Respect for others

You are expected to behave in a respectful and considerate manner towards other library users at all times. The Library is a shared academic space, and your actions should reflect consideration for those studying, researching or working around you.

Study zone expectations

You must follow the rules of the designated study zone you are using and ensure that your behaviour is appropriate for that environment, e.g.:

• In Quiet Study zones, noise and conversation should be kept to a low level.
• In Silent Study zones, all noise and conversation should be avoided, including phone use.

Clear signage is provided to help you select the most appropriate space for your needs.

Use of devices and technology

Mobile phones, laptops and other devices should be used in a way that does not disturb others.

• Phones should be set to silent in Quiet and Silent Study zones.
• To minimise disruption, phone calls, video calls and online meetings should be taken away from main study areas. When using study rooms, please ensure device volume cannot be heard outside the room.
• Headphones should be used responsibly, with sound kept at a level that cannot be heard by others.
• Use of all IT equipment in the Library should be carried out in accordance with the University’s IT Acceptable Use Policy

Care of library spaces and facilities

You should respect library furniture, equipment and learning spaces. Please leave desks, study areas and shared facilities clean and tidy after use, ready for the next user.

Library property must not be damaged, misused or removed without permission. Any damage, faults or hazards should be reported to library staff as soon as possible.

Personal belongings and shared spaces

Personal belongings must not be left unattended for extended periods. During busy times, study spaces must be used fairly and should not be reserved for others.

For safety and operational reasons, library staff or Campus Security staff may remove unattended items where necessary.

Courtesy towards library staff

Library staff are here to support your learning and to ensure that the Library remains a safe and welcoming environment. You are expected to treat staff with courtesy and respect at all times.

You must follow reasonable instructions given by library staff while they carry out their duties. Failure to do so may result in further action.

Respectful behaviour between users

Users should not challenge or confront other library users about their behaviour. Any concerns should be raised with library staff, who will address the matter appropriately.

Behaviour that causes distress, discomfort, intimidation or harassment to others is not acceptable.

Maintaining a professional and inclusive environment

As an academic environment, the Library should remain calm, welcoming and conducive to study. Users are expected to respect the diverse needs of others, including reasonable adjustments that support accessibility and wellbeing.

Discriminatory or exclusionary behaviour will not be tolerated.

Food and drink

The Library may restrict the consumption of food and/or drink in specific zones or across the entire Library. Where restrictions apply, these will be clearly displayed and must be followed.

Smoking and vaping

Smoking and vaping are prohibited inside the Library, in line with the University’s Smoking on Campus Policy.

Access and identification

Your University of Wolverhampton campus ID card remains the property of the University, and you are responsible for its use. The card must not be shared. This includes using your card to allow others access to the Library or to borrow library items.

Library staff may request identification to confirm eligibility to use library facilities.

Disruptive behaviour

You must not behave in a way that disrupts or interferes with the study or work of others.

Behaviour that is inappropriate for the study zone, or that impacts negatively on others, may result in you being asked to leave the Library.

Serious or repeated breaches of these Conditions of Use may be referred to the Conduct and Appeals Unit as a disciplinary matter.

Temporary restrictions

The University Library reserves the right to temporarily restrict access to library spaces or services.

• External library membership is available to eligible users through approved schemes, including SCONUL Access and Library Alumni membership.
• External library membership is granted at the discretion of the University Library. It is not an automatic right and may be suspended or withdrawn at any time.
• External library membership does not constitute membership of the University of Wolverhampton or confer access to wider University services or facilities.
• The Library’s priority is to support a safe and effective study environment for current University students, staff and researchers. Access and services for external members are limited and may differ from those available to University members.
• The University reserves the right to restrict or limit access to the Library during peak periods of the academic year or where required for operational or safety reasons. Where possible, such restrictions will be communicated in advance via Library webpages.
• External members may use designated open‑access study spaces only. There is no entitlement to reserve study spaces or book study rooms.
• Where borrowing rights are provided, external members may borrow up to a maximum of five library items at any one time.
• External members are not able to place requests or reservations on library items.
• External members do not have access to the University’s subscribed online resources or databases. This is due to licensing restrictions. Open access materials may be explored using LibrarySearch by applying the Open Access filter.
• External members do not have access to Skills for Learning or other student support services.
• Failure to comply with these conditions, or with the University Library Conditions of Use, may result in suspension or withdrawal of external library membership.

For information about the way the library's Skills for Learning provides academic skills support, please see the Skills for Learning Policy