J. Paul Leonard Library Code of Conduct

Goals and Philosophy

At the J. Paul Leonard Library, we endorse and adhere to the American Library Association Code of Ethics and the Association of College and Research Libraries statement on "Intellectual Freedom Principles for Academic Libraries".

We adhere to the principles articulated in the Library's mission and values statements to:

Create a learning environment that promotes study, research and scholarly interaction in the context of a diverse campus community;
Provide a healthy and safe work environment for library users;
Preserve the integrity of our collections and our building.

Personal Behavior

Individuals should be respectful of other students, faculty, university employees and community. The Library expects individuals to behave in a manner that supports an atmosphere conducive to study and research.

Individuals are expected to adhere to specific policies and rules within each unit of the library, including computer labs, study areas and departments.
Disruptive behavior is prohibited in all areas of the library.
Individuals are expected to adhere to the Library’s “no food or drink” policy (Library Policy 6.6). Water bottles are allowed, except in public computer areas.
Library computers are available to support research. Viewing materials that create a hostile, intimidating, or offensive working or learning environment is not permissible.
Individuals are expected to stay within authorized areas of the library building and leave after areas are closed or when requested to leave during emergency situations.
Emergency exits or security/emergency alarms should only be used in emergency situations.
Verbal or physical abuse or harassment of library patrons or staff is prohibited, including challenges to those attempting to enforce the Library Code of Conduct.
Sexual harassment is unethical and against San Francisco State University policy. Whether it occurs in written, spoken, physical or visual forms, the University will act to eliminate sexual harassment within its jurisdiction.
Personal hygiene should be sufficient to not be disruptive, unpleasant or interfere with the use of the library by others.

Research Environment

The Library offers a variety of study areas to support Silent, Quiet and Group study. A map is available showing the location of various study areas. Signs are posted in each area indicating the types of activities allowed.

Cell phones and pagers should be set to silent mode in the Library; cell phone conversations are allowed only in elevator and restroom lobby areas.
Group study allows conversation, use of laptops, but courtesy to others in area is expected.
Quiet study allows low-level conversations for a minimum amount of time and use of laptops.
Silent study prohibits conversations, use of laptops or electronic devices that generate sounds.

Posting or Distributing Materials

The Library provides bulletin boards for posting announcements – library staff monitor and remove posted materials on a regular basis. The Library Building Coordinator reserves the right to remove and dispose of materials.

Distribution of flyers and leaflets in the building is prohibited.
Materials posted anywhere outside of the bulletin boards will be removed.

Use and Protection of Library's Collections and Equipment

Individuals are expected to handle library materials and equipment appropriately. Equipment for public use typically includes information on how to operate machines (e.g., microform reader/printers, copiers, self-check machine, etc.)

Materials and equipment (laptops) must be checked out in order to remove from the premises. Removing or attempting to remove library property without checking out or without official library authorization is in violation of library procedures.
Materials must be returned or renewed when due or fines will be imposed on borrower.
Mutilating library materials by defacing or removing pages or bindings, tampering with electronic theft prevention devices or in any other way defacing or damaging library materials is not acceptable.
Individuals are expected to adhere to copyright laws.
Concealing library materials for the purpose of exclusive use by an individual or group is considered unacceptable behavior.

Use and Protection of Library Building and Library Environment

Individuals are expected to respect the library building and its contents. Prohibited behaviors include:

Vandalizing or defacing any part of the library building complex, its furniture or equipment.
Altering, disconnecting, deleting, damaging or destroying any library computer system, network, computer program or data
Moving library furniture from one area to another in the library.
Utilizing skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, bicycles or any motorized vehicle used for recreational purposes within the library. Bicycles must be parked in designated areas on campus.
Willfully blocking or obstructing any library entrance, exit, lobby area, staircase, aisle or passageway, either in person or by placing objects in such a manner as to cause blockage or obstruction.
Bringing into the library any live animal with the exception of animals assisting disabled persons.
Filming or videotaping without previous approval of Library Building Coordinator.
Bringing a weapon of any kind into the library complex.
SF State is a Smoke-Free Campus and smoking is prohibited except in designated areas.
Any form of solicitation, marketing, petitioning inside the library is prohibited.

Enforcement

Individuals are also expected to adhere to the codes and regulations governing San Francisco State University, CSU, and the State of California, including but not limited to the documents noted below.*

Infractions to any library policy regarding user conduct will result in possible suspension of library privileges, and/or referrals to the University Police or the Office of Student Judicial Affairs.

Revised policy approved by LMT: February 2008