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 for Library Users (In a Nutshell)
- Treat all staff members and library users with respect. Behaviour that threatens, harasses or demeans others is not tolerated.
- Treat library furniture, space, books and equipment with respect.
- Be considerate of others. Read and follow the signs indicating where you can conduct group work and where you should be quiet.
- Food and drinks are permitted, in spill proof packages/containers (unless otherwise noted).
- Clean up after yourself. Put your garbage and recyclables in the bins provided and put furniture back where you found it.
- Check with staff before putting up posters or other promotional materials in the library.
- Children under 12 must be supervised by someone 18+.
- You are responsible for all library materials on your account, and you must return or renew them before their due date/time.
- Don’t leave your computer unattended, and don’t share your account information with anyone.
This is provided as an overview only- please see the entire Code of Conduct for Library Users here, and get to know our new Lending Rules here.
Failure to comply can result in:
- Verbal warnings
- Expulsion from the library
- Fines
- Banning from college premises
- Withholding of transcripts, prohibiting subsequent registration at the college, and/or other penalties under the non-academic misconduct policy (students).
Staff have the authority to enforce the Code of Conduct, and work closely with campus security to ensure this code is respected. Following this Code of Conduct will help keep the library a safe and comfortable place for everyone.
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used in our catalogue reflect the biases, norms, and perspectives of the time in which it was created and may be outdated and harmful.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 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.]