The library will adhere to the Keene State College Policy on Academic Honesty (referred to as College Policy) when seeking to address incidents of theft and mutilation of library materials. The procedures and guidelines found in College Policy will be followed when applicable. However, the library has special circumstances which need additional and complementary policies and procedures to supplement the College Policy. This document will serve as library policy.

The library reserves the right to examine the contents of any backpack, purse, or book bag when the security system alarm has been activated.

1. Improper Removal of Library Materials - Normally, the first time a library user is caught leaving the library with library materials which have not been properly checked out (first occurrence), a written warning will be issued. This warning will include a statement of library policy and the library user's name and signature indicating that the person has received the warning. Copies will be kept on file in the library. However, depending on the nature and severity of the first occurrence, library users may be charged with a violation of the College Policy and may be subject to action by civil authorities*. A second occurrence will be considered a violation of College Policy and will be reported on an Incident Report form, which will be forwarded to the library administration.

2. Mutilation of Library Materials - All incidents of mutilation of library materials will be considered a violation of the College Policy and reported to the library administration. The Incident Report form will be used and any evidence should accompany the form.

3. Penalties for Violations of College Policy - Penalties for the first violation of the College Policy will be a fine of $50 plus all material replacement costs (if the material has been damaged). Subsequent violations "will be considered as grounds for, and may result in, permanent dismissal from the college" (College Policy). Other sanctions and fines may be applied in lieu of dismissal.

As with the enforcement of any library or college policy, the discretion of the staff involved must be respected. The library administration will determine the sanction and/or fine for violation of College Policy. Students have the right to appeal as specified in the College Policy. In keeping with College Policy, all violation reports will be forwarded to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, where they will be kept on file.

*New Hampshire law (RSA 202-A:24) states that "Any person who shall willfully or maliciously deface, damage or destroy any property belonging to or in the care of any gallery or museum or any state, public, school, college, or other institutional library, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Any such person shall forfeit to or for the use of such library, gallery, or museum, 3 times the amount of the damage sustained, to be recovered in an action in the superior court."