Library Code of Conduct

1. The Library and its resources are open to the public for legal and governmental research purposes only. Library staff may require people to leave the library who are not engaged in legal and governmental research activities. Computers will be monitored for compliance with this Policy. Staff makes the final determination of what is appropriate use.

2. Library staff are not permitted to provide legal advice to users.

3. Patrons shall not disrupt library operations or disturb others while using the library. This includes soliciting or volunteering legal advice from other users as well as interfering in transactions between library staff and other patrons.

“Any person who intentionally interferes with any lawful business carried on by the employees of a public agency open to the public, by obstructing or intimidating those attempting to carry on business, or those persons there to transact business with the public agency, and who refused to leave the premises of the public agency after being requested to leave by the office manager or supervisor of the public agency, or by a peace officer acting at the request of the office manager or a supervisor of the public agency, is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for up to 90 days, or by a fine of up to four hundred dollars ($400), or by both that imprisonment and fine.” (CA Penal Code §602.1(b)).

4. Patrons are expected to behave respectfully towards Library employees and other library users. Disturbing, harassing, intimidating, threatening, staring, yelling, using abusive language, or any other offending behavior that interferes with others’ safety and peaceful use of the library is prohibited.

5. The Law Library will not tolerate discriminatory conduct or language based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Anyone violating this policy will be required to leave the library immediately.

6. Library employees may exclude for the duration of that business day or longer, any person violating these rules or causing disturbances in the Library.

7. The Board of Trustees has the right to suspend, terminate, or restrict patrons from using the Library if the Library’s rules have been violated.

8. Talking on cell phones is not permitted in the Library. Cell phones and other electronic devices must be set to silent mode. Staff are not permitted to allow public use of the Library telephone to make or receive phone calls. Additionally, the Law Library may not be used in lieu of an office for the practice of law or other professional activities.

9. Silence must be maintained in the stacks area.

10. No food or beverages are permitted in the library, with the exception of bottled water.

11. Weapons and persons who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not permitted in the Library. Consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, engaging in any illegal activity, smoking, spitting, and loitering are prohibited in the Library.

12. Pets are not allowed in the library. Service animals for the disabled, as defined in 28 CFR §361.04, are exempt from this rule. Service animals must be under the control of their handler at all times on a short leash or in a carrier, may not block aisles or walkways, be on furniture, or be fed in the Library.

13. Children are allowed in the Library as long as they are accompanied by an adult. They may not engage in any activity that is distracting to other patrons or that is destructive to Library property. In the event a child does make a disturbance, we kindly ask the parent/guardian to take the child outside the library.

14. The Library does provide Wi-Fi access. The Wi-Fi code is available at the circulation desk upon request. Personal computers may be used at the tables and study carrels in the stacks area.

15. Computers and internet access are provided. Staff can only provide basic computer help and cannot perform any research or type documents for the public.

16. Sleeping in the Library is not allowed.

17. Patrons must not bathe, wash clothing/personal belongings, or otherwise misuse the restrooms.

18. Any activity which defaces or otherwise damages the Library’s furniture, technology equipment, or facilities is prohibited. This also includes mutilation of and writing in books and materials (CA. Education Code §19910).

19. Do not re-shelve books. They may be placed on book trucks after use.

20. Books and materials may not leave the Library unless they have been checked out by Library staff. Patrons will be required to stop for bag or briefcase inspection if the sensor is activated.

21. All patrons must leave the Library promptly at closing time. Employees may not work overtime for the benefit of patrons. Therefore, public services such as the computers & copiers shall be turned off & the restrooms will close 15 minutes before closing.

22. Patrons must not leave personal items unattended. The Library is not responsible for any personal property left in the Library by patrons. All personal property left in the Library after closing will be placed in the Library’s lost and found. Any such property not claimed within 30 days will be donated.

23. Large objects such as carts, luggage, bicycles, bed rolls, shopping carts, large parcels or groups of parcels are not permitted in the Library. (Those in possession of a bar card or an employee of one are exempted). Additionally, patrons cannot obstruct aisles or restrict the movement of staff or other patrons around the library. With the exception of wheelchairs/walkers, patrons may not bring in items or bags that collectively exceed the following dimensions: 26” H x 16” D x 15” W.

Revised and updated by the Board of Trustees, July 10, 2019.