Welcome to the Franklin D. Schurz Library and Dorothy J. Wiekamp Educational Resource Commons (WERC). In order to create an inviting and comfortable environment conducive to the educational, research, and study needs of Indiana University South Bend students, faculty and staff, we ask for your cooperation with the following library and university policies and in accordance with local, state, and federal law.
Most library materials are shelved in open stacks and can be browsed easily. You do not need to re-shelve the materials you use; in fact, we prefer that you don’t. Clearly marked carts and tables are nearby where you can leave materials when you are done. You need a valid IU id or library card to check out library materials. Because many of the materials in our collections are fragile or irreplaceable, we ask that you handle library materials with care.
There are over 100 computers at the IU South Bend Libraries. All require a username and password to login. For guests (those not affiliated with IU), you will need to use a borrower’s card to obtain a guest login from the Circulation Desks to access a designated guest computer. Printing and scanning are available to students, faculty, and staff only. See detailed computer policies for more information.
At the Schurz Library, the 2nd floor has been designated as the quiet floor. In this area, conversations should be kept to a minimum and cell phones quieted.
On all other floors, we ask that you be considerate of others, keeping noise levels low to avoid disturbing other library users.
Please be reasonable and responsible when bringing food and drink into the libraries. Help preserve a clean and pleasant study area by recycling and disposing of trash; alerting staff to spills; and taking care around library collections and furniture. No food and drink are permitted at computer workstations.
For your convenience, there is a microwave available for heating food in the Hammes Media Commons and Cafe.
Please do not leave personal items unattended at any time. We encourage you to use the lockers available at the Schurz Library. Found items turned in are held at the Circulation Desks of both libraries temporarily before being turned into the campus Lost & Found (Parking department).
Contact the Campus Police emergency number at 574-520-4239 to report suspicious behavior or a dangerous situation, then inform staff at the Circulation Desk. At Schurz Library, campus telephones are available on each floor by the elevators.
Lockers are available on the ground floor of Schurz Library. You must use the locks provided by the library. Keys are available for one-day check-out at the Schurz Library Circulation Desk on the first floor. Any personal locks or library locks remaining on day-use lockers after closing will be cut off and the contents removed. You will be charged a replacement fee for the library lock. Non-perishable contents will be retained for one week, after which the contents will be sent to the campus Lost and Found.
Please be careful not to move, damage or deface furniture, walls and computers. Entrances, exits, corridors, and stairwells must be kept unobstructed to allow everyone to proceed freely at all times.
Graffiti and damage to furniture, books, magazines/periodicals, etc., are considered destruction of university property and all incidents of this nature will be reported to campus police.
In the event of an emergency, stay calm. Follow staff directions during emergency situations. Floor maps are available by the elevators in Schurz marking emergency exit routes, fire extinguishers, and AED machines. The Schurz tunnel is a tornado shelter. E&A Rm 1010 is the tornado shelter for Wiekamp Educational Commons.
At the Schurz Library, Campus Police and library staff clear all the floors 15 minutes before closing. At 9 p.m. each evening, access to the tunnel that runs to Northside Hall is closed for security purposes.
No one may remain in either library after closing.
The Libraries also follow university policies regarding:
Non-Solicitation and Posting of flyers (must receive previous approval)
Bicycles and other personal conveyance vehicles (bicycles, rollerblades, hoverboards and skateboards cannot be used inside of buildings)
Last reviewed: 06/2023
