Library Building Use Policy
The Morse Library Building Use Policy is designed to ensure library users have a variety of safe and welcoming spaces for research, learning, creativity, and collaboration. All Beloit College buildings are private property. This policy sets expectations for the use of library spaces and is designed to ensure that the entire community of library users can access and utilize the shared resources of the library with privacy, dignity, and respect.
All LITS staff are authorized to enforce this policy, with the assistance of Beloit College Security. Violation of this policy is grounds for suspension of library privileges and/or removal from the building.
Library hours will be clearly posted on the website and on main entry doors. Only Beloit College staff will have access to the building when the library is closed, unless staff is accompanying the guest.
Patron Conduct
The patron conduct policy is intended to protect the safety of Morse Library patrons and staff; preserve the library’s materials, equipment, facilities, and grounds; and ensure access to library facilities, programs, or services.
Users must not engage in any behavior that interferes with the normal use of the library, disrupts patron or staff comfort, safety, or the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of the library. This includes but is not limited to:
Verbal abuse, intimidation, sexual harassment or harassment on account of race, religion, ethnic background, gender, or sexual orientation. Harassing or threatening patrons or staff is not permitted.
Making unreasonable noise or other disturbance, especially in designated quiet areas. Audio or video devices must be silenced or used with headphones.
Unreasonable use of the library restrooms, including laundering and bathing.
Strong, pervasive odors, including odors caused by perfume or cologne, that unreasonably interfere with patron or staff comfort, safety, or peaceful enjoyment of the library.
Overt sexual behavior
Removing shirts, shoes, or pants.
Using, possessing, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs.
Library materials, equipment, or property must not be taken from the library without proper checkout or authorization. Library materials must be returned following the appropriate lending period or by request. Library materials must not be concealed in the library.
Damaging library materials by marking, underlining, removing pages, or in any way defacing library property is not allowed. This includes damage to computer systems, networks, programs, or data.
Vandalizing or defacing the library building, furniture, or equipment is not permitted. Users must also not move library furniture or equipment from where it is stationed without staff permission.
Personal property should not be left unattended. The library cannot be held responsible for unattended or lost personal belongings. Personal valuables that are left in the library will be turned over to Beloit College Security.
As outlined in Beloit College Policy, smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas of public places and within 15 feet of doors and windows. Smoking includes inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, weed, plant, or other combustible substance in any manner or in any form.
Using wheeled vehicles including but not limited to bicycles, skateboards, hoverboards, or roller skates is not permitted in the library with the exception of mobility aids and assistive devices. Wheeled vehicles may not be parked in unauthorized areas or near the library entrance.
In line with Beloit College Policy, possession and/or use of dangerous weapons which includes, but is not limited to, firearms (including anyone with a concealed carry permit) , pellet and BB guns, ammunition, knives, chemicals, explosives, fireworks, swords, axes, paintball guns, and other objects or substances used as a weapon or in a dangerous manner are not permitted in the library.
Frequent and/or severe instances of breaking the Patron Conduct Policy may result in the suspension of library privileges or removal from library grounds.
Food and Drink
Food and drink are permitted in most areas of the Library (except the Archives and Paula Black Seminar Room) with the following guidelines:
Keep food and drink away from library materials, computers, and equipment.
Recycle and dispose of trash in appropriate receptacles. Dispose of food and food containers in outdoor receptacles.
Ensure that all drinks have secure lids.
Report any spills to LITS staff at the InfoDesk immediately.
Be considerate of others when consuming food.
We cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.
Do not bring alcoholic beverages into the library. Consumption of alcohol is not permitted with the exception of legal-aged guests at authorized college events where alcohol is served.
Solicitation and Posting
Soliciting for donations or sale of items or approaching patrons for the purpose of obtaining signatures on petitions is not allowed on library property without prior approval from LITS staff.
The Campus Signage Board is for Beloit College students, staff, and faculty only. Signs can be posted without prior approval as long as they comply with Campus Sign Policy. Signs are only allowed on designated signage boards and must follow the appropriate procedures and guidelines.
Campus signs should:
Promote educational engagement or serve as a means to advertise campus events.
Be respectful of other individuals and the community as a whole.
Include “Brought to You By” (BTYB) and a “Take Down Date” (TDD).
The BTYB must provide a legitimate primary contact (individual student, Beloit-recognized organization, or campus department) affiliated with the sign.
Political signs are subject to the College’s Political Sign Policy.
If posters include a QR code, the flyer must include the full URL and/or description of the material that the QR code links to.
Digital signage is for campus use only and subject to the College’s Digital Signage Policy
The Community Signage Board is available to community guests who are not affiliated with the College. All proposed signage must be submitted for approval at the InfoDesk, which will be considered by full-time LITS staff. For the best chances of approval, signs should follow these guidelines:
Signs must be applicable to the Beloit College community.
Signs should be no bigger than 8½” by 11”.
Signs cannot promote alcohol or drug use.
Signs must follow all other library policies.
Signs must include a “Brought to You By” (BTYB) with legitimate contact information (phone number or email address) and a “Take Down Date” (TDD).
The organization or individual posting the sign is responsible for following all applicable city, state, and federal laws.
Any signage that is posted without approval will be taken down and the organization may lose posting privileges. LITS staff reserves the right to refuse any promotional materials for any reason. Rejected or expired signage will not be returned to the distributor.
Unattended Children & Vulnerable Adults
Morse Library is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all patrons.
All persons aged 13 years and older who are able to care for themselves and understand and follow the Patron Conduct Policy are welcome to use the library without accompaniment. Library facilities are not licensed to provide child care and staff is not trained to assist with care-related tasks.
Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible caregiver while using the library. Parents, guardians, or caregivers must remain in the library while children are attending library programs or events.
Vulnerable adults must be accompanied by a guardian or responsible caregiver while using the library or attending library programs and events. A vulnerable adult is functionally, mentally, or physically unable to care for themselves without supervision. Library facilities are not licensed to provide adult care and staff is not trained to assist with care-related tasks.
If it is determined that a child or a vulnerable adult is in the library without a guardian, staff will attempt to locate or contact the parent, guardian, or caregiver. If a guardian cannot be located or contacted, Beloit College Security will be contacted to assist. In addition, College staff are authorized to contact the police if at any time the safety of a child or a vulnerable adult is in doubt.
Service Animals
Morse Library welcomes service animals and animals invited for special programs to enter the library building.
“Service animal” is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as any service dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual’s disability. Service animals are limited to the animals defined under the ADA and does not include any other species of animal, wild or domestic, trained or untrained. Service animal does not include an animal used or relied upon for crime deterrence, emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship.
LITS staff have the right to ask the animal’s handler the following questions: (1) Is this a service animal? and (2) what is the animal’s function for the handler?. The handler is not required to provide documentation about the service animal or to prove a disability. Service animals are not required to be licensed or certified, or to be identified by a special harness or collar. Service animals must be on a leash or harness at all times, unless the use of a leash or harness interferes with the animal’s effective performance of its task. If the animal cannot be leashed or harnessed, it must be under the handler’s control via voice, signals or other effective means at all times. The animal’s handler is solely responsible for the supervision, behavior, and care of the service animal.
LITS staff may ask that a service animal vacate the premises if the animal is not under the direct control of its handler or if the animal is not housebroken. In addition, LITS staff may ask a service animal to be removed from the building if its behavior is a direct threat to the health or safety of others. In these cases, LITS staff should give the option to obtain library services without the animal on the premises. Fear, allergies, or annoyance on the part of other patrons or employees are not considered valid reasons for denying access to people with service animals.
The animal’s handler will be responsible for any damage to Morse Library or personal property and any injuries to individuals caused by the service animal. Anyone using a service animal on library grounds will hold the library and Beloit College harmless and indemnify the library and Beloit College from any such damages.
Filming and Photography Policy
The Filming and Photography Policy is intended to help maintain an appropriate environment for study and research in the libraries. The library, therefore, reserves the right to prohibit filming/photography if it is believed that filming/photography is disruptive to patrons and staff.
Personal photography by Beloit College students, faculty, staff, and guests is allowed, as long as photos are taken with hand-held, self-contained cameras without a flash or tripod. We ask that anyone taking photos in our spaces for personal use please respect the privacy of other patrons. They cannot be photographed without prior consent, and photography cannot be used for commercial purposes.
Anyone interested in filming/photography in the library for a class or commercial purposes must receive permission from the Library Director. All film/photographic requests must be made at least two (2) days in advance of the requested date. Requests will be approved only in cases where the shoot will not disrupt or inconvenience normal library use. Common sense and consideration should be used in filming/photographing individuals. Photographs of individuals, particularly close-ups, may be taken only with the person’s expressed permission.
Patrons and visitors to the library who are filming and/or taking photographs are expected to follow all library policies. The library accepts no liability for the use of photographs or film resulting from this activity.
Library Space Use
This policy is intended to ensure equitable access to private study rooms for individuals and small groups. Patrons who reserve rooms in the library are expected to follow all library policies while using booked rooms. Library study rooms provide a reservable private space for an individual or group for a specified time. Library study rooms are bookable by Beloit College students, faculty, staff, and emeriti. If community members or guests would like to book a room they must do so through a Beloit College student, faculty, staff, or emeriti.
In order to ensure equitable access to study rooms, individuals or organizations may book study rooms in 3 hour blocks. You may request to extend your reservation through the room booking system (
Space Availability - Morse Library - LibCal - Beloit College ) if no one is scheduled to use the room after you.
A booking is forfeited if you don’t arrive in the first 20 minutes.
Do not leave personal belongings unattended in any library spaces.
Study rooms are only available during hours the library is open. Check library hours before making your reservation.
LITS staff reserve the right to resolve schedule problems by adjusting bookings or schedules.
If you will not use your booking, please cancel it as soon as possible in the system to give others an opportunity to book the room.
Although the study rooms are a more private space, they are not soundproof. Please pay attention to your noise level so that you do not disturb others outside your space, particularly for rooms in designated quiet areas.
If the technology in the study room is not working, contact the library InfoDesk for assistance.
Repeated violations of study room and/or library policies could result in suspension of study room privileges.
Study Carrels
Study carrels are available on the third floor. These rooms can be used by one person at a time and are located in a designated quiet study area.
Group Study Rooms
Group study rooms are available on the first and second floors of the library. These are intended for groups of 2-6 people to work together and are located in designated collaborative study areas of the library.
Classrooms
The library has three classrooms:
The Impact Beloit classroom on the first floor is available to book through Impact Beloit.
The Paula Black classroom located on the first floor next to Archives is available to book through the Archivist.
The LITS classroom is located on the second floor. It is available to book through the room booking system (
Event Spaces
The library has two bookable event spaces: one on the first floor and one on the second floor. These spaces are open areas with a variety of seating and tables. Email libref@beloit.edu to book an event space.
Wellness Room
The Wellness Room is located on the first floor of the library and is first come, first serve. It has a sink, mirror, foot washing station, and seating. The door can be locked for privacy. When using the room, flip the sign to in use and flip it back to available when you are done. Do not use the space for studying or for extended periods of time. Please clean up after yourself.