Law Library Rules of Conduct: Disruptive Behaviors

Approved by the Law Library Board of Trustees- 2/26/2019

This category includes any behavior that interferes with the reasonable use and operations of the library. Library staff or security personnel will advise the patron of the violation and request they change the disruptive behavior. (1st warning).

Continuing to engage in the disruptive behavior after the warning will result in the immediate suspension of library privileges for the day. Subsequent disruptive behavior violations will result in the suspension of library privileges for longer periods.

 

Loud Noises/Conversations

  • Loud, unreasonable, or disturbing noises created by persons, electronic devices, computers, or cell phones. If a conversation or device can be heard from more than 5 feet away, it is presumed to be disturbing others. The library should not be used in lieu of an office. Individuals engaged in loud or extended conversations will be asked to rent a conference room or leave the library.
  • Talking on a cell phone outside one of the designated Cell Phone Rooms. Ringtones must be set to silent or vibrate.
  • Listening to audio on a computer or electronic device without headphones.

Odors, Hygiene & Clothing

  • Parcels, clothing, or bodily hygiene that emit odors, including odors caused by scented products, that are pervasive, offensive, or disrupt others’ ability to work, as determined by library staff.
  • Bringing bugs or lice into the library on your person, clothing, or belongings.
  • Patrons exhibiting either of the above must leave the library, but may return when the condition is corrected.
  • Inappropriate use of Building Restroom, including washing clothes, shaving, or bathing.
  • Failing to wear shoes, a shirt/top, or skirt/pants.

Personal Possessions

  • Leaving personal items unattended for longer than 10 minutes. Unattended items may be confiscated and destroyed. The library is not responsible or liable for personal items that are lost, stolen, or damaged in the library.
  • Briefcases, backpacks, packages, purses, and outer garments may be subject to inspection for library materials (CA Penal Code §490.5).

Library Spaces, Furniture, and Walls

  • Monopolization, obstructing, or blocking library space, including aisles, resources, equipment, furniture, or computer stations with personal possessions, including electrical cords.
  • Moving furniture, including tables, carrels, or wooden chairs without staff approval.
  • Placing your head, feet, or legs on library furniture; or sitting on floors, countertops or tabletops.
  • Running, jumping, or climbing on library furniture.
  • Distributing or posting printed materials/literature.

Sleeping and Similar Behaviors

  • Sleeping or appearing to be sleeping at a library carrel, table, or computer station, or sleeping or lying down on the floor.
  • Library staff or security personnel will attempt to wake patrons who appear to be unconscious or asleep.

Food and Drink

  • Any food items, or beverages in uncovered containers.
  • Food consumption is permitted only in rented library conference rooms and at sanctioned library events.

Smoking and Vaping

  • Smoking or vaping in the library or within 25 feet of library entrances/exits.

Unattended Children

  • Leaving a child (14 and under) unattended by a parent or other caregiver. The library is not responsible for unattended children.

Animals

  • Bringing animals into the library, except for service animals.
  • By law, library staff are permitted to ask the following questions about an animal brought into the library: 1. Is this a service animal required because of a disability? 2. What work or task has the animal been trained to perform? (28 C.F.R. § 36.302(c)(6))
  • Service animals must be under the control of their patron handler at all times, on a short leash or in a carrier, and may not cause disruption, noise, or damage to library property. Animals may not block aisles or walkways, be on furniture, or be fed in the library.

Soliciting, Panhandling, or Begging

  • Soliciting in the library- offering patrons or staff goods or services for sale.
  • Soliciting library staff or other patrons for legal advice or assistance, and/or monopolizing staff time with unreasonable requests.
  • Panhandling or begging (CA Penal Code 647(c)).

Photography and Filming

  • Photography, filming or recording that is disruptive to library operations or prevents staff from performing their duties is prohibited. Commercial photography or filming is not permitted on library premises without prior authorization from library administration.

Law Library Reserved for Law-Related Activities

  • Access and use of the library’s computers, facilities, and services is reserved for persons preparing a legal matter, engaged in legal research, or in legal information studies. Library staff may require people to leave the library if they are not engaged in activities associated with legal research.