To the Editor:
While it is important to state that the library unequivocally protects the academic freedom of its users by not monitoring or in any way controlling their Internet viewing, it is equally important to stress the library's responsibility to provide a safe and appropriate environment for all faculty, students and staff in which to work.
The activities described in an article in The Dartmouth two weeks ago about the pornographic viewing on the Berry main floor by a library user were certainly not in keeping with maintaining a positive environment for users and staff (The Dartmouth, Aug. 3.) It constituted disruptive behavior which clearly affected users in the surrounding area.
The reported event has given us the opportunity to review guidelines for staff and student workers for dealing with and reporting disruptive behaviors. The event was not directly observed by any of our desk workers in the area that evening -- had we been aware of the issue we would have addressed it directly with the user or contacted Safety and Security immediately.
Please help us keep the libraries a positive environment for all. If in the future you observe inappropriate activities or behaviors, please report them to library staff.
