Building Use Policies
Building and Space Use
The Mary and Jeff Bell Library is a non-public forum academic facility on the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi campus. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcome to use the open areas of the library during operational hours. Some areas (such as study rooms) require university credentials for checkout or other permissions. As a government documents repository, the Bell Library holds copies of government records of potential use to all citizens and is thereby committed to offering access to these documents. In addition, the Bell Library offers community access to unique spaces, including the Gloria Furgason I-Create Makerspace, Daniel E. Kilgore Reading Room, and rotating exhibitions and events.
While the open areas of the library are available for informal use (study, group study, consultations, etc.), student organizations, departments, and other guests may not use these spaces for formal meetings or events without a reservation. Space reservations can be made by emailing libraryeventscomm@tamucc.edu.
Submitting a request does not guarantee a reservation. Priority will be given to library events and functions that are consistent with the mission of the institution. Library staff reserve the right to deny space usage for any group/event that conflicts with the University’s mission, policies, or contractual obligations. Those reserving the space are responsible for damage to the library and/or equipment as well as inadequate clean up and may be charged for repair, replacement, and/or cleaning.
Cell phone policy
Cell phones are allowed in the library. It is expected, however, that people using cell phones will be respectful of others. To provide an optimal environment for research and study and for library staff to do their work, people are asked that cell phones be turned down to low volume. Lengthy calls should be made in areas where the conversation does not disturb others. Please honor requests for quiet and move to another location if an unintended distraction occurs.
Potentially Harmful Material
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi complies with state and federal law, including the Texas Penal Code, which prohibits the sale, distribution, or display of harmful materials to minors.
If potentially offending material must be viewed by a non-minor for educational purposes and is viewed in a public area, Bell Library staff will ask a user to move to a machine or an area that is less visible to the public.
Food and Drink Policy
Food and drinks are allowed throughout the library except around electronic equipment, inside the Daniel E. Kilgore Reading Room and in the Immersive Reality Lab (220A).
Other Forms of Disruption
Disruptive behavior in the library can be considered a breach of peace and violates the Student Code of Conduct. This includes, but is not limited to, any action that impacts or interferes with learning, instruction, or study in the library. If disruptive behavior continues after receiving a warning from library staff, individuals may be asked to leave the building.
Bicycles are not allowed in the building; roller blades and skateboards may be carried but not used. Bicycles should be secured at outside bike racks, not attached to columns, light poles, or railings. Running is not permitted in the library.
Smoking/Vaping
Smoking and/or vaping is prohibited in the library. Smoking is only allowed in designated areas around campus. Vaping is not permitted anywhere on campus property, per the Texas A&M System Chancellor. View the map of designated smoking locations.
Solicitation of Donations and Sales
The Mary and Jeff Bell Library is a non-public forum and does not allow individuals or groups to solicit donations or sales within the building. For more information regarding fundraising and vendors, see 21.99.09.C0.01 Access to University Property for Soliciting Donations and for Sales and Rentals.
Study Space
Please be respectful of others trying to study. Patron(s) will keep noise levels at a minimum when utilizing study rooms, as well as shared/open study spaces, and can be asked to vacate the library if noise levels exceed acceptable limits after being provided a warning by library staff.
Temporary Signage
Approved flyers and posters are allowed on the designated bulletin board beneath the main open stairwell. Please see the Guidelines for Temporary Signage for information on how to get your signage approved.
Unaccompanied Minors
While the library is a public facility, the library does not accept responsibility for unescorted or unsupervised minors. Minors under the age of 16 who are not students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parents/guardians are responsible for the conduct of their children and must provide reasonable supervision. Any damage caused by unattended minors will be charged to the parent/guardian. During camps, conferences, and other special events, minors may use the facilities of the library if accompanied by adult chaperones. Additional information can be found in 33.99.99.C0.04 Children and Dependent Adults in the Workplace.
Should an unescorted minor be discovered, library staff will attempt to locate the parents. If a parent/guardian cannot be located, library staff will contact the University Police. Any library user who repeatedly leaves their children in the library will be subject to university disciplinary action.
In all situations, use of the library will be in compliance with other University policies, including, but not limited to 08.02.99.C1 Expressive Activity on Campus; 41.01.01.C0.01 Use of University Facilities; and the Student Code of Conduct.