Library Etiquette

GENERAL LIBRARY RULES

Although libraries are seen as places to study by students today, their primary purpose is to meet society's need for information. Like everywhere else, libraries have certain rules. How to behave in the library, what to do, and what to pay attention to.

* First of all, care should be taken not to make noise or cause disturbance. Other people's studies should not be interrupted. In fact, attention should be paid to being quiet even when entering the library. Eating and drinking in the library is prohibited. Also, chewing gum is not allowed. Mobile phones should not be used or should be used on silent or turned off. Music should not be listened to with headphones. The use of odorous food or materials should be avoided. Personal belongings should not be left unnecessarily in the study areas of the libraries. Remembering that libraries are common areas, other people should not be disturbed. For this reason, loud talking and movement are not allowed.

* Books should be handled with care. Scribbling and marking on books should be avoided. Care should be taken when turning pages, and no excessive noise should be made. Library materials should not be damaged, keeping in mind that others will use them. People who damage materials should be warned. If, despite all warnings, damage to books and other materials continues, the library authorities should be notified. No one should be disturbed in the reading rooms.

* Books and other materials in libraries are arranged in a specific system for quick and easy access. Therefore, books taken from shelves should be returned to their original places neatly after use. Help should be sought from officials when necessary. Especially if the location of the book to be searched for or returned is unknown, officials should be consulted.

* Libraries should be kept clean. Shoes should be wiped at the entrance. Trash should be thrown into the trash can, and if no trash can is available, it should be collected before leaving the library.

* Encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, and daily newspapers are among the publications that cannot be borrowed. Magazines can be borrowed for a short period with a registration form.

* In case of loss of a borrowed publication, the same publication must be returned to the library. If it is not available in the market, payment should be made to the library equivalent to the value of the lost publication.

SECURITY MEASURES

Many libraries have electronic security systems. Therefore, no publication can be removed without permission. Legal action will be initiated against anyone attempting to remove a publication without authorization. When borrowing books from the library, registration is mandatory. Books should be used without damage within the given period and returned to the library staff on time. It should be remembered that copying books without permission from the authorities is a crime. Although digital publications may seem more prevalent with the advancement of technology today, the importance of libraries in a society's acquisition of knowledge and enlightenment can never be overlooked. Therefore, library rules should be conveyed to all people, and the understanding of librarianship should be imparted to the entire society.