Building Use Policies
Library Use Policy
The Macalester College Library strives to provide a welcoming and accessible environment for study, collaboration, and community. The following policies ensure that every member of the Macalester community has access to a safe, inclusive space for these purposes. When not specified, Macalester College campus policies apply.
Library staff are committed to fair, equitable, and reasonable enforcement of library policies. Library staff are empowered to make decisions that are in the best interest of all library users whenever these guidelines do not specifically cover a situation.
Library staff are committed to educating library users about all applicable library policies. Library users who continue to disregard library policies, engage in threatening or harmful behaviors, or damage property and resources may be asked to leave the building. In some cases, Public Safety may be contacted.
Building Access and Use Policy
Card access
The library is accessible via card swipe during all open hours by current Macalester students, faculty, and staff.
Community members (those who live in the Twin Cities area) and alumni are eligible for a library card. They may access the Library building from opening until 8 pm each evening (hours will vary during summer and break periods) so that we can prioritize Macalester Students’ use of our space and resources.
The Link
Access
The Link (the elevated indoor space between the library and Old Main) is open 24/7 to current Macalester students, faculty, and staff via the stairs in the vestibule on Level 1 of the library.
Posters
Current students, staff, and faculty may post on the windows of the Link. Posters may not exceed 4’ x 4’, and will be removed and disposed of on a weekly basis. Library staff may mark posters with a date to help enforce this policy. All other campus poster policies are followed.
Lockers
The 52 lockers in the Link are available for off-campus students. Lockers are assigned through an annual drawing, with details announced to current students via the MacDaily.
Study rooms
Study rooms are found on Levels 2, 3, and 4 and are available to students, faculty, and staff only. We ask that community members and alumni refrain from using those spaces. Reservations are made through EMS.
Printing
Printing service via Uniflow is available for all Macalester students, free of cost. Printers can be found on the Lower Level, Level 1, and Level 2.
We do not offer printing services for alumni or community members.
Unattended children
Adults who bring minors into the library are responsible for their safety and conduct.
Service animals
Animals, other than service animals and scheduled campus therapy animals, are not allowed in the library and the Link.
Noise levels
The library has five floors, each with its own norms around volume and activity. To help you choose which floor will work best for you, we have put together general guidance on the volume you can typically expect on each level:
Lower Level
People talking at low volumes, sounds of printers running, and the occasional class or workshop taking place
Level 1
People chatting frequently, regular traffic, printers running, occasional events and crowds
Level 2
Lots of activity, people talking frequently at medium volumes, frequent classes/meetings/workshops, occasional music and events
Level 3
Occasional low-volume conversation
Level 4
Very quiet, low-traffic, low-volume environment
Food and drink
Food and beverages are permitted in most library areas, except the archives classroom (LIBR 254) and designated no-food/drink zones. On Level 4, a lower-stimulus environment, please limit to low-aroma, low-noise foods and beverages to preserve a tranquil atmosphere. Use spill-proof containers and dispose of waste in designated bins on each level.
Personal belongings
Be mindful of leaving your personal belongings unattended. Unclaimed items will be brought to the library’s lost and found at the service desk. Once a week, the library’s lost and found is brought to the campus lost and found in Campus Center.