Code of Conduct

Our community is committed to cultivating a welcoming and positive environment that fosters the exchange of ideas and collaboration. To uphold a constructive and inclusive atmosphere, we expect all members to abide by the following guiding principles:

Respectful Communication

• Maintain a professional demeanor in all interactions. Refrain from using language or content that could be interpreted as offensive or inappropriate.
• Treat all members with respect and kindness, valuing diverse opinions and viewpoints.
• Use inclusive language that avoids discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.
• Online interactions lack the nuances of face-to-face communication, making it crucial to emphasize respectful and clear digital communication. Address the appropriate tone, language, and etiquette for discussions, comments, and replies.

Privacy & Confidentiality

• Respect the privacy of others and do not share personal information without explicit consent.
• Avoid disclosing sensitive or confidential details in public discussions. Use appropriate channels for private conversations.

Intellectual Property & Attribution

• Respect copyright and intellectual property rights. Do not share or use copyrighted material without proper authorization or attribution.
• Before sharing resources or content, ensure you have the right to do so or that it falls under Fair Use.

These expectations apply to both asynchronous and synchronous discussions and interactions among community members.

We value community members' feedback! If you have suggestions for improving the community or this guideline, please share them constructively with community managers. If you encounter a violation of this Code of Conduct, please report it to the community administrators promptly (rds@library.ucsb.edu). 

UCSB also offers support for affiliates who have been impacted by sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking or need to discuss any sensitive topics in a confidential setting: