Library Policies

Library Policies

Library Policies

 

Animals

With the exception of service animals, no animals are permitted in the Library. Patrons bringing non-service animals into the building will be asked to leave.

 

Bicycles

Bicycles may not be brought into the Library. Bicycles may be parked outside on any available rack.

 

Borrowing Items

The University Library is a resource for all, so it is important that users of the collections do not intentionally prevent others from accessing items in the collections. Items should be returned on time. Violations of borrowing policies may result in penalties (fines/fees) up to and including suspension of library privileges. Fines and fees vary depending on items checked out.

 

Building Use

The library buildings are open to the campus community and the public during operating business hours. Information about library hours is available online on our Hours page or by calling our main line at 323-343-3988.

 

Cell Phones

Talking on cell phones is permitted in all non-quiet-study areas of the library. Patrons are expected to be respectful of other patrons while using their cell phones.

 

Code of Conduct

The Library seeks to provide the University community with the best possible environment for research and study. We ask all Library users for cooperation in following our conduct guidelines.

Conduct that disturbs Library users or interferes with Library activities is prohibited. This includes excessive noise (including noise generated by audio equipment and electronic communication devices), verbal abuse, threats of violence, sexual harassment, use of electronic devices or other activities that interfere with the activities of Library staff and patrons. See CA Penal Code sections 415 and 415.5.

The University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy learning and living environment for students, faculty, and staff. Each member of the campus community should choose behaviors that contribute towards this end. Students are expected to be good citizens and engage in responsible behaviors that reflect well upon their University, to be civil to one another and to others in the campus community, and contribute positively to student and University life. See CCA Standards for Student Conduct.

It is expected that requests for compliance with these rules will be immediately and civilly honored. Depending upon the seriousness of the infraction, refusal to comply with Library policies may result in:

  • A request to leave the building.
  • A police investigation of possible violations of State education, civil or penal codes.
  • A University Code of Student Conduct and Discipline hearing.
 

Computers

Some violations of University and Library regulations on computer usage may result in cancellation of accounts, disciplinary action, and/or legal action (under California Penal Code Section 502).

Examples of unacceptable use include:

  • Viewing material that violates federal, state, or local laws or regulations, including those regarding accessing, viewing, printing, and distributing child pornography.
  • Any use that violates copyrights, patent protections, or license agreements -- including but not limited to unauthorized copying of software, downloading and using pirated software, systematically downloading or printing entire journal issues or volumes or large portions of electronic resources.
  • Attempting to gain unauthorized access to information systems or violate the privacy of others (such as running programs that attempt to calculate or guess passwords, that are designed to trick other users into disclosing their passwords, or intercepting or monitoring network communications that are not intended for you).
  • Tampering with library computers, including attempting to install unauthorized software, disconnecting library computers, or connecting private computers to the library’s network lines.

All electronic access facilitated by University Library is subject to the Cal State LA ITS Security and Guidelines policy. For more computing locations, see Open Access Computer Labs.

 

Event Spaces

The Cal State LA University Library is committed to creating a welcoming, safe and engaging learning environment that supports the educational mission of Cal State LA. As such, the University Library Community Room is restricted to education-based events, workshops, and meetings that are open to the Cal State LA community and will be publicized on the University Library’s event calendar. The University Library Innovation Hub is restricted to experiential-learning events, workshops, and meetings, or a one-time class lecture. Social gatherings or private meetings that are neither sponsored nor co-sponsored by the Library should be scheduled through the appropriate University office. For more information, see event space guidelines and descriptions.

 

Ethics

The Library adopted the American Library Association Code of Ethics on December 11, 1995.

 

Exhibits

Exhibits, and their associated events, are a valuable part of the University Library's outreach efforts. They should inform, educate, entertain, highlight accomplishments, provide opportunities for the public to view art and artifacts, and/or promote the Library's resources and services. Please see our detailed exhibit guidelines.

 

Food and Drink

Snack food and drinks are permitted in the University Library if those items are responsibly consumed and disposed of. Consideration must be given to fellow library users.

  • All drinks must be in spill-resistant containers.
  • Personal-sized snacks, sandwiches, or wrapped items are permitted.
  • Food deliveries, food parties, or group meals are not allowed except in relation to a library-approved event.
  • Food and drink use is discouraged around the print collection and library technology.

University Library users must:

  • Report spills immediately to a staff member or [email protected].
  • Dispose of trash and recycling in appropriate containers.

The University Library food and drink policy is subject to change as needed based on campus and regional health guidelines.

 

Noise/Disruptive Behavior

Conduct that disturbs Library users or interferes with Library activities is prohibited. This includes excessive noise (including noise generated by audio equipment and electronic communication devices), verbal abuse, threats of violence, sexual harassment, use of electronic devices or other activities that interfere with the activities of Library staff and patrons. CA Penal Code sections 415 and 415.5

 

Signage

Any request for temporary or permanent signs posted inside or outside must be made to a member of Library administration and approved before posting. The Library reserves the right to deny requests based on sign content and will remove signage posted without authorization.

 

Smoking

Effective September 1, 2017, smoking is not permitted anywhere on the Cal State LA campus. Please see Smoke Free Cal State LA or the CSU Executive Order outlining the Systemwide Smoke and Tobacco-Free Environment (PDF) for more information.

 

Solicitation

Commercial solicitation is prohibited in Library facilities without prior written authorization. This includes all activities intended to result in a sale. Please see President's Directive Regarding Use of University Buildings and Grounds.

 

Space for Students to Take Tests Using Third-party Proctoring Software

The University Library does not offer designated spaces for students to take online third-party proctored exams, as we are unable to guarantee the environment required for such testing applications (e.g., steady WIFI, silence, no interruptions, etc.). Therefore, the library does not recommend using study rooms or other library spaces for the purpose of taking exams with online third-party proctored software.

Furthermore, we support the Resolution on the Use of Third Party Online Proctoring Systems approved by the Academic Senate (09/14/2021). As a library, we follow the ALA Code of Ethics, which include the following statements: "We affirm the inherent dignity and rights of every person. We work to recognize and dismantle systemic and individual biases; to confront inequity and oppression; to enhance diversity and inclusion; and to advance racial and social justice in our libraries, communities, profession, and associations through awareness, advocacy, education, collaboration, services, and allocation of resources and spaces."

For more information about computer labs for students needing a computer to attend their online classes while on campus please see Temporary Open Access Labs. 

 

Study Areas/Zones 

There are study areas located strategically throughout both Library buildings, in designated zones. The three types of zones are:

Collaborative

Quiet conversation allowed, no phone conversations

  • A Level East - Library North
  • 1st Floor - Library North
  • 2nd Floor Center - Library North

Quiet

Occasional quiet conversation allowed, no phone conversations, headphones at low volume

  • A Level West - Library North
  • B Level - Library North
  • 2nd Floor Perimeter - Library North
  • 3rd Floor - Library North
  • 2nd and 3rd Floor - Bridges

Silent

No talking of any kind, no phone conversations (phone on silent mode), headphones at low volume

  • 3rd Floor Library South

Sound may carry from study rooms or through doorways and patrons using these areas may generate some gentle noises (keyboard clicks, pages turning, an occasional cough, etc). Please be patient with these minor interruptions.

Details about graduate cubicles and group study rooms available for reservation are on the Reserve a Space page.

 

Vandalism/Destruction of Library Property

Destruction of Library materials by marking on or removing pages or other destructive activities toward materials, equipment or facilities are considered acts of vandalism. See Education Code 19910 and 19911. To prevent theft of Library materials, Library users may be asked to present book bags and briefcases for inspection.

Failure to comply with Library policies can result in penalties up to and including patrons being banned from the Library.