Children: Library Facility Access and Use Policy

All children under the age of 15 must be accompanied and directly supervised by an adult while in the facilities of the Tempe, Downtown and Polytechnic Campus University Libraries. The limited exceptions are: (a) children under the age of 15 who are currently affiliated with an ASU Program as reflected in University records and (b) children who are in a library facility to use their Parent Borrower's Community Card. Unescorted children will be required to leave the premises. All users of the facilities of the Tempe Campus University Libraries are subject to the provisions of the University Libraries' Code of Conduct and the Computer Use Policy. Access to, or use of, the Internet by minor children is solely the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.

Safety concerns:

• ASU Libraries is open to the public. This situation may put a child at serious risk from strangers.
• Since ASU Libraries is an academic research Library, much of the Internet access is unfiltered. This unedited access to the Internet may not be in a child’s best interest.
• Library staff cannot be responsible for children’s safety and comfort, especially in an emergency situation.
• If an unattended child is injured or becomes ill while in the library, library staff does not know the parent/caregiver to contact in an emergency and cannot authorize medical care for the child.
• If a child wishes to leave the library, or leaves with a stranger, the library staff cannot legally detain the child, even if the parent has told the child to remain within the library in the parent’s absence.

Distraction Concerns:

• In support of its academic research mission, ASU Libraries selects library resources for the adult researcher and advanced student. The library maintains an environment conducive to study and research. Children can become bored or restless, and may either injure themselves, harm expensive library equipment, or distract library users and staff.

Responsibilities of ASU Libraries Staff:

1. If a child is with an adult but is not being actively supervised by the adult and is acting inappropriately (i.e. distracting other users, making noise, playing with library equipment), library staff will attempt to locate the adult and inform him/her that the child must be supervised. The staff member will give the adult the library handout on unattended children. 
2. If the child is left in the library without any adult supervision, the staff member will notify DPS as appropriate.
3. In the event that a child is ill or injured in the library, attempt to notify the child’s parent or caregiver if possible. In an emergency, call DPS (5-3456) at once.