Proctoring Services



Eastern Monroe Public Library Proctoring Services

The Eastern Monroe Public Library offers proctor rooms at Hughes Library to support academic testing, professional assessments, and related needs. This policy outlines permitted uses, limitations, and rules to ensure fair access and proper room utilization.

General Proctoring Services

The library offers test proctoring under the following conditions:

  • Availability: By appointment only, during regular hours, subject to staff availability.
  • Supervision:
    • Verifying student/test-taker ID (if required).
    • Providing a workspace with limited supervision (starting/stopping exams).
    • Completing institutional proctor forms (if provided/needed).
  • Equipment:
    • One library computer per room for online exams (confirm software/equipment needs in advance).
    • Students may use personal laptops if allowed by their institution.
    • All other materials (e.g., calculators, pencils) must be provided by the student or institution. Students are responsible for ensuring that exam materials arrive before their appointment. The library is not responsible for completed exams lost or damaged due to factors beyond its control, such as postal delays or email issues.li>

What We Do Not Provide

  • Supplies (calculators, test booklets, etc.)
  • Timed exam segments or continuous supervision
  • Postage/mailing services (students must provide prepaid envelopes)
  • Guaranteed quiet environments (though disruptions will be minimized)
  • One-on-one proctoring: testing takes place near the Reference Desk. Staff may need to leave the immediate area while performing their regular duties.li>

Student/Test-taker Responsibilities

  • Students/test-takers are responsible for requesting that examinations be sent to the library by the examining body or institution. The library does not initiate these requests.
  • Provide all needed supplies (pencils, calculators, envelopes, ID copies, etc.).
  • Communicate technology or test-taking needs to the library in advance.

Permitted Proctor Room Uses

In addition to official proctoring, rooms may be reserved for:

  • Academic/Professional Testing:
    • Library-proctored exams (by appointment)
    • Virtual proctored exams (administered by external institutions)
    • Certifications, licensure exams, or job assessments (max 4 hours/day unless an exception is granted)
  • Video Conferencing:
    • Job/University Interviews (where patron is the interviewee)
    • Professional exams/interviews (e.g., bar exams, medical boards, job assessments)
    • Personal appointments (e.g., legal consultations, court appearances) – note: privacy not guaranteed, recommended to not use library

Case-by-Case Approval

Library staff may approve:

  • Proctor room use for activities requiring specific software not on public computers
  • Extended time for exams exceeding 4 hours (with advance notice)
  • Other uses aligned with the library’s mission at staff discretion

Prohibited Uses

  • Business operations: Interviews as an employer (e.g., hiring someone), client meetings, sales pitches, freelance work
  • Personal/Recreational Use: General study/work sessions, gaming, social media, entertainment
  • Activities requiring guaranteed privacy (e.g., group therapy, confidential business negotiations)
  • Repeated or guaranteed meeting space: the rooms may not be used as a permanent office, regular classroom, or recurring meeting location (e.g., weekly online classes, tutoring sessions, standing meetings, etc.), except EMPL programs like GED

Rules & Restrictions

  • Capacity: Maximum 2 people per room (excluding children under 8/children dependent on parents/caregiver)
  • Food/Drink: No food is permitted. Only closed beverage containers (e.g., water bottles. thermoses) are allowed; Drinks may be further restricted during proctored exams.
  • Technology: Speakerphone use is not allowed, and audio should be kept at a low volume. For video meetings, patrons are encouraged to bring their own headphones. A limited number of library headphones are available; they do not include a microphone and are generally not compatible with phones.
  • Windows: Cannot be covered
  • Scheduling:
    • Exams must start at least 30 minutes after opening and end a few minutes before closing
    • Maximum 4-hour bookings (exceptions by request)
  • Attendance: Rooms that are unused or vacated for 15 minutes or more may be forfeited. Different rules may apply for officially proctored exams; for example, the test-taker may not be permitted to leave the room according to the institution’s instructions.

Additional Notes

  • Proctor Changes: Multi-hour exams may require staff rotation.
  • Privacy Disclaimer: Rooms are not soundproof; confidentiality not guaranteed.
  • There is no official weekly or monthly limit on room use; however, the library reserves the right to set usage limits based on availability and other factors.
  • The library does not retain copies of exams beyond what is required by the institution. However, the library may keep a record for at least one month of the student’s name, proctor(s), and test date/time. Exams held for more than one month will be returned or discarded.
  • The library cannot assume responsibility for tests interrupted or canceled due to building emergencies, power or computer failures, or weather-related closures. All closures, delays, and other service updates are posted at www.monroepl.org and facebook.com/EasternMonroePublicLibrary.

Questions? Contact Hughes Library at 570-421-0800 ext. 317 or
reference@monroepl.org