One of the goals of the Library is to provide an inspiring and inviting physical environment that allows for diverse learning styles and activities. These policies are intended to inform all Library users of expected and acceptable behaviours in their use of these spaces and create a better space for all.
On this page:
Food and Drink
Keep it contained
Drinks with secure lids or in spill-proof containers are allowed everywhere in the Library.
Food is permitted anywhere in the Library.
Be considerate! Don't bring strong smelling, messy, or noisy food into the library.
Keep the Library clean!
Deposit all garbage in the proper receptacles – recycling and waste stations are located throughout the Library. Ask at the Library Services Desk if you’re unsure where to find one.
Smoking and Vaping
There is no smoking or vaping allowed anywhere inside the Library. Please refer to the University's Smoking and Vaping on Campus webpage for designated areas for this activity.
Noise
Different areas for different needs
There are many tasks and activities that take place in the Library, some involving conversation and others requiring silence. In order to accommodate these activities, the Library has been divided into Silent Zones and Collaboration Zones.
In all zones:
- Please set your phone to silent or vibrate.
- Use headphones to watch or listen to anything that has audio/noise. We can loan you some if you don't have your own! Ask at the Library Services Desk.
- Set your volume to a level that cannot be heard by others, even through your headphones.
- Be aware of your surroundings and respectful of your fellow students.
Silent Zones
The Silent Zones of the Library are:
- The 2nd floor (except the study rooms)
- Janet MacDonald Room (LB109) - located in the northwest corner of the Library's 1st floor, behind the journal and magazine shelves.
While in the Silent Zones:
- No talking except for brief, whispered conversations.
- Absolutely no phone use that creates noise. Texting in silent mode is OK.
Although we strive to reduce ambient noise as much as possible, some noise may filter out from adjacent study rooms due to the design of the building. It is our hope that the policies will help alleviate much of that noise. Earplugs and noise-cancelling headphones are available from the Library Services Desk.
Collaboration Zones
The Collaboration Zones of the Library are:
- The 1st floor (except the Janet MacDonald Room LB109)
- Bookable study rooms on the 1st and 2nd floor
While in the Collaboration Zones:
- Talking is allowed at a normal, conversational level.
- Shouting and raised voices are not permitted.
- Rowdy behavior and misuse of furniture is not permitted.
- Phone conversations at normal speaking levels are permitted. If you cannot make yourself heard at a normal, indoor speaking level, please take the call outside the Library.
- Texting and other phone uses are okay, as long as the phone is on silent.
What can you do when others are not following the policy?
If you are being disturbed by Library users who are not complying with these policies, you have the following choices for action:
- Politely remind these users of the Library policy governing the area you are in, using the Library website or signage to aid in your request.
- Visit the Library Services Desk and inform Library staff of the problem.
- Request a pair of earplugs or headphones from the Library Services Desk.
What if you're the noisy one?
Please respect staff and your fellow students. If you are informed that your noise level is disturbing others, please lower your volume or find a more suitable location for your activities. Non-compliance will result in a request to leave the Library. Repeated or serious infractions will be reported to the University Librarian, Security, and/or the Director of Student Affairs.
All students in the Library are subject to the Capilano Student Conduct Policy.
Thank you for your cooperation in making Capilano University Library a welcoming, respectful space.