The University Libraries prohibit solicitations within the Alden Library or outside its entrances (i.e. on the porches or steps of the library building), within the Music and Dance Library or at the Library Annex in compliance with University Policy 42.550: Solicitation . The Libraries permit the posting of signs and the distribution of materials in accordance with the guidelines below and in accordance with University Policy 23.050: Posting of Materials for Advertisement or Notification .
The purpose of this policy is to encourage a quiet and uncluttered environment for the pursuit of research and study and to utilize the Libraries’ limited display/distribution facilities for the dissemination of information pertinent to library- and university-related matters.
- Unauthorized solicitations will be terminated.
- Unauthorized postings will be removed.
- Unauthorized distribution of materials and/or other items will be terminated and/or removed.
Definitions Within this Policy
Solicitation – efforts by an individual or representatives of an organization to:
- ask for, seek, or entreat library users to make monetary contributions;
- approach library users to enroll them as members, to sign petitions, or answer questionnaires;
- offer for sale or give-away any item, product, or service.
Posting of signs, posters, and announcements – the use of bulletin boards, signboards, or other surfaces (such as walls, doors, bookshelves, or tables) within, on, or part of the Libraries' facilities for the display of promotional or informational messages.
Distribution of items, materials and/or publications – multiple copies of publications, flyers, or other promotional or informational items with the intent of distribution to library users.
Posting of Signs, Posters, and Announcements
Bulletin boards: Limited bulletin board space is available in Alden Library on the 2 nd floor for the posting of signs, posters, and announcements. Only items issued by University departments or offices, or by student organizations registered with the University’s Office of Student Activities, will be permitted on the designated bulletin boards. Such items must be dated for removal and approved by Library staff at the public service desks on the 2 nd or 4 th floors.
Alden Library digital signage or restroom stall doors: Only notices, information, or announcements pertaining to the Ohio University Libraries or the Libraries’ sponsored events are permitted. Materials placed without Library staff approval will be removed.
Distribution of Items, Materials, and Publications
Limited space is available in Alden Library’s second floor breezeway for the distribution of multiple copies of publications, flyers, etc. Only items issued by University departments or offices, or by student organizations registered with the University’s Office of Student Activities, will be permitted. These materials must be approved at the Alden Library public service desks on the 2 nd or 4 th floors. Materials placed without the Library staff approval will be removed.
University departments or offices, or student organizations registered with the University’s Office of Student Activities may receive permission from the assistant deans of the Libraries ( Chad Boeninger or Janet Hulm ) to distribute of food or other items by making an advanced requesting in writing that articulates the purpose and goal of the distribution, the names and contact information of the individuals involved, the requested date and time, and the nature of the items to be distributed. The administration of the Libraries reserves the right to deny distribution of items if it is determined the request is unreasonable or potentially disruptive to operations or library customers.
Additional Information
Free local newspapers and national newspapers through Student Senate's Bobcat Readership program are permitted to be distributed at designated locations near entrances.
Postings and distributions of materials issued by the University Libraries or the Friends of the Libraries are exempt from this policy.