The University Library provides an inclusive, welcoming, and safe learning environment to promote lifelong learning, studying, research, and participation in scholarly programs, campus, and educational activities. Library users and staff are expected to treat each other with respect and consideration; and to respect private and University property.

This Public Use Policy governs the use and protection of library building, collections, equipment, and library environment. The Library is subject to and enforces all campus-wide policies. In the event of conflict, campus-wide policies take precedence.  

All library users are expected to comply with these policies as well as all other campus policies. This policy is enforceable by all members of the Library personnel and Library Partner personnel, and all Library & Library Personnel are responsible for reporting observed violations. 

Violations of Public Use Policies are subject to sanction and may result in loss of privileges, restrictions on building or campus access, disciplinary action, and/or criminal prosecution. The commitment of offenses that are illegal under federal, state or local government law are subject to police enforcement and criminal prosecution. The University Library Dean consults with campus administrators and the University Police Department to determine appropriate sanctions for violations of this policy.  

The Library Environment

The Cal Poly Humboldt Library is a space designated for learning, research, study, and educational purposes. We welcome all lifelong learners and provide a variety of types of spaces, some designed for collaboration, and others designed for quiet study. Quiet study spaces are located in designated areas around the book stacks on the 2nd and 3rd floors; everyone in these areas are expected to respect this designation. 

The following behaviors violate appropriate use of the Library Environment:

• Causing a disturbance or engaging in behavior that interferes with library activities, including challenges to library staff enforcing this Public Use Policy or challenging patrons attempting to maintain an atmosphere conducive to study. 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. Violence or threatening violence, and other serious violations, may result in a ban that needs the Dean’s prior approval before returning to the building.
• Making excessive noise, including loud conversations, use of audio devices, portable CD players, radios, TVs, DVDs, and cell phones, in such a manner that others are disturbed.
• Opening emergency exits or setting off security and/or emergency alarms except in emergency situations.
• Being in unauthorized areas of the Library without permission, including but not limited to utility closets, the roof, staff areas, and temporarily closed areas.
• Bringing weapons into the Library unless authorized by law. (Calif. Penal Code §626.9)
• 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)
• Rollerblading, skating, or bicycling in or on library property. (Cal Poly Humboldt Code of Rules and Regulations §3403-3407)
• Remaining in the Library when closed or when requested to leave by personnel. Library users are required to leave the Library at closing, during emergency situations and evaluation, and whenever requested to leave by Library Personnel and/or University Police
• Failing to abide by the Cal Poly Humboldt Library Food and Drink Policies as posted in Special Collections and other sensitive areas of the Library collections.
• 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.
• Defacing or otherwise interfering with Library exhibits or exhibit spaces.
• Posting or distributing flyers, marketing materials and other solicitation without approval in advance by Library Administration. Library offers a public notice board on the first floor, materials must be provided to Access Services for posting. Materials distributed around the Library without approval of Library Administration will be removed and disposed of.
• Using videotaping or film equipment in the Library without prior approval of the Library Dean or designee. Videotaping or filming for public or news-related broadcasts requires campus Marcom approval: 707-826-3321

Use and Protection of the Collections

The Library expects borrowers to return or renew library materials when due, in accordance with its current circulation policies, and to pay library fees or fines. The provision and use of library materials is governed by applicable copyright laws and vendor licensing terms.

The following behaviors constitute violations of appropriate use of the Library’s physical collections, equipment, or property:

• Removing or attempting to remove library materials, equipment or property without proper checkout or other official library authorization.
• Failing to return to the Library when security devices sound.
• Concealing library materials within the Library for exclusive use by an individual or group.
• 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.

Use and Protection of the Building and Library Equipment

The following behaviors violate appropriate use of the Building and Library Equipment:

• Failure to abide by campus-wide University policies, including: Campus Closure Policy; Guidelines for Responsible Computing; Animals on Campus Policy – Student, Campus Residents and Visitors; Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment Systemwide Policy; Policy on Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines; On-Campus Sales and Solicitation Policy; and Time, Place and Manner of Free Speech and Expression Commercial Activity and Use of University Buildings and Grounds Policy.
  Service animals are permitted under Cal Poly Humboldt's Animals on Campus Policy, however, trained service animals must be on a leash and/or under the control of the animal's handler at all times, and are not allowed to urinate or defecate on Library property, or to introduce pests into the Library.
• Vandalizing or defacing any part of the library building, furniture or equipment.
• Inappropriately accessing, altering, disconnecting, deleting, damaging or destroying any library equipment, computer system, network, program or data.

Sanctions

The following sanctions will be enforceable upon violation of the Public Use Policy:

• Being asked to leave Library premises (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 or more days;
• Legal prosecution and criminal sanctions and/or permanent restrictions or court orders banning library access.

Sanctions will be based on the totality of the circumstances including, but not limited to: Threats to public/community safety, seriousness of the violation, prior behavior, and prior violations. Offenders may be subject to loss of Library privileges, and may be required to obtain written approval of the Library Dean before returning to the Library.

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.

Campus authorities reserve the right to impose permanent sanctions or access restrictions for egregious violations of this policy.

References

• Calif. Code of Regulations, Title 5
• Calif. Code of Regulations, Title 5, §41301
• Calif. Education Code, §19910
• Calif. Education Code §19911
• Calif. Penal Code §148.4
• Calif. Penal Code §415
• Calif. Penal Code §415.5
• Calif. Penal Code §484
• Calif. Penal Code §490.5
• Calif. Penal Code §502
• Calif. Penal Code §532
• Calif. Penal Code §594
• Calif. Penal Code §602 (m) and (q)
• Calif. Penal Code §626.6
• Calif. Penal Code §626.9
• Calif. Penal Code §647(j).
• Calif. Penal Code §626.9
• U.S. Code Title 17

• Animals on Campus Policy–Student, Campus Residents and Visitors
• Campus Closure Policy
• Guidelines for Responsible Computing
• Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment Systemwide Policy
• Policy on Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines
• On-Campus Sales and Solicitation Policy
• Time, Place and Manner of Free Speech and Expression, Commercial Activity and Use of University Buildings and Grounds Policy

Approved by All Library Council, 1-25-05
Reviewed by CSU Counsel, 9-05
Revised by All Library Council, 6-10-14
Draft update, 9-23-21