Library Conduct Policies

To ensure an environment supportive of study, research, reflection, and scholarly collaboration that is comfortable and welcoming for all, observe the following Library and University policies.

Note: This list of responsibilities and prohibited actions is not to be taken as exhaustive.

Be Mindful of Noise Levels

Maintain quiet in all individual study areas and in the stacks.
Conduct group study and quiet conversations only in Library-designated areas.
Refrain from behavior that creates a disturbance.
Silence cell phones, laptops, and electronic devices when in Library spaces.
Restrict cell phone conversations, with care taken to avoid disturbing others, to Library designated spaces.
For policies related to noise and use of the D’Angelo Law Library, please visit the Using the D’Angelo Law Library webpage.

Respect Collections

Follow the Library's Food & Drink Policy.
Do not write in, underline, highlight or otherwise damage Library materials.
Take care when handling fragile material, and bring damaged items to the attention of Library staff.

Share and Sustain Spaces

Help to sustain the Library’s physical spaces:
- Do not smoke or vape inside Library buildings or within 15 feet of the entrances to Library buildings (in accordance with University policy and City of Chicago ordinance).
- Do not bring animals into the Library, except service animals assisting those with disabilities (in accordance with University policies for service animals and assistance animals).
- Do not use scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, skates or other conveyances (except those assisting persons with disabilities), within the Library or near Library entrances.
- Do not charge ebikes, escooters, and vape pens in the Library.
- Do not secure bicycles, scooters, or other vehicles to handrails, sign posts, fences, or other locations that block stairways, pathways, or other paths of access to Library buildings.
- Do not post signs, notices, or other material except in designated locations or with special permission, in accordance with the Library's Policy on Promotional Activities.
- Do not use your belongings to claim space that you are not currently occupying.

Respect Library Staff and Users

Create a comfortable and supportive environment for other Library users and staff:
- Treat everyone in the Library with respect.
- Wear clothing, including shirts and shoes.
- Use Library spaces only for their intended purposes.
- Do not block aisles, shelves, or entrances.
- Do not leave items unattended at any time.
Comply with Library and University policies, which promote a safe and respectful community for all:
- Follow directions from Library staff and University officials who have identified themselves, including by presenting appropriate identification when asked to do so.
- Leave Library spaces at closing.
- Do not enter Library staff areas without permission.
- Children who are not part of covered University programs must be accompanied at all times by a parent or a guardian, as required by University policy for minors on campus.
- Do not take photographs of others for personal use without permission of the individual(s). Do not film or take photographs of Library spaces and users for publication or commercial purposes without permission of Library administration.
- Do not solicit or conduct surveys without advance Library approval, in accordance with the Library's Policy on Promotional Activities.
- Do not use Library space for political fundraising or any other partisan political activity.
- Do not expose others to pornographic or obscene images.

Illegal, Substantially Disruptive, and Dangerous Activities

Actions that are illegal, substantially disruptive, or endanger safety are considered serious violations and may involve campus security or community law enforcement.

Do not engage in criminal activity, including theft, battery, or assault.
Do not bring firearms of any kind, explosives, or other dangerous objects or materials into the Library.
Do not violate the University’s Policy on Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct (including but not limited to sexual harassment, sexual abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking) or abuse individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any protected classes under the law.
Disruptive conduct is prohibited. In keeping with University Statute 21, disruptive conduct includes but is not limited to obstruction, impairment, or interference with University sponsored or authorized activities or facilities in a manner that is likely to or does deprive others of the benefit or enjoyment of the activity or facility.
Do not violate the University’s Drug and Alcohol Policies.
Do not violate the University’s Policy on Information Technology Use and Access or the Library’s Policy on Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources.
Do not vandalize or deface Library material, equipment, collections, furniture, or facilities (including creating graffiti).

Enforcement and Support

You may request and receive assistance from a Library staff member in maintaining an environment supportive of scholarship. Circulation staff at all Library locations are available to assist.
Library staff will take measured steps to restore a scholarly environment:
- Library staff will identify themselves and request that users comply with Library rules.
- If users do not respond to initial requests or if they violate rules repeatedly, Library staff will take additional measures, for example asking to see an ID (in accordance with University policies), issuing an oral or written warning, or asking the user to leave the Library.
- If a user is affiliated with the University, staff may also work with appropriate University officials in addressing problems or may request University disciplinary proceedings.
- In all cases Library staff will respect the rights of everyone involved.
When serious violations occur and the resulting actions are criminal, endanger safety, or when more restrained measures to restore the scholarly environment have failed, Library staff will seek assistance from University Police. Those who engage in serious violations may lose the privilege of using the University Library, be subject to University-imposed discipline (if affiliated with the University), be charged for damage to material or equipment, and/or be subject to arrest and criminal prosecution.