About CU Library : Policies : Security

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Violations against the university may be of two types: personal and property. The Cornell University Library Security Policy defines security violations against the library's buildings and property. Violations against individuals are covered under separate university rules.

The security of Cornell University's scholarly resources is one of the responsibilities of the Cornell University Library. Collections must be secured against theft and abuse. The following policies, which apply to all library users, extend the general statements in the Cornell University Campus Code of Conduct. Guidelines for the detection of violations and application of penalties or remedies are offered as well.

1. Violations Defined

   The following acts constitute violations against the university:

   1. To sequester or "stash" library property within a university library for the exclusive use of an individual or group.
   2. To ignore or fail to respond to overdue or recall notices.
   3. To deface, mutilate, or otherwise damage library property.
   4. To remove or attempt to remove library property from a university library without proper authorization.
   5. To steal or knowingly possess stolen library property.
   6. To traffic, for profit or otherwise, in library property.
   7. To refuse to show Cornell or other identification upon request of library staff.
   8. To be in nonpublic areas without authorization or in library facilities after closing hours.
   9. To urge another to commit violation.
2. Security Procedures

   In order to fulfill the library's responsibility for securing materials, library staff are authorized:

   1. To check the books and all possessions of persons as they leave the library.
   2. To request to see the identification of any person in the library.
   3. To question any person if it appears that library regulations are being violated.
   4. To call Cornell Public Safety and request any person suspected of violating library regulations to wait until a Public Safety officer arrives.
3. Formal Disciplinary Procedures

The library considers all offenses listed above sufficiently serious to warrant swift and firm disciplinary action, regardless of the monetary value of the library property involved. The library will work closely with university and law enforcement officials to assure prompt and equitable adjudication.

Depending on the nature of the infringement, the violations listed in Part I are subject to probation, reprimand, penalties, suspension, or dismissal through the campus judicial system. In accord with the Cornell University Campus Code of Conduct, most complaints will be handled through the Judicial Administrator, but more serious cases will be prosecuted through local criminal courts.