The Library will adhere to Keene State College’s 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 bag when the security system gate alarm has been activated.

Improper Removal of Library Materials: If a library user is discovered to be exiting the building with library materials which have not been properly checked out, or which do not circulate, he/she will be asked to present a form of identification to a library staff member. If, in the judgment of the library staff member, the library user deliberately failed to properly check out library materials, the person may be charged with a violation of the College Policy and may be subject to action by civil authorities*. The staff member will complete an Incident Report form, which will be forwarded to the library administration. Campus Safety may become involved.

Mutilation of Library Materials and Property: All incidents of mutilation of library materials or property will be considered a violation of College Policy and reported to the library administration. The Incident Report form will be used and any evidence gathered should accompany the form. Campus Safety will be informed and the City of Keene Police as necessary for vandalism. See: “Theft and Damage Violations” in the Student Code of Conduct.

Penalties for Violations of College Policy: The penalty for the first violation of the College Policy will be payment of 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. See: KSC Academic Honesty Policy.

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, in consultation with other campus entities as appropriate. 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 Provost/Vice-President of 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."

Policy updated: December 2010