Introduction
The Georgetown University Libraries primarily serve the academic needs of University students, faculty, and staff. Georgetown library buildings and services are not designed for children and youth who are minors (under the age of 18) and who are not Georgetown University students, with some exceptions (see below). The facilities are open to the public and provide access to content that may be inappropriate for a minor.
Children and Youth Under the Age of 14
A minor who is under the age of 14 must be accompanied by and directly supervised by an adult. The adult must comply with the library procedures for presenting an ID and/or signing in as a visitor.
Exceptions
Exceptions to this rule may be made for minors under the age of 14 on an individual basis. Examples of this situation might be a child from a nearby elementary or middle school or a child who is home-schooled. The parent or guardian must contact accessservices@georgetown.edu to discuss their child’s need for access to a university library before permission will be given for the child to be admitted to the library without an adult. If permission is given, approval will be sent to the parent or guardian, and the child must bring a copy of the approval on the day they visit the library.
Unaccompanied Children
If a child is found unaccompanied, two members of the library staff will attempt to locate the accompanying adult, and if found, will counsel them on the library policy regarding children and youth under age 14. If the accompanying adult cannot be located in the Library or by phone, library staff will contact the Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD) and the Director of Youth Protection [protectionofminors@georgetown.edu]. GUPD and the Director of Youth Protection will also be contacted if unattended minors are left alone in the library at closing time or if there is a concern about the safety of minors. University employees may not detain a minor if the minor wishes to leave the facility.
Youth Ages 14–17
Minors who are over 14 years of age and who are not Georgetown University students may enter the library without an accompanying adult. They must comply with the library procedures for presenting an ID and signing in as a visitor. If minors aged 14–17 are meeting an adult for tutoring, they must do so in an open space in the presence of others and not in a separate or private room.
Acceptable Behavior
Minors must exhibit appropriate library behavior and observe all rules of the library. If appropriate behavior is not exhibited or if rules are violated, they (and the accompanying adult if the minor is under the age of 14) will be told to leave the library. If the minor (and/or accompanying adult) refuses to leave, the Georgetown University Police Department will be called.
Medical Assistance for Minors
If medical assistance is needed, GUPD will be contacted. Library staff will not transport the child/youth to another location and cannot authorize medical treatment. GUPD and the Director of Youth Protection will be contacted if there is a concern about the safety of minors.
Minors in the Maker Hub
If an accompanied minor under the age of 14 or a minor above the age of 14 wishes to visit the Maker Hub, the minor must provide a Maker Hub Participant Assumption of Risk and Release Form signed by their parent or legal guardian. While in the Maker Hub, the minor must comply with all Maker Hub rules, which can be found on the Policies and Procedures page of the Maker Hub website.
Use of Computers
Most of the computers in the Library require a NetID login from a current Georgetown faculty, student or staff. Publicly accessible computers that do not require a NetID login are available on the 3rd floor of Lauinger Library. All library computers are unfiltered.
For further information
Visit protectionofminors.georgetown.edu or email protectionofminors@georgetown.edu.