Expectations & Policies
The OWHL is designed to be a safe, pleasant, and academic environment for all.
What Students Can Expect From the OWHL:
- A place with professional, courteous, and knowledgeable staff
- A place to work by yourself or with a group
- A place to find answers to research questions
What the OWHL Expects From Students:
- Respect towards the staff, building, materials, and the environment
- Respect towards your fellow students and their academic endeavors
General Library Policies
Noise:
- The Garver Room is the Silent Study area--no talking at any time and no group work
- All other OWHL spaces are for Quiet Study
- Quiet conversation is allowed
- Extended conversations and loud talking must be taken outside
- Headphones are required to listen to music, audio, and video
- Cell phone conversation is limited to the Front Lobby
Food:
- Only snack foods and drinks with a lid are permitted
- No hot or greasy foods or plates from Paresky Commons
- Dispose of trash, recyclables, and uneaten food properly
- Donuts, cupcakes, and other foods with icing are not permitted
Cell Phones:
- Students are expected to follow the PA Cellphone Policy in the library
- Cell phone use in Garver is prohibited at all times
Behavior:
- No scooters, skateboards, or other wheels allowed indoors
- Basketballs and similar items must be put away
- No running
- Do not misuse furniture (e.g. do not sit on tables or in windows, and do not race chairs)
- Do not save seats in Garver, especially during busy periods
Study Rooms:
- First come, first served
- 2 hour time limit for groups or individuals in study rooms
- Bags and other items will be removed if left for long periods in study rooms
- No more than 6 people per room
- Noise should be kept to a minimum, including background music
- Failure to keep study rooms clean may result in all study rooms being closed by library staff
Archives:
- No food or drink allowed in the archives or archives reading room
- Read the rest of the Access Policies for the archives
Makerspace:
- Please read the Makerspace policies here
Signs, Flyers, and Advertisement Policy
Bulletin Boards:
- Official PA signs may be displayed on the OWHL bulletin boards. This includes promotional materials for PA-approved clubs and organizations.
- There are two official bulletin boards:
- Outside the Dole Room (by the elevators)
- In Garver (Silent Study)
Posting Restrictions:
- Signs may not be posted anywhere else in the library without prior permission from the Library Director.
- This applies to walls, doors, tables, study rooms, stairwells, windows, and all other library spaces.
Unofficial Signs:
- Unofficial signs—including materials from non-PA-approved clubs, informal groups, or organizations outside of the PA community—may not be displayed or distributed in the library without explicit permission from the Library Director.