Code of Conduct

Introduction

Qatar National Library welcomes all citizens, residents and visitors of Qatar, and is dedicated to providing free and equal access to information, knowledge sharing, independent learning opportunities and the pursuit of the joy of reading for the entire community. With public service as the highest priority, the Library has established rules and regulations to govern the use of the building and its materials and services. Individuals visiting or using the Library's facilities or services must comply with the Code of Conduct below.

The managers of the Public Services and Access Services departments are jointly responsible for the regular review of this document.

I. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to maintain a pleasant library environment conducive to study and research; protect the health and safety of patrons; and safeguard the materials, equipment, facilities and sanctity of the Library. The librarian in charge of the department where any violation occurs reserves the right to stop or report violator(s) of the rules listed below, in accordance with the Action and Reporting section below.

II. Scope

This policy applies to all Library visitors, members and staff.

III. Terms & Abbreviations 

  1. Patron: Library user or visitor
  2. Public Service: the department that provides services for all Library users
  3. Violation: lack of compliance with Library regulations
  4. Library card: the membership card used to borrow items and access other services
  5. Study rooms: rooms that members may use for individual or group study 
  6. Copyright law: legal right created by the law of a country that grants the creator of an original work exclusive rights to its use and distribution
  7. Library privileges: a set of services granted to a Library member 

IV. Policy

In order to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for reading, learning and other activities, the Library requires all patrons to comply with the following rules and regulations:

  • You must comply with the requests and directions of Library staff. Non-compliant patrons may be referred to security staff.
  • Entry may be refused to visitors not following the Library’s dress code. Examples of inappropriate attire include:
    • Clothes that are frayed, shorts, vests, tank tops, midriff tops, halter-tops
    • Shirts with potentially offensive words, terms, logos, pictures, cartoons, or slogans
    • Clothing that is transparent or reveals the back, shoulders, chest or stomach
    • Clothes such as miniskirts, spaghetti straps, see-through lace, sundresses, shirts and blouses that are too short
       
  • The Library is committed to treating all its visitors equally, with mutual respect and dignity. Any form of harassment is unacceptable and such behavior will not be tolerated. Harassment is defined as unwelcome and unreciprocated advances or verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct that results in the individual feeling uncomfortable, threatened or compromised in any way.
  • Switch off or put your phones on silent mode when using the quiet reading area.
  • Speak softly at all times within the Library premises.
  • No running, roller skating or skateboarding is allowed.
  • Do not make disruptive noise, including the use of personal communications or entertainment devices. Headphones are required when using personal sound equipment.
  • Handle all Library materials and facilities with care. Do not rearrange books on the shelves or climb on furniture.
  • Do not return items to the shelves yourself. Leave them on tables after you are finished, and Library staff will re-shelve them.
  • Food and drinks purchased from the café or restaurant in the Library are to be consumed on the café or restaurant premises only.
  • Drinks are allowed in most areas of the Library when in a container with a securely fastened lid. The following drink containers are preferable:
    • Travel mugs with attached lids
    • Plastic bottles with lids
  • Do not block other users in the shelving tiers and aisles.
  • Always make sure to safeguard your belongings.
  • No commercial photography or filming may be done without authorized permission from the Library’s Communications department.
  • No surveys may be carried out on the Library premises without permission from the Library's Communications department.
  • Theft of or vandalism of Library property or the personal property of Library patrons or staff will be prosecuted by law.
  • Do not use obscene or threatening language, or words otherwise likely to provoke an immediate violent reaction.
  • Do not enter staff-designated areas. 
  • Do not enter or remain in Library facilities before or after the posted hours of operation.
  • Smoking or using e-cigarettes inside Library facilities is not allowed. Please use the designated smoking area outside the Library.
  • Fraudulent use of another patron’s membership card and/or account number for any purpose, including reserving computers or study rooms, will result in revocation of privileges.
  • Knives, guns or any other weapons are not allowed on the Library premises.
  • No pets are allowed inside the Library, except for service dogs.
  • If you use a power source to charge your mobile device or computer, please plug any Library equipment back in when you are finished.
  • Patrons who lack good personal hygiene or wear inappropriate attire that disrupts other Library visitors will be asked to leave.
  • For safety reasons, children are not allowed in the Library's adult areas, including the bridge and Heritage Library.
  • Engaging in any public displays of affection or sexual contact, activity or conduct is prohibited.
  • Patrons must exit the building in a timely fashion when the Library begins its closing procedures.

Please also be aware that:

  • The Library is not responsible for personal items that are lost, stolen or damaged on Library premises.
  • Visitors are not permitted to bring any large bags, bags with wheels or shopping carts into the Library.
  • Some items in the Library cannot be copied because of copyright laws, poor condition or donor restrictions.
  • Certain reading rooms and other Library spaces have additional restrictions that must be observed.
  • Visitors who do not follow the Library’s Rules and Regulations may be asked to leave and could lose their Library privileges. They may also be arrested or be subject to other legal action.

V. Action and Reporting

The librarian or staff in charge of the department, section or room where any violation occurs may take immediate action and report the incident to the Library’s security or the police, according to the severity of the violation.

VI. Policy Enforcement

  • Anyone who refuses to comply with the rules and regulations will be asked by Library staff to leave the building for the day.
  • Refusal to comply with the request to leave the Library will result in Library security escorting the visitor from the building. The user's Library privileges will also be suspended.
  • In case of non-response to a request to cease or leave, or in case of a violation with long-term effects, the staff in charge will document the name of the violator in a logbook, including the date, location and nature of the violation.
  • For severe infractions, the documentation is referred to the Library's Executive Director, who may take further measures.
  • In cases that require an immediate response beyond the abilities of the librarian in charge, Security will escort the violator out of the Library and follow security office procedures, including noting names and ID numbers to report to the Library's Executive Director.
  • In the case of abuses discovered after the fact, such as book damage, and depending on the severity of the infraction, the Library may apply internal sanctions, such as fines or suspension of borrowing privileges.