Gumberg Library Policies

Accessibility

The Gumberg Library seeks to make its resources accessible to all users. 

• Assistance with library services:  Visit our Info & Help page for assistance with locating and retrieving items in the library's collections.
• Individual research assistance : To meet with a research librarian, contact the Reference Assistant to schedule an appointment. 
• Assistance with printers and copiers:  Contact Computing and Technology Services (CTS) 
• Assistive technology needs:  Users who need assistive hardware, software, or equipment to use the Gumberg Library and its resources should contact the Duquesne University Office of Disability Services.

Appropriate Library Behavior Policy

All Gumberg Library users are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful of others and that is in keeping with the Library’s purpose. Those who engage in behavior that infringes on the rights of others, poses danger to themselves or others, or violates Duquesne University or Gumberg Library policies will be asked to leave the building. Staff will call Public Safety officers to handle the situation if the staff member believes it is advisable to do so. Unlawful behavior will be reported to Public Safety. Violations of Duquesne’s Student Handbook will be reported to the Director of the Office of Student Conduct.

Building Access Policy

Gumberg Library provides information resources, educational opportunities, and individualized services embodying Duquesne University’s Spiritan identity and commitment to academic excellence.

The primary users of Gumberg Library facilities, services, and resources are the students, faculty, administration, and staff of Duquesne University.

• All library users are expected to comply with the library and Duquesne University policies.
• Any person in the building may be asked to show photo ID at any time.
• Children entering the building must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Members of the general public are not permitted to enter the building without an appointment.
• Access to the building may be restricted to users currently affiliated with Duquesne at times designated by the University Librarian. Restricted hours will be posted on the library website and will be publicized in advance if possible.

Duquesne Students, Faculty, Staff, Administrators

• During posted weekday business hours, Duquesne students, faculty, staff, and administrators entering the building must present a current Duquesne ID upon request by a staff member.
• During all other service hours, they will access the building by swiping their Duquesne ID. They are not permitted to swipe in other users.
• Individuals having problems with access through the card swipe should contact the Circulation Desk for assistance by calling 412.396.6130.

Duquesne Alumni

• Duquesne alumni are eligible for on-site access to library resources and limited borrowing.
• They must register and have their status verified at the Circulation Desk the first time they visit.
• They will be issued a Duquesne alumni library card when they register.
• On subsequent visits, they must present the alumni library card and current photo ID upon request by a staff member.
• During swipe access service hours they will access the building by swiping their Duquesne alumni library card.
• They are not permitted to swipe in other users.
• Individuals having problems with access through the card swipe should contact the Circulation Desk for assistance by calling 412.396.6130.

Duquesne Retirees

• Duquesne retirees are eligible for on-site access to library resources and limited borrowing.
• They are issued Duquesne retiree ID cards upon retirement.
• They must present their Duquesne retiree ID and current photo ID and register at the Circulation Desk the first time they visit.
• On subsequent visits, they must present the retiree ID card and current photo ID upon request by a staff member.
• During swipe access service hours they will contact the Circulation Desk to request entry to the building.

Duquesne Educational Partners

• Students, faculty, staff, and administrators from institutions with which Gumberg Library or Duquesne University maintains reciprocal agreements must register at the Circulation Desk each time they visit.
• They must present ID from their home institution and a current photo ID if their educational ID does not contain a photo.
• Educational partners will be issued a guest pass that they must carry with them at all times.
• During swipe access service hours, they will contact the Circulation Desk to request entry to the building.

Guests of Duquesne Students, Faculty, Staff and Administrators

• Guests accompanied by a current Duquesne ID holder agree to abide by the library’s policies.
• The Duquesne “host” is responsible for the actions of their guests while inside the library and must be with them for the duration of their visit. 
• If a Duquesne affiliate enters with a child, whether their own or a child to tutor, the child will not be registered, and no ID is required for the child. The Children in the Library Policy applies.  

Admissions and Other Tours

• Access for tours is limited to the public areas of the library.
• Prospective students and family members who are not part of an official tour must show photo ID and register at the front desk. 
• Staff will provide the library's official waking tour and answer questions about the library.

Visitors to Staff Offices, the Archives, Special Collections

• Appointments are required, and the names of those with appointments will be provided to the Circulation desk in advance by the staff member who is expecting a visitor.
• Vendors, colleagues from other libraries, and scholars approved by the University Librarian will show current photo ID and will sign in at the Circulation desk.
• A library staff member will escort all non-campus visitors to and from the area of the library where they are expected. 
• Visitors with appointments will be issued a guest pass that they must carry with them at all times.

Conferences and Public Events

• Members of the public attending library-sponsored conferences and events will register in advance.
• They will be issued a guest pass that they must carry with them at all times.

General Public Access

• There is no access for members of the general public without an appointment.
• Non-affiliated individuals who wish to use Gumberg Library must email ask@duq.libanswers.com in advance.
• The email must state the purpose of the visit and the date and time requested.

 There will be ongoing review of these policies and changes will be communicated accordingly.

 

Adapted from Marquette University Visitor Access Policy:  http://marquette.edu/library/about/visitor.shtml  

Date issued: September 2, 2010;  Revised January 21, 2012

Approved February 1, 2012

Children in the Library

 

Gumberg Library is a research library that supports the information needs of Duquesne University students, faculty, staff, and alumni.   University-owned computers and educational resources are intended for affiliated adult learners.  Many areas within the library are designated as quiet study only. 

 

Because students, faculty and staff may occasionally need to bring their children with them, we expect full cooperation in order to maintain a welcome and safe environment for everyone.  With permission from the University Librarian, children may come to the library for special events and programs (including tutoring) sponsored by Duquesne University schools and offices. 

 

1. All parents, guardians or caregivers bringing minors (children under the age of 18) into the library must register at the Circulation Desk. 
2. The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the library rests with the parent or guardian, and not with library personnel.
3. Users and their children will be asked to leave if they disturb others.
4. Staff may call University police for assistance if a child is unruly or left unattended.
5. Programs sponsoring educational activities for children in the library must provide a form of ID for each child and submit a participant list to the University Librarian.
6. Students who are high school-aged and younger are not eligible for library services unless affiliated with a program sponsored or endorsed by Duquesne University.
7. Children may not use library computers or other educational technologies such as TVs or DVDs.  This equipment is intended for Duquesne students and is not filtered for minors.
8. Users are liable to pay for any damage caused by an accompanying child.
9. Failure to comply with this policy will result in termination library privileges.

Rev. 8/28/13

Fire safety is the responsibility of all members of the University community.

Fire Safety Preparedness and Prevention Components:

• Evacuation Drills: Participate in all evacuation drills when they resume. Drills allow building occupants and floor marshals to practice exiting within allocated times, Facilities Management to check that strobes and horns are working, and EHS to observe building occupant response times and other related matters. When a building alarm sounds, exit and proceed to your building’s designated gathering location. For more information, visit the Emergency Evacuation Guidelines.
• Exits Routes: Always know the location of the two exits closest to you. Exit routes are illustrated on evacuation maps, and exit signs are located above stairwell doors. Never block an exit route, and remove any obstacles or items that may obstruct this route.
• Fire Alarm Components: Never block access to pull stations, sprinkler heads, smoke detectors, strobes, horns, fire hoses and other fire alarm components.
• Fire Alarm Pull Station: Fire alarm pull stations activate building alarms and automatically alert public safety and the local fire department.  Learn and remember the location of the nearest fire alarm pull station. They are typically near stairwell doors.
• Fire Doors: Never prop open fire doors. Fire doors are designed specifically to stop the spread of fires.
• Fire Extinguishers: Know the location of the nearest fire extinguisher and how to use it. Follow the PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) method for use of fire extinguishers. More information is included below. Following the COVID-19 Pandemic, EHS will resume hands-on fire-extinguisher training each year for the campus community.
• Electrical outlets: Do not overload outlets or daisy chain extension cords.
• Stairwells: Always use the nearest stairwell to exit. Never use the elevator during evacuation drills or a fire event. Remember that combustible materials should not be stored in stairwells.
• Storage: Keep general storage to a minimum. Never block exits and doorways. Electric panels must have 3-foot clearance. Higher storage must be maintained at 2-feet below the ceiling.

Additional Resources

There are several regulations that govern fire safety, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). 

• National Fire Protection Association
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration – Fire Safety
• The NFPA Safety Tip Sheets relating to Fire Safety
• OSHA Fact Sheet – Fire Safety in the Workplace

Fire Extinguisher Basics

Fire Classifications

Fire Extinguisher Types:

How to use a Fire Extinguisher: Use the PASS method to extinguisher any small fire. 
Video:  Fire Extinguisher Training Video

Written and provided by Duquesne's office of Environmental Health and Safety 10/20/2020

Gumberg Library Inclement Weather Policy

This policy is intended to supplement the existing Duquesne University TAP 22: Emergency Closing or Partial Shutdown of University

Hours

Any changes to the Gumberg Library's normal operating hours will be posted on the library’s website, https://calendar.library.duq.edu/hours

Closure of the University

In the event that the University announces a closure in accordance with TAP 22: Emergency Closing or Partial Shutdown of University, Gumberg Library will be closed.https://calendar.library.duq.edu/hours

Early Closure

If severe weather appears to threaten the safety of students and library staff outside of the hours when classes are normally scheduled to meet – for example in the late evening or on weekends – the University Librarian may request approval from the Executive Vice President and Provost to close the library early. Early closure can only be approved by the Executive Vice President and Provost.

Delayed Opening

When the University announces a delayed opening, Gumberg Library will open with the University, provided that at least one Access Services staff member can travel safely to Duquesne.

Remote Learning

In the event the University announces a transition to remote learning, research on-call will move online and Gumberg Library hours will be adjusted to 8:30am-4:30pm, provided that one Access Services staff member can travel safely to Duquesne.

Approved 2/2022

Lost something? It happens to the best of us.  Fill in this form for each misplaced item (1 item per form). If we recover your item at Gumberg Library we'll contact you ASAP

Lost & Found Policy at Gumberg Library

Updated 8.18.2023

Gumberg Library is not responsible for any misplaced, lost, or stolen items.

We strongly recommend that you do not leave any personal belongings unattended at any time, including items left in a study room.

Personal items will be transferred to DU Police within 24 hours regardless of owner contact. These items include wallets, electronics, and jewelry. As a courtesy, if owner identification can be located from the item, Gumberg Library staff will send a pickup notice to that person's Duquesne email. 

Commonplace items, such as water bottles, umbrellas, or clothing, will be placed on the Lost & Found table. As a courtesy, if owner identification can be located from the item, Gumberg Library staff will send a pickup notice to that person's Duquesne email. Regardless of owner contact, unclaimed commonplace items will either be discarded or donated after 2 weeks.

 

Outside Food and Vendors at Gumberg Library

• Duquesne University students, staff, faculty, and unauthorized vendors are not permitted to sell food or other products or to give out free samples inside Gumberg Library.*
• Student groups and clubs may use a Gumberg Library Event Form to request a table on the library porch. 
• The Assistant to the University Librarian will be responsible for any approvals and communication with students.  Library staff should direct all questions to the Library's Administration Office.

*This is in accordance with, but not limited to, the following Duquesne University TAPs:

• NO. 37: Soliciting, Petitioning, Distribution of Literature, Demonstrations and Picketing
• NO. 51: Food and Beverages - Safe Sale or Serving

Date issued: June 5, 2013, Updated August 2018

Gumberg Library Volunteer Policy

Gumberg Library welcomes volunteers through Duquesne University sponsored programs or the DU Volunteer pool.

Gumberg Library follows the University policies on “Volunteers and Minors” at this website: https://www.duq.edu/about/departments-and-offices/risk-management/minors-programs/.

Volunteer requests may be made to the University Library Administration Office (x6138). An information meeting will be scheduled to discuss options.

Typical activities for volunteers with no or minimal library experience include: straightening shelves, desensitizing books, shredding, assisting with displays and events, opening mail, preparing packages for mail, etc.

 

Date Issued: October 24, 2017

Responsible for Policy: Leadership Team

Issuing Department or Division: Gumberg Library Administration

Supersedes:

Filename: Gumberg Library Policy - Volunteers 2017

Forms and Forms Locations: