General Policies

Visitor Access

The Howard-Tilton Memorial Library is a private library with public access whose primary mission is to serve the students, faculty and staff of Tulane University. Recognizing its value to the greater New Orleans community and its unique resources of broader interest, the library welcomes visitors and special borrowers, while expecting them first to have used their own school, public, or academic libraries.  A full version of the Public Access Policy can be found here.

Late Night Access Policy

To ensure the safety of students and staff, late-night access to the library is limited.

  • At 7:30 PM each night, access to the library will be limited to active Tulane affiliates. Only a Tulane ID will be accepted for entry after 7:30 PM. 
  • A security officer will be stationed at the entrance security desk to assist with any problems, answer questions, and monitor security cameras.

Frequently Asked Questions about this policy

  • What other security measures are in place at the library?

There are security cameras installed on every floor of the library that operate 24/7 and record everything in their lines of sight.  They are networked and can be viewed remotely by the Tulane police.  Tulane security officers patrol the building in the evening hours (in addition to the monitor at the entrance). Security is everyone’s concern.  If you observe unusual, threatening, or unsettling behavior in the library, please call TUPD (504) 865-5911 and/or notify library staff on the first floor of the building.

  • I am a Tulane student and left my ID in my room.  Will you still let me in?

You can still access the library prior to 7:30 PM without any form of ID.  After 7:30 PM, if you do not have your Tulane ID, you will need to present a picture ID (such as a driver’s license) to the security guard at the front desk. That guard will then check to verify that you are a current student, and then allow you into the library.

  • I have a guest who is not a Tulane affiliate but comes with me to the library.  Can they still get in?

Your guest will not be able to enter the building after 7:30 PM if they are not a Tulane affiliate.

Food and Drink Policy

Howard-Tilton Memorial Library is committed to providing a safe, pleasant, and productive environment for all visitors. We recognize that research and study sometimes requires snacks and beverages and we also recognize that food can be distracting to those not enjoying it.  We ask all our visitors to be mindful of others around you while enjoying snacks and beverages. Here are some food and beverage guidelines we ask all visitors to adhere to:

  • Alcohol is prohibited in the building.
  • Covered beverages and snacks are permitted throughout Howard-Tilton Memorial Library with the following exceptions: Rare Books areas and the Latin American Library Seminar Room.
  • Food is permitted throughout Howard-Tilton Memorial Library but be mindful of those around you. Take a break away from study areas to eat food that is crunchy, crinkly, or aromatic. You can enjoy this food in the student lounge in the basement our outside under the oaks.
  • Meals with your friends should be enjoyed in the student lounge.
  • Throw all your trash and recycling in the bins located throughout the building.
  • Report any spills immediately to the Check Out Desk or to the front desk in the Administrative Office.
  • Wash your hands after eating to avoid transferring food particles to the furniture, computers, and books in the library. 

Signs and flyers for campus events and activities not directly affiliated with H-TML can be posted on the large bulletin board in the student lounge in the basement. All other bulletin boards, including those in the elevator lobbies, are reserved for library affiliated events. No signage should be put in the restrooms, elevators, stair wells, or study areas. Any signage not adhering to this policy is subject to removal. Signage for past events is also subject to removal.

In rare situations, the library may partner with other campus organizations and approve signage that promotes campus-wide resources or services. Organizations will need to work with a library affiliate to submit their request in writing to the Dean’s Office.

Cell Phone Usage

Many people come to the library to find a quiet place to read and to study. Please respect others' need for quiet and observe these guidelines for cell phone use in the library. Turn the ringer off on your phone before entering the building. Use a quiet voice when answering your phone. The library reserves the right to ask patrons to leave the building if they are using phones in restricted areas or disturbing others in any area of the library.

Cell phone use is acceptable in:

  • Learning Commons
  • Elevator lobbies
  • Snack lounge in the basement

Cell phone use is prohibited in:

  • All stack areas
  • Reading room areas
  • Study and seminar rooms
  • Library Instruction Room
  • Microforms and Newspapers area
  • Music & Media Center
  • The Latin American Library
  • Service desks
Quiet Study

The library should be a place conducive to study, but its space limitations and lack of study rooms sometimes make it difficult to find a quiet spot. The Selley Study Commons on the 3rd floor has been designated as a quiet study area. Cell phone use is prohibited in this area and patrons should refrain from talking and working in groups.

Library patrons who fail to abide by the quiet study policy will be asked to leave the 3rd floor reading area.

Patrons whose quiet study is disrupted are strongly encouraged to contact the Check-Out Desk.

Note - while the upper floors are generally considered quieter floors, only the 3rd floor Study Commons is designated the Quiet Study Area.  Please be aware of and sensitive to the study needs of those around you.

Lost and Found

Please return any personal items you find in the library to the Check-Out Desk. Valuables will immediately be given to the Tulane Police Department (504) 865-5381. Lost Tulane University photo IDs are sent to Card Services (504) 865-5629.

The library may dispose of all items unclaimed after 30 days.

Library Digital Signage Policy

Non-library signs  

When collaborating with Tulane departments outside the library, the material shared must have an academic component and/or relate to the library to some extent. Departments must submit their proposed content two weeks prior to the event/announcement to leave time to review the graphic, approve the nature of the event, and determine the schedule timeline. 

To submit your graphic, email our Marketing and Communication Specialist Rawad Nahhas at rnahhas@tulane.edu with the graphic, the requested date of posting, and the name of your department.