Services for Visitors

The Smith College Libraries, with a mission to foster a comfortable, safe, and inclusive environment that nurtures academic excellence and personal growth, relies on our community to respect the guidelines for library use. These guidelines include, but are not limited to:

• Leaving at closing time
• Respecting noise levels in designated zones:
  • Neilson Library - Quiet and collaborative study spaces reserved for low, brief conversation
    • ground floor stacks carrels (Neilson 015)
    • 2nd floor north wing study area (Neilson 210)
    • 3rd floor north wing study area (Neilson 310)
    • 3rd floor collaboration rooms (Neilson 310B, 310C)
    • 3rd floor Lane reading room (Neilson 302)
  • Hillyer Library and Josten Library have variable noise levels
• Refraining from verbal abuse or harassment
• Keeping an eye on one’s personal belongings

The following are examples of behaviors that are either illegal or not allowed by college policy:

• Smoking or vaping in or within 20 feet of the building (includes all forms of e-cigarettes)
• Using controlled substances that are illegal or prohibited by College policy (including alcohol unless it is part of an approved college event)
• Damaging library property, including books and computers
• Stealing library materials
• Exhibitionism
• Ignoring the college’s policy on animals in public spaces (except service animals and service animals in training)
• Posting flyers, drawings, banners, or displays of content of any kind outside of college-designated areas 
• Tabling to distribute or sell materials in the library without prior authorization from the college

Depending on the nature of the infraction, staff response may range from a verbal warning to removal from the building. Community members could also be trespassed from the college. 

Anyone experiencing or witnessing a medical or safety emergency should immediately report it to Smith College Campus Safety by calling (413) 585-5555 before notifying library staff. Non-urgent concerns related to library space can be reported directly to available library staff.
 

Computers in the Libraries are available for academic work by Smith students, faculty, and staff, and Five College students enrolled in classes at Smith. Library computers provide access to online content including journals and databases licensed by Smith and an extensive suite of campus software and tools.

A current Smith-issued username and password is required for access. The Libraries follow the college’s policy for Acceptable Use of Computer Resources.

Smith College Libraries follow the College’s policy for foul weather for non-essential services. The Libraries close when the College closes, and follow the college policy for delayed openings and early closings. It is possible that the Libraries will close at times when the College is not officially closed, such as when there is inclement weather on a weekend.

In the event of a power outage, the Library Director or college administration will close the Libraries. The Libraries will not be open if there is a power outage during the day or evening.

No pets are allowed inside any library buildings in accordance with the Campus Pet Policy.

Note: This prohibition does not apply to individuals accompanied by seeing eye dogs or other trained, assisting animals. See the Service Animal Policy for more information.