Theft and Vandalism of Library Property
Answer
Policy
When a member of the community removes or destroys library materials, it is a violation of a social contract, and it deprives others of the benefit of this commonly owned resource. Library collections, in part, are developed to preserve ideas for the future. Librarians take seriously their responsibility to collect, preserve, and circulate these important materials. The system is unique in society, and it works as long as the community respects and honors the basic principles of community owned and maintained resources.
Procedure
Any St. Thomas Library user who steals, destroys, or defaces books, films, periodicals, microforms, computers, or other library property, including the removal of pages from books or periodicals, will be reported to Public Safety and the appropriate Dean of Students.
Sanctions for theft and vandalism of library property may include restitution, payment of processing fees, or monetary fines, and will be determined by the Director of Libraries.
Theft or vandalism of library property constitutes a violation of this policy and criminal and behavioral misconduct in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.