Staff and patrons of the University of Manitoba Libraries have a reasonable expectation that the Libraries will be a safe, secure, and orderly place of employment and study. In order to protect its staff and patrons, and the integrity of its collections, buildings, furnishings, and equipment, library staff will record incidents which occur in the Libraries.

Libraries staff members will record and report to Security Services any incidents which occur with their library. Incidents may include, but are not limited to: criminal activity, harassing or threatening behavior, inappropriate use of University equipment (including computers), inappropriately loud or obtrusive behavior, loitering, canvassing/soliciting within a library, and obscene or threatening phone calls or email messages. If a patron reports an incident to a staff member, or if a staff member witnesses an incident in progress, it is the responsibility of the staff member to refer the matter immediately to Security Services (call 555). Staff members are not required to intervene in incidents.

The University’s “Respectful Work and Learning Environment” policy and the related procedure provide further guidance for dealing with incidents in the workplace.

Policy – http://www.umanitoba.ca/admin/governance/governing_documents/community/230.htm

Procedure – http://www.umanitoba.ca/admin/governance/governing_documents/community/566.htm

The University of Manitoba considers the theft, mutilation or alteration of library materials to be serious offences. Offenders are liable to a range of penalties imposed by the Director of Libraries and / or the President of the University.

To protect against the improper removal of library materials from any of its libraries, electronic security gate systems are in operation at library exits. If an alarm sounds, a library staff member will seek to discover what set off the alarm. In so doing, the staff member may request that the patron who has set off the alarm make visible any personal possessions they have in bags, briefcases, or on their person. Attempts by any persons to remove library materials improperly, or failure to disclose items in bags, briefcases or on their person, will be treated by staff as an incident.

UML Policy 520  /Approved:Nov. 22, 2006