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The Western Michigan University Libraries supports programming that aligns with the Libraries’ mission and the educational goals of the University. 

51¸£ÀûÉç organizations and departments may request space in library facilities for other academic and scholarly activities. Priority will be given for events which support teaching and research and do not require extensive room setup or support from library personnel. The Zhang Legacy Collections Center primarily limits events to activities related to university archives, regional history, and special collections holdings. 

Requestors must provide detailed information about their event and submit requests online at least two weeks prior to the event. The Libraries will review requests for alignment with mission, availability, and feasibility and respond promptly with a decision.

Scheduling is on a first-come, first-served basis after library approval. Events are allowed during regularly scheduled library operating hours. The libraries may recommend alternative spaces in the facilities when appropriate.

Requestors are responsible for all event activities, including set-up, supervision, and clean-up. Fees will apply if additional library staffing, custodial support, or upfront costs are necessary for events which are not sponsored by the library.  

Non-51¸£ÀûÉç groups

Groups from outside of the University requesting space in library facilities will need a 51¸£ÀûÉç sponsor and approval from the Office of the Dean.

Open Spaces

Open public areas of library facilities are designated for study and collaborative use. These areas may be reserved for library-sponsored or co-sponsored events on a limited basis with approval from the Dean’s Office. At times during the academic year, events in open spaces are prohibited to prioritize study and academic work, including:

• The week before and the week of midterms.
• The week before and the week of finals.

Sales and fundraising at events

Sales at events are prohibited with the exception of book sales for author talks. Permission for book sales requires 2-3 weeks lead time to arrange. The University Libraries is not responsible for coordinating any aspect of book sales after permission has been requested. Library facilities may not be used for fund-raising activities for any non-51¸£ÀûÉç entities or projects.

The Libraries follows the University’s policy for alcohol.