Code of Conduct for Library Users
The University Library is responsible for providing patrons with a pleasant and productive environment for study and research, as well as to protect the library materials and facilities. The following policies apply to Library users in all public service areas:
-
Food and Drink
It is the policy of the Library to maintain an environment appropriate for the protection of library materials and conducive to study in all library locations.
You are welcome to bring your food and drink into the library.
Exceptions: No food or drink allowed in Special Collections, the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Library, or the Maker Studio, except during University sponsored events. No food at computer stations. When bringing food into the library please be responsible and considerate of others.We ask you to adhere to the following Food and Drink guidelines:
- Avoid consuming messy or strong-smelling food in the library since this can disturb other library users.
- Keep your food away from computers and other equipment.
- Clean up your spills or crumbs and throw your trash away.
- No group meals or alcoholic beverages are permitted in public areas, except during University sponsored special events.
- If you see a mess in the library, please report it to a service desk right away.
- Animals in the Library
Bringing animals into the library building is not permitted, except for an individual accompanied by his/her service animal or by someone who has received permission from the University. - Flyers/Magazines/Newspapers, i.e., Poly Post, Latino University, Young Money, etc.
Per the order of the State Fire Marshall, the Library Lobby is considered a required egress which prohibits us from having any type of newspapers, combustible material that adds fuel to the fire (in the event of a fire) / hazard that will prevent any individual from exiting.
Campus policies on posting and chalking are available in the Student Handbook.
- Disorderly Behavior
Please DO NOT engage in disorderly behavior of any kind, including verbal abuse, threats of violence, sexual harassment, or the activities that interfere with the activities of library staff and patrons. Behaving in a way that interferes with an employee’s performance of his/her duties, including, but not limited to, verbal abuse, intimidation, sexual harassment or harassment on account of race, religion, ethnic background, gender, or sexual orientation, violates the California Penal Code Sections 415 and 415.5
- Noise (Designated "Quiet Floors" are 1st, 5th, and 6th Floors)
Excessive noise includes: loud conversations, snoring, moving any and or all types of furniture, and using audio devices (cellular phones, radios, CD/MP3 players, etc.) in such a manner as to disturb others. This type of behavior is in violation of California Penal Code Sections 415 and 415.5
- Cell Phone Use
- In order to maintain a respectful study environment, the Library asks that all cell phone users set their phones to vibrate while they are in the building.
- If you must talk on your cell phone, do so only near campus phones, near elevators, in stairwells, and in restrooms, so you do not bother other people.
- Viewing Stations with VHS/DVD equipment
- These cubicles are reserved for VHS/DVD viewing. If the cubicle is being used for any other purpose, you may be asked to give up the station in order for a patron to use the viewing apparatus.
- These cubicles are reserved for VHS/DVD viewing. If the cubicle is being used for any other purpose, you may be asked to give up the station in order for a patron to use the viewing apparatus.
- Abuse of Materials, Equipment, Furniture, and Facilities
Mutilating library materials by marking, underlining, removing pages or portions of pages, removing binding, removing barcodes, removing call number labels, removing electronic theft devices, using post-it’s and paperclips or in any other way, damaging or defacing library materials. Maliciously accessing, altering, deleting, damaging, or destroying any computer system, laptop, network, computer program, or data. Such acts may be construed as vandalism and violate California Education Code Section 19910 and California Penal Code Section 594.
- Smoking/Alcoholic Beverages/Illegal Drugs
Smoking products of any sort (including e-cigarettes), drinking alcoholic beverages and using illegal drugs are prohibited. Student violators will be subject to CSU (California State University) student disciplinary procedures established pursuant to Title 5, Section 41301, of the California Code of Regulations.
- Prevention of theft
To prevent theft of library materials, Library users may be asked to present book bags, backpacks, or briefcases, etc. for inspection. By entering the library, users are agreeing to pass through a security system. Library users will be asked to present book bags, backpacks, or briefcases, etc. for inspection if the detection alarm is deactivated, or when there is a power failure. To prevent theft of books, and library materials, state law authorizes the detention, for a reasonable period, of any person using the facilities who is suspected of committing “library theft”. (California Penal Code Section 490.5)
- Personal Belongings
Books, laptops, book bags, backpacks, briefcases, or other personal belongings, left unattended on tables or study carrels are at risk of being stolen. If you leave the library, you must take ALL belongings with you. Library staff retains the right to place unattended belongings in the Library “Lost and Found”, located at the Circulation Desk. The Library is NOT RESPONSIBLE for personal belongings. DO NOT leave your belongings unattended at any time.
- Solicitation
Commercial solicitation is prohibited in library facilities without prior written authorization. “Commercial Solicitation” includes all activities intended to result in a sale. (California Administrative Code Section 42350.6 of Article 9, Subchapter 4, chapter 1 of Title 5)
- Loitering/Refusing to Leave
No loitering. Loitering is defined as "wandering ... from place to place without apparent reason or business and refusing to identify oneself and to account for one's presence when requested by any peace officer to do so, if the surrounding circumstances are such as to indicate to a reasonable person that the public safety demands such identification." (California Penal Code Section 647(e)) Also, being in unauthorized areas of the library, remaining in the library after closing, refusing or failing to leave when requested to leave during closing procedures or emergency situations or drills, or not abiding by the Cal Poly Pomona Library Conduct Policy.
The following are prohibited conduct:
- Parking wheeled vehicles in unauthorized parking areas near the library entrance, or bringing them in to the library building. (California Civil Code Section 600.05)
- Rollerblading, bicycling, skateboarding, skating, or riding/use of scooters or hoverboards (or the charging of hoverboards) in or on library building. (California Civil Code Sections 600.01 & 600.02)
- Carrying weapons in the library building unless authorized by law. (California Penal Code Section 626)
It is expected that library staff requests for compliance with these rules will be immediately and civilly honored. Depending upon the seriousness of the infraction, refusal to comply with library rules 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.
Please see Library Policies to read more about the library's policies.
Access Services