Task Force on Public Access to the MIT Libraries

Task Force on Public Access to the MIT Libraries

lib-public-access@mit.edu

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Task Force on Public Access to the MIT Libraries

Reports

October 19 , 2007 - Final recommendations

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Background:

In January 2004 the MIT Libraries established public guidelines that defined the standard of behavior expected of anyone using the facilities of the MIT Libraries.

These guidelines:

contribute to insuring that users and staff are in a safe environment for study and work

in this environment everyone is treated with respect and consideration.

In addition, staff procedures for responding to situations when user behavior does not meet these standards were revised.

While the User Relations Manual and Guidelines for the Use of the MIT Libraries have improved the environment within the Libraries, there are additional actions to consider. A review the MIT Libraries’ policies for access by non-MIT community members is needed to determine if changes in these policies can contribute to further improvements in the environment the Libraries provide for study and research.

Principles

The Libraries have the primary purpose of supporting MIT’s educational and research program. While we also try to serve the community, the nation, and the world whenever there is a compelling need, this must be balanced against our primary obligation to MIT faculty, students, and staff. Within our spaces we seek to create and maintain an environment that supports learning and research, and fosters a sense of community. In pursuit of these goals the Libraries try to ensure that:

Library users and staff treat one another and each other with respect and consideration.

Library users and staff feel safe as they work and study.

Library users conduct themselves with respect for each other’s property and Institute property

Charge

The Task Force on Public Access to the MIT Libraries is charged to:

Review the Libraries’ access policies to its facilities and recommend changes that are consistent with the principles listed above.

Review the Libraries’ access policies to its public computers and recommend changes that are consistent with the principles listed above.

Review the Guidelines Use of the MIT, User Relations Manual, and visitor pages on the MIT Libraries website and recommend appropriate policy and procedural changes.

In so doing the Task Force is expected to:

Benchmark our policies with appropriate peers, including private urban universities.

Consult appropriately with technical and other experts.

Consult broadly both within the Libraries and outside the Libraries to inform its recommendations.

Insure that the Libraries meet its obligations as a partial Federal Depository Library and as a member of relevant consortial agreements.

Investigate whether licensing agreements for electronic resources and services may effect policies, and, if so, recommend appropriate actions.

Outline cost implications of any suggested changes.

In addition recommendations made should not create unnecessary barriers to the MIT community and legitimate scholars and researchers. The Task Force will provide its final recommendations to the Public Services Leadership Group by June 1, 2007.

Membership

Michelle Baildon
Anna Gold (convener)
Stephanie Hartman
Irene Mazor
Christine Quirion
Howard Silver
Stephen Skuce

Last updated: 10-Mar-2008