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Public Use Policy

Library Mission Statement

The mission of the Library at Cal Poly Humboldt is to provide the information, collections, and services that are necessary to support the instructional programs, research, and outreach services of Cal Poly Humboldt.

The Library strives to provide for its users:

  • Access to library materials or an ability to recall them according to library policy
  • Journals, documents and books that are complete and not vandalized
  • A library environment free from disruptions, and suitable for reading, study and activities in support of campus research and programs.

Certain behaviors, detailed below, are in conflict with these goals.

Use and Protection of the Collections

  1. Removing or attempting to remove library materials, equipment or property without proper checkout or other official library authorization. (Calif. Code of Regulation, Title 5; Calif. Penal Code §484 and §490.5)
  2. Failing to either renew or return library materials when due. (Calif. Education Code §19911 and Calif. Penal Code §484)
  3. Concealing library materials within the library for exclusive use by an individual or group. (California Code of Regulations §41301; California Penal Code §626.6)
  4. Mutilating library materials by marking, underlining, removing pages or portions of pages, removing binding, removing electronic theft prevention devices, or in any way defacing or damaging library materials. (Calif. Education Code, §19910; Calif. Penal Code §594)
  5. Failing to abide by the Cal Poly Humboldt Library Food and Drink Policy.
  6. Failing to adhere to copyright laws. (U.S. Code Title 17)

Use and Protection of the Building and Library Equipment

  1. Vandalizing or defacing any part of the library building, furniture or equipment. (Calif. Penal Code §594)
  2. Maliciously accessing, altering, disconnecting, deleting, damaging or destroying any library equipment, computer system, network, program or data. (Calif. Penal Code §502)
  3. Failing to abide by the Policy for Responsible Computing in the Cal Poly Humboldt Library.

The Library Environment

  1. Causing a disturbance or engaging in behavior that interferes with library activities, including challenges to library staff or patrons attempting to maintain an atmosphere conducive to study, or when enforcing the Cal Poly Humboldt Library Public Use Policy. Proscribed behavior includes, and is not limited to: verbal abuse; threats of violence; abusive, lewd, indecent, or obscene behavior; sexual harassment; unreasonably loud utterances or actions; or body odor or fragrances so offensive as to disturb or cause physical distress to others. (California Code of Regulations §41301, and Calif. Penal Code §415, 415.5 and 626.6)
  2. Making excessive noise, including loud conversations, use of audio devices, pagers, portable CD players, radios, TVs, DVDs, and cell phones, in such a manner that others are disturbed. (Calif. Penal Code §415 and 415.5) Note that areas on second and third floor are specifically reserved for quiet study. All individuals in these areas are expected to respect this designation. In these areas group study sessions are discouraged, as is the use of equipment that can produce audible sound.
  3. Being in unauthorized areas of the library, remaining in the library after closing or when requested to leave during emergency situations, drills, or when not abiding by the Cal Poly Humboldt Library Public Use Policy. (Calif. Penal Code §602 (m), (q) and 626.6, and 647(j)).
  4. Opening emergency exits or setting off security and/or emergency alarms except in emergency situations. (Calif. Penal Code §148.4)
  5. Bringing into, or parking inside the library, any wheeled vehicle other than those designated to assist physically disabled patrons. Specifically, skateboards, roller blades, and folding scooters must be carried and placed out of any library aisle or passageway. Bicycles must be parked in a designated outdoor bike rack. Bicycles brought into the library may be impounded by University Police. (Calif. Penal Code §647c, Cal Poly Humboldt Code of Rules and Regulations §3407)
  6. Rollerblading, skating, or bicycling in or on library property. (Cal Poly Humboldt Code of Rules and Regulations §3403-3407)
  7. Bringing weapons into the library unless authorized by law. (Calif. Penal Code §626.9)
  8. Bringing an animal into the library unless trained to assist persons with disabilities, or otherwise authorized by the University (Calif. Civil Code §54.1 and Cal Poly Humboldt Code of Rules and Regulations § 4004). Note that dogs may not be tethered to objects inside or outside the library, whether attended or unattended (Cal Poly Humboldt Code of Rules and Regulations §4005).
  9. Failure to abide by the Cal Poly Humboldt Campus Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment Systemwide Policy.
  10. Leaving children under the age of 14 in the library unattended.  The library is open to the public, a situation which may present risks to minors.  Library staff cannot oversee the activities of unattended children, and in the event of injury or illness, cannot authorize medical treatment for unattended minors.

Library Fees

Failing to pay library fees or fines. (Calif. Penal Code §484 and §532)

Sanctions

Any patron who commits or attempts to commit any of the offenses above, or other behaviors illegal under the laws of federal, state or local government are subject to sanctions, including:

  • Being asked to leave library premises (note that for unattended minors under the age of 14, University Police Department will be asked to assist until a responsible adult can be found);
  • Being reported to the police;
  • Being banned from the University campus for 7 days;
  • Legal prosecution and criminal sanctions; and
  • Permanent restrictions or court orders banning library access.

Repeat offenders are subject to loss of Library privileges. Repeat offenders who are Cal Poly Humboldt students are subject to disciplinary actions as defined by the Cal Poly Humboldt Student Code of Conduct and the Cal Poly Humboldt Code of Rules and Regulations. All Library employees are responsible for enforcing the policy when a violation is observed or reported.

 

Approved by All Library Council, 1-25-05
Reviewed by CSU Counsel, 9-05
Revised by All Library Council, 6-10-14