Food & Drink
Drinks
Covered drinks are permitted in the libraries except at computer workstations.
Food
There is no food allowed inside GW Libraries. Tables on the outside reading porch are a good place to eat your meal or snack.
Please note: Food and drink are never allowed at computer workstations, in classrooms, or in the technology-equipped study rooms.
Children in the Libraries
Children under 18 years old are not permitted in university library buildings unless they are a current GW student with a GWorld card or participating in a pre-arranged, supervised special event. As the libraries of a private institution, we are obligated to focus our limited resources on our primary users, who look to the library for quiet and distraction-free space.
Pets & Emotional Support Animals
Pets are not allowed inside any university library building. ADA service animals, defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities, are always welcome. Individuals with service animals must maintain control of the animal at all times. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are not allowed in library buildings.
Posters & Flyers
GW students, faculty and staff are allowed to post their own flyers/posters on the four designated bulletin boards in Gelman Library. The available bulletin boards are located on the entrance floor near the cafe area, near the copy machine, and near the GW Printing kiosks in the back corner, as well as just outside the stairs on the 1st floor. Flyers may be posted for up to two weeks and do not need prior approval. Posters that do not meet the guidelines listed below will be removed immediately. Bulletin boards in the other areas of the library are for library use only.
It is never acceptable to use tape on a painted wall or post in an area not listed above.
Posting Guidelines
- Posters/flyers should not be found in bad taste/blatantly offensive to any group on campus.
- Posters/flyers should not display any form of harassment.
- Posters/flyers may not promote alcohol consumption and should be in compliance with university solicitation regulations.
- Posters/flyers may NOT be printed on orange paper as this color is reserved exclusively for emergency/UPD notices.
- Posters must have clear evidence of a student group/organization sponsorship, and “The George Washington University” logo should be clearly displayed.
- Space is first-come, first-serve. Students/groups may NOT remove any items from bulletin boards unless the flyer/poster is outdated.
Poster/Flyer Removal
Expired posters will be removed as needed. Posters not meeting the above guidelines will be removed by library staff immediately.
Palm Cards
Palm cards may not be left in Gelman, Eckles, or VSTC Libraries. Any palm cards found inside a library building will be immediately recycled.
Digital Signs
Gelman Library maintains several digital signs used for library information, advertising, and emergency notices. The signs are reserved for library use only. Due to the overwhelming amount of interest in advertising on these digital signs, we must limit content to library and library-related events and academic partners. We apologize that we are unable to host signs for events or departments outside the libraries.
If you are an academic partner and would like a shared event or service to be featured on a library digital sign, please submit the sign as an image file (jpg, png, etc.) sized 1392x784 pixels (16:9) to Robin Delaloye. Signs must meet the GW identity standards and adhere to the regulations for posters/flyers above.
Smoke Free Policy
In accordance with the GW Smoke Free Policy, smoking or inhaling any tobacco or other smoking product, by any method, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes, and hookah is prohibited in all GW library buildings and outdoor spaces, including the Gelman Library reading porch. In addition, smoking is prohibited in university owned outdoor space, including Kogan Plaza.
