The mission of the UTC Lupton Library is to provide access to the information and materials that support the teaching, research and public service programs of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. As part of a public university, the Lupton Library is open to University affiliates and the general public. Both groups may use most of the Library's materials within the building at any time the Library is open.

Lupton Library is committed to maintaining a quiet and safe environment conducive to research and study. To meet this end, all Library patrons are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner. Disciplinary action for violating library policy shall be governed by the applicable provisions of the UTC Student Handbook, the UTC Faculty Handbook, UT Personnel Policy manuals, and local, state, and federal laws.

Disruptive Behavior

Lupton Library does not permit any behavior which is incompatible with use of the Library by its patrons or staff. Specific examples of disruptive behaviors include, but are not limited to:

• Creating excessive noise or using audible Walkmans®, MP3 players, or other sound generating devices (see also Use of Cell Phones)
• Any hostile or rowdy behavior, including but not limited to horseplay, fighting, threatening, intimidating, or abusing Library staff or patrons with words or actions
• Harassment of patrons or staff, including sexual harassment
• Overt signs of drunkenness or other substance abuse
• Bringing bedding or excessive amounts of personal property into Lupton Library
• Overt sexual behavior
• Bringing weapons into Lupton Library (other than law enforcementofficials with appropriate identification)
• Entering areas of the Library marked “Staff Only” withoutpermission
• Posing a sanitary or health risk to others, including but not limitedto offensive hygiene or the absence of shirts and/or shoes while inthe building
• Using the restrooms for purposes other than those for which theywere intended, including but not limited to bathing

Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices

Out of courtesy and consideration for other patrons, please silence all cellular phones and pagers while in the library. Only quiet, brief cell phone conversations should be held inside the library building. Longer or louder conversations should be held outside or in the library foyer.

Children’s Use of Lupton Library

• Lupton Library is not responsible for the safety of children leftunattended in the Library.
• Children under the age of 12 must be in the immediate vicinity ofand in visual contact with a parent/caregiver age 18 or over. Securitymay be contacted if the responsible adult is not present.
• At the discretion of Library staff, unattended minors aged 12-17may be permitted to remain if they are using the Library for researchand are behaving in an appropriate manner.
• Any person (including children accompanied by adults) behaving inan unacceptable manner (see Disruptive Behavior) will be asked to leavethe Library.
• Groups of people under the age of 18 (including university sponsoredsummer groups) must:
  • Have at least one adult chaperone per 15 children.
  • Be actively assisted with research by their chaperones.
  • Be supervised by at least one chaperone on each floor of the Library where students are working.
  • Comply with all Lupton Library policies and procedures.
• High school groups requesting instruction sessions must comply withthe Lupton Library Guidelinesfor High School Group Visits.

Food and Drink

• Beverages and snack foods are allowed in Lupton Library.
• Cafe tables and chairs are provided in our Food and Drink area on the first floor for patrons with meals (sandwiches, pizza, wraps, etc.).
• Patrons are urged to exercise caution with food and drink in any library computer, copy machine, or microform reader area.
• Please dispose of all litter in the provided trash cans.
• Library staff may dispose of food and beverages left unattended or inappropriately discarded.

Alcohol and Tobacco

In compliance with University policy, the use of alcohol and tobaccoproducts is not permitted in Lupton Library.

Unattended Personal Items

• Lupton Library is not responsible for personal items left unattendedin the Library.
• Unattended personal items may be subject to search and/or confiscationby UTC security personnel.

Animals

Animals are not permitted in Lupton Library with the exception ofproperly identified assistance animals.

Library Meeting Rooms

• Due to space limitations for groups larger than six, Library Meeting Rooms are restricted to use for academic classes and library-related purposes. All other uses must be approved by the Library Dean.
• Groups of six or less can check out a study room key at the Circulation desk. For more information, see the Library Study Rooms page.

Power Outlets

Devices needing electrical supply can only be used at designated outlets(see Library Floor Maps).Power cords may not be strung across walkways.

Posting of Signage by Non-Library Groups

• Two bulletin boards are located on the library’s first floor. The “Lupton Library News and Information” board is used for official library postings. Only library staff may post materials to this board.

  Any library patron may post materials to the “UTC and Community News and Events” board. The following policies apply to the use of this board:

  • Materials advertising an event will be removed following the date of the event.
  • Materials that are not dated will be removed each Sunday night.
  • Materials may be removed at any time at the discretion of library staff.

Inclement Weather / Emergency Closing Policy

In the case of inclement weather or other emergency, please contactthe circulation desk at 425-4501 for Library hours. For the official Universityclosing policy, see UTC's Inclement Weather Policy. In general, the Library uses the following guidelines:

• If UTC is officially closed, the Library may be open from 8am to5pm if an adequate number of staff can safely reach and enter the Library.
• If UTC’s opening is officially delayed, the Library will openat the same time as the University.
• If UTC officially closes early, the Library will close at the sametime as the University.
• If the inclement weather or other emergency occurs at a time whenthe Library is open but classes are not in session, Library hours will be determined by the Library Dean.