The Library has numerous public spaces designed for individual and group use. These include:

• Poynter’s Corner (contact Dean’s Office for special events)
• First floor lobby and atrium (contact Dean’s Office for special events)
• Group study rooms (contact Circulation Desk for access)
• Assistive Technologies Room (contact Public Services Department for access)
• Distance-learning studio (contact Distance Learning for reservations)
• Instructional Media Center (contact Instructional Media Services for reservations)
• Library instruction classroom (contact Public Services Department for reservations)
• Room 217 (contact Public Services Department for reservations)
• Special Collections Reading Room (contact Special Collections for access)
• Other public areas (contact Dean’s Office for special events)

Requests by USFSP or other groups to use the Library’s public spaces for promotional or business events not directly related to the Library’s primary mission will be reviewed by the Library Dean or her designated representatives. In general, one or more Library staff members must be present in the building while an event is underway and access will not be granted to public areas for times when the building is not open. Exceptions may be made for events of high importance to the institution. The criteria used to evaluate requests for use of the Library’s public spaces include:

• Is the event important to the goals of USFSP?
• Is the Library a co-sponsor of the event?
• Is the event organizer affiliated with USFSP?
• Is the event directed at or open to USFSP students?
• Is the event planned for a time when classes are in session or during exam periods or is it planned for a break period or a time between semesters?
• Is the event (and setup for it) planned for a time that it would interfere with the normal functioning of the library and disrupt the work of the students and faculty using the Library?
• Will setup for the event require Library staff to reconfigure technology or otherwise assist with the setup and cleanup?
• Is the event of long or short duration?
• Are the event organizers prepared to reimburse the Library for staff expenses related to the event or damages to or loss of equipment and facilities?
• Is the event of such importance to the long-range goals of USFSP that short-term disruption to student work and normal Library service is determined to be worth the short-term inconvenience?
• Will the event organizers provide an opportunity for the Library to promote its services as part of the event, if such promotion is appropriate?

NOTE: Use of the Library’s public spaces must recognize that the space is still library space. Organizers and attendees of approved events must respect the students, their safety, and their need for quiet study space. Noise should be kept to a reasonable level and may not include the playing of loud music, conducting amplified prize drawings, or anything that would be disruptive outside of the area approved for the event. Organizers and attendees must follow fire and other safety regulations and must keep entrances and exits into the area unobstructed and may not have any lighted or flammable materials (with the exception of approved catering equipment.) Food and drink must be approved before it is brought in and organizers are responsible for cleaning up after their events and making sure that the space is put back in order before they leave.

Sixteen study rooms are available for use by USF students, faculty, and staff.   The larger rooms in particular are intended for group work; a single occupant can be required to cede usage to a group if asked to do so by Library staff.  Keys to the study rooms may be checked out at the circulation desk.  A current USF ID card must be presented at the time of checkout.  Study room keys are checked out for three hours and may be renewed one time if no other patrons are waiting to use a room.  The fine for overdue room keys is 25 cents per hour.  The fee for a lost key is $10.

First floor study rooms contain large screen monitors which may be connected to a laptop computer to supply audio and video for group project work.  Wireless access is available, according to the wireless accessibility maps located online at http://www.nelson.usf.edu/systems/maps.html . Reservations for special usage may be arranged through the Circulation Desk.

The primary use of the 32 seat distance-learning studio is to provide video recording services as well as video conferencing services that directly support the teaching and research of USFSP. Services are provided to the requesting department when used by a faculty member in a regularly scheduled course, during actual class hours, as listed in the Registrar's Schedule of Classes.
 
Requests for use of the distance-learning studio are accepted by Distance Learning on a priority basis as follows:

The Library Instruction Classroom is located on the second floor of the Poynter Library, in room 218.  Twenty six Dell desktop computers are available in the room, which has overhead projection and connects to a pay-for-print system.  First priority in scheduling goes to library-related instruction; however, USF sponsored or attended training sessions, or non-recurring instruction sessions may be scheduled when the room is not in use by Library staff.  The area is reserved by contacting Tina Neville , Public Services, or Berrie Watson , Library Systems.  Full listings of hardware and software can be found on the Poynter Library systems page, at http://www.nelson.usf.edu/systems/labresources.html .