Respect is Everyone’s Responsibility
The Library is here for all of us
University life can be a lot. Assignments pile up, deadlines loom and the pressure can feel relentless. The Library is here to help you focus, breathe and get things done. For it to work that way for everyone, we all need to play our part.
We’re all in this together
Whether you’re a first-year student facing your very first exam period, a postgraduate deep in research, or a staff member supporting the Griffith community—the Library belongs to all of us equally. That shared ownership comes with shared responsibility: treating every person in this space with dignity and respect.
Stress doesn’t give anyone a pass
We understand that stress is real. The pressures of study, work and life don’t disappear when you walk through the library doors. Our staff see this every day, and they care deeply about your wellbeing. Even so, everyone in the library deserves to feel safe, respected and welcome.
What respectful behaviour looks like
A safe and welcoming library environment starts with a few small choices:
- Speak kindly to library staff and fellow students, even when you’re frustrated.
- Be patient—queues, technical issues and wait times affect everyone.
- Use shared spaces considerately—noise levels, seating and resources are for everyone to enjoy.
- Ask for help graciously—our team is always happy to assist when approached respectfully.
- Look out for each other—if someone near you seems distressed, a small act of kindness goes a long way.
Support is available—you don’t have to struggle alone
If the pressure of study is getting too much, help is available beyond the Library. Griffith University offers a range of Counselling and wellbeing services to support you through tough times. Reaching out is a sign of strength.
Visit the Student safety and wellbeing page or speak to a library staff member who can point you in the right direction.
Our commitment to you
Our library staff are committed to providing the best possible experience for everyone who walks through our doors. In return, we ask that all students, staff and visitors commit to a culture of respect.
A library that feels safe, calm and welcoming doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built, moment by moment, by the choices each of us makes.
