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Policies

Patron Conduct in the Museum

It is the Policy of the Spurlock Museum at the University of Illinois to maintain a quiet and otherwise appropriate environment to assure an atmosphere conducive to the enjoyment of the museum experience. It is incumbent upon museum patrons to conduct themselves in accordance with the rules of the University of Illinois and the Spurlock Museum. It is expected that those who visit the Spurlock Museum will do so responsibly and appropriately without harassing other users or museum staff and without damaging the Museum facilities or its contents.
The Spurlock Museum established the following policies in accordance with the Museum's mission. The Museum reserves the right to authorize temporary suspension of any of these policies to accommodate reasonable requests for University of Illinois sponsored, or Museum-sponsored events and receptions. Patrons who violate these policies may lose their privilege to visit the Spurlock Museum, and/or be subject to University-imposed discipline, prosecution or other legal action.
The following rules governing use of the Spurlock Museum have been established to provide a safe environment for Museum patrons and staff; to prevent activities that could endanger the Museum, its collections or equipment; and to maintain an atmosphere that permits the intended uses of the Spurlock Museum. The rules include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Consumption of Food, Beverages, and Tobacco

   Consumption of food and beverages is forbidden in all public areas of the Spurlock Museum. In accordance with University policy, no smoking or use of any tobacco products will be allowed in the Spurlock Museum or outside of the building within 30 feet of any exterior exit and in areas surrounding fresh air intakes of the building.

2. Animals

   Animals are not permitted anywhere in the Spurlock Museum with the exception of special assistance animals.

3. Personal Property

   For safety reasons the Spurlock Museum reserves the right to restrict all packages, backpacks, briefcases, large purses, bags, boxes, etc. in all gallery areas. Lockers are provided free of charge for patrons to check these items before entering the main part of the museum. Lockers require a $.25 deposit to lock and remove key. This fee will be returned when the patron unlocks the locker. Because this service is free, the museum cannot be responsible for lost or stolen personal items. Patrons are responsible for locker keys while in the museum and a lost key replacement charge may be required.

4. Photographing or Videotaping

   No flash photographing or spot light videotaping is allowed anywhere inside of the Spurlock Museum without prior approval of the Registrar, Assistant Registrar for Collections, Assistant Registrar for Acquisitions, or Director of Information Technology. (http://www.spurlock.illinois.edu/policy/photography.html)

5. Appropriate Clothing

   Patrons shall not be permitted within the Museum without proper clothing, including shirt and shoes. Patrons wearing clothing deemed inappropriate will be denied access to the Museum or will be asked to leave the premises.

6. Disruptive Behavior

   The Spurlock Museum does not permit behavior that is incompatible or disruptive with the use of the Museum by its patrons or staff. Unacceptable behavior includes but not limited to;

   • Soliciting museum patrons or staff for donations, purchases, etc.. for non-museum purposes
   • Passing petitions to museum patrons, conducting unauthorized surveys, distributing pamphlets or other materials for non-museum purposes
   • Chewing gum will not be allowed anywhere in the museum.
   • Using audible radios, walkmans, cell phones or other sound generating devices
   • Creating excessive noise of any kind
   • Using threatening, intimidating, or abusive language/behavior
   • Sexual harassment or any overt sexual behavior
   • Overt signs of substance abuse, including drunkenness
   • Sleeping or bringing bedding into any museum facility
   • Sitting anywhere in the Spurlock Museum other than designated areas or outside of the building within 30 feet of any exterior exit
   • Bringing weapons, simulated or real, into any museum facility
   • Entering areas of the museum marked "Staff Only"
   • Skateboards or skates will not be allowed anywhere in the Spurlock Museum or outside of the building within 30 feet of any exterior exit
   • Fighting, running, pushing, jumping on stairs, shoving or any other rowdy behavior

7. Criminal Behavior

   The Spurlock Museum will notify law enforcement authorities and fully prosecute any criminal behavior reported on museum grounds. Among the areas in which the Spurlock Museum will be particularly vigilant and pursue legal remedies are:

   • Theft of museum collections and/or equipment
   • Vandalism
   • Deliberate misuse or damage to museum collections and/or equipment
   • Exhibitionism
   • Assault (including verbal threats)
   • Disruptive behavior and/or civil disturbances.

8. Unattended Children

   Children may not be left unattended for any period of time. The Spurlock Museum is not responsible for the safety of children left unattended in any part of the museum buildings or museum grounds. Upon discovering unattended children museum staff will take appropriate action. This action may include contacting parents, museum security, and/or juvenile authorities.

9. Patron Use of Museum Telephones

   Patrons may not use staff telephones.

10. Paging Museum Patrons

    Museum patrons will be paged only in case of emergency.