Maxwell Library
Policy on Children in the Library

Policy Statement: While Maxwell Library welcomes patrons of all ages, visitors with children should be aware that the library is housed in a busy, multi-use facility. Classrooms, faculty and administrative offices, as well as various service units can all be found in the building. Multiple entry and exits points are located across the site.

Because the library's primary constituency is the students, faculty and staff of the college, along with visiting researchers from other institutions, we provide a wide range of materials - books, DVDs, journals and other resources - that express a variety of perspectives. Some content and illustrations may be inappropriate for use by children.

Concern for the safety and well-being of children, recognition of the needs of the BSU community, as well as proper stewardship of library resources prompts the following:

• A child is defined as anyone under the age of sixteen who is not registered as a BSU student.
• A responsible adult (i.e., parent, guardian, teacher, etc.) must accompany children in the library at all times. Unaccompanied children will be reported to Campus Police.
• A child who is disruptive, uses library resources inappropriately, or damages library materials or equipment will be reported to Campus Police.
• Maxwell Library computers are intended primarily for the use of Bridgewater State College students, faculty, and staff. The computers do not have content filters. If children are given access to the computers, the accompanying adult is responsible for the children's use and viewing. (Separate, stand-alone computers provide access to just the library catalog.)

Please note that the College's Responsible Use of Information Technology policy applies to BSU students, faculty, staff and all other users. You can review the policy at http://it.bridgew.edu/Policy/ResponsibleUse.cfm.

Library staff members are not expected to act as police officers nor are they expected to search for accompanying adults or determine the ages of children. Any problems we encounter will be reported to Campus Police.