library and OhioLINK policies, and with other federal, state and local regulations:
In accordance with Ohio Revised Code, Section 149.432, the Wright State University Libraries are committed to protecting patron confidentiality and patron information contained in library records. We are in compliance with the State of Ohio's "Patron Confidentiality Law" that states:
"'Library record' means a record in any form that is maintained by a library and that contains any of the following types of information: (a) information that the library requires an individual to provide in order to be eligible to use library services or borrow materials; (b) information that identifies an individual as having requested or obtained specific materials on a particular subject; (c) information that is provided by an individual to assist a library staff member to answer a specific question or to provide information on a particular subject." (For additional information see Ohio Revised Code 149.432).
Any behavior or condition that threatens the safety of others, that disrupts the orderly use of the Wright State University Libraries, that could constitute harassment, that creates a hostile environment, or that affects the staff's ability to provide service, is prohibited and will be handled by the appropriate enforcement authority. Examples include:
Wright State University students, faculty, and staff may film, photograph, and draw for academic use in the Libraries provided that they do not film, photograph, or draw library users without permission or cause a disruption. Others wishing to film, photograph, or draw in the Libraries, such as the Media, must be approved to do so by Library Administration (937) 775-2381.
The Paul Laurence Dunbar Library's Food and Drink Policy is designed to maintain a clean and welcoming environment for all users and to encourage personal responsibility and respect for library materials, furnishings, and equipment.
Food and drink are allowed in the library according to the following guidelines:
Exceptions:
Tips:
Wright State University Libraries is committed to creating a welcoming environment for its users. We believe promotional activities help inform our patrons about events on campus and in the community. We welcome student groups and campus departments to display materials, place collection boxes, or use designated library spaces to promote an educational or academic event or activity.
Requests must be submitted to the University Libraries Administration Office, 126 Dunbar Library or by calling 775-2380. Email requests should be directed to Sue Polanka, University Librarian, at sue.polanka@wright.edu. Please note you may be asked to complete the Promotional Activity Request form.
Requests must be received with advance notice of a maximum of 6 months and a minimum of 1 week. Requests received with no advance notice will be determined on a case by case basis. Signs, flyers, or other solicitation materials found in the library without prior approval will be removed.
Promotional materials can be displayed for up to four weeks, depending on the event.
The department or student group assumes the responsibility of putting up, removing, and picking up the promotional materials. These materials must be approved in advance. Set-up and Take-Down dates must be approved in advance and are strictly followed. Materials remaining in the library after the promotion date will incur a $10 removal fee, charged to the student or staff person reserving.
Library space may not be used, directly or indirectly to:
The WSU Libraries do not necessarily endorse the viewpoints which may be the subject of the promotion.
The WSU Libraries will not be held responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items.
The WSU Libraries reserve the right to deny any request.
This policy does not govern the library exhibit cases or the bulletin board in the Group Study Room.
Wright State University Libraries welcomes comments from the community on its official social media pages. User-generated content on the Libraries' social media pages does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Libraries, and such content is not screened or approved by the Libraries before it is posted.
Wright State University Libraries abide by terms of service for all social media tools and applications. We encourage all users to do the same. Further, users are expected to abide by any and all applicable laws, as well as all applicable policies of Wright State University and the Libraries.
The Libraries reserve the right to use any comments or content publicly posted to any of the Libraries' social media channels in promotional materials, publications, and reporting.
The Wright State University Libraries welcome children who are accompanied and supervised by a parent or adult caregiver. The supervision, safety and security of children are the responsibility of the parent or adult caregiver. The Libraries assumes no responsibility for the safety and supervision of children left unattended. The Wright State University Police Department may be notified if children are left in the library unaccompanied by an adult. Please note the following:
Wright State University Libraries selectively accept gifts of books or other materials that support and enhance the University's teaching and research.
Only the Associate University Librarian for Collections has the authority to accept donated materials. Once a donation is accepted, the materials become the property of the University Libraries. The Libraries reserve the right to determine the retention and/or disposition of all donated materials. Those materials not added to the collection will be disposed of at the discretion of the Libraries.
As a rule, the Libraries do not accept the following:
The donor is responsible for delivering all donated materials to the Libraries. The Libraries will acknowledge accepted donations, but we are unable to provide a valuation for tax purposes.
Materials that are appropriate for the Libraries' Special Collections and Archives Department are subject to their departmental policies.
