The SDCC & SCS Library policies are designed to create a safe and quiet environment for all patrons to enjoy. The library and its contents is a shared resource and, as such, requires all patrons to treat it and the other patrons who use it with respect and consideration. Library users are responsible for informing themselves of library policies. These policies apply to all users of the SDCC & SCS Library, including faculty, staff and members of the community. Thank you for your cooperation.

Use of the Library

Access to the library is permitted only for purposes of using library resources or studying. Soliciting or loitering is not permitted. Audio recording, videotaping, photography and other audio-visual recording are not permitted except when expressly authorized.

Individual, Quiet Study

A quiet atmosphere is expected in all areas of the building except for the group study rooms. Any noise or activity that disturbs the concentration of other users (including noise from conversations, snoring, cell phones, musical devices, etc.) is considered inappropriate. Areas where there are service desks, library phones and computers will be noisier than other areas. Patrons are invited to politely remind others to maintain a quiet atmosphere and refrain from disturbing others. If assistance is needed to maintain an appropriate study environment, please contact library staff.

Reading Area (SDCC Library)

The Reading area is a space provided for quiet study, reading, reflection, and other activities.

Cell Phones and Pagers

Cell phones and pagers are to be turned off or put on silent mode if brought into the library. All phone conversations should be conducted outside of the library.

Food and Drinks

The SDCC Library permits the consumption of beverages in covered containers but food of any kind is not permitted.

Guidelines:

• No food permitted.
• Beverages: Lids are required; spill-proof containers with secure lids are preferred. If your beverage is not covered you will be asked to dispose of it or finish it outside.
• Clean it up: wipe up messes, throw away or recycle your beverage containers and trash. All restrooms have paper towels, and trash containers are available throughout the library.
• Please notify a library staff member immediately if there is an accident so we can ensure that library materials, furniture and carpeting are properly cleaned.
• Library staff reserve the right to ask anyone eating food to stop eating and put/throw their food away or finish their food outside. Anyone refusing to put or throw away his or her food will be asked to leave the library.
• Delivery of food to the library is not permitted, except for scheduled, catered events taking place in the library.

Examples:

• Permitted beverage containers include:
  • disposable cups or bottles with secure lids
  • plastic or glass bottles with twist-on lids
  • travel mugs and sport-type water bottles

The SCS Library permits the consumption of beverages in covered containers and individual snack-sized food items.

Guidelines:

• Food is permitted.
• Beverages: Lids are required; spill-proof containers with secure lids are preferred. If your beverage is not covered you will be asked to dispose of it or finish it outside.
• Clean it up: wipe up messes, throw away or recycle your food/beverage containers and trash. The library office has paper towels, and trash containers are available throughout the library.
• Please notify a library staff member immediately if there is an accident so we can ensure that library materials, furniture and carpeting are properly cleaned.
• Library staff reserve the right to ask anyone eating food, to stop eating and put/throw their food away or finish their food outside if it is creating a disturbance (e.g. smell). Anyone refusing to put or throw away his or her food will be asked to leave the library.
• Delivery of food to the library is not permitted, except for scheduled, catered events taking place in the library.

Examples:

• Permitted beverage containers include:
  • disposable cups or bottles with secure lids
  • plastic or glass bottles with twist-on lids
  • travel mugs and sport-type water bottles

Stewardship:

In order to practice good stewardship of the library and its resources, users must take care when drinking in the facility. Drinks can be easily spilled on library materials, furniture, equipment and carpet. Particles of food left behind may attract unwanted pests. Furthermore, damages to materials, furniture or carpet may result in replacement costs to the library and make these items unavailable to users. While minimizing risk of damage to library resources, allowing covered beverages serves the needs of library users who frequent the library for extended periods of time.

Children in the Library

Children less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times while in the library. An adult must supervise the children's use of all library equipment and resources and remain with the children at all times.

Bicycles, Scooters and Skateboards

Bicycles and motorized scooters must be kept outside the library. Skateboards and collapsed non-motorized scooters cannot be used inside the building. They must be collapsed where possible and carried in the building and kept on the floor, out of the way of other patrons. These objects can become a hazardous obstacle in an emergency such as a fire or earthquake.

Footwear

Footwear must be worn in the library at all times for health and safety reasons.

Animals

Animals are not allowed in the library building unless they are official guide or assistance animals.

Unattended Items

Personal items should not be left unattended, even for a few minutes. The Library is not responsible for thefts or vandalism to personal property that is left unattended. Items left unattended may be removed by Campus Safety or library personnel. Items left unattended in a group study room may be removed by other library users and brought to Lost and Found or Campus Safety.

Unacceptable and Illegal Activities

Any behavior that hinders the operation of the library or library users’ ability to study or use library resources is unacceptable. Library staff may ask users to leave if they create a disturbance, pose a safety threat, refuse to abide by library policies, or otherwise diminish the use and enjoyment of the library by others. Failure or refusal to comply with the library staff’s directives will be reported to Campus Safety officials.

The following activities are deemed unacceptable in the library:

• Unplugging, removing or attempting to remove library equipment or property without authorization from library staff.
• Posting of announcements, flyers, personal invitations, etc. in or on library property.
• Concealing library materials in the library for the exclusive use of an individual or group.
• Ruining library materials by marking, underlining, removing pages or portions of pages, removing binding, removing electronic theft-prevention devices, or in any other way damaging or defacing library materials, furniture, equipment, walls, or any other part of the building.
• Smoking in the building or near entrances and exits. SDCC & SCS are smoke-free campuses.
• Failing to respect copyright laws, including persistent downloading, printing or saving of copyrighted information to library computers or personal devices.
• Loitering in restricted areas of the library or remaining in the library after closing.
• Opening emergency exits except in case of an emergency.
• Making threats against library staff or patrons.
• Conducting inappropriate public displays of affection.
• Relocating library furniture.
• Running power cords in traffic areas. This creates a tripping hazard to others and could result in damage to your equipment.

Library staff will immediately call Campus Security officials if patrons engage in any illegal activities.