Library Public Policies

• Users are expected to behave courteously and respectfully to others, including both library staff and other library users. Abuse, threats, intimidation, and harassment are prohibited. 
• Disruptive behavior in the library is prohibited. Disruptive behavior includes but is not limited to fighting, running, careless or reckless behavior, abuse / misuse of library materials, throwing materials, and disruptive noise. Disruptive noise includes but is not limited to loud talking and any audible noise from electronic devices. Audio from devices may be played inside study rooms if it is not audible from outside the room.
• Users are expected to be clothed in a safe and sensible manner. Upper and lower body clothing must be worn at all times. Shoes are required. Users should be free of any disruptive odors (strong body odor or strong fragrances/perfumes).
• Solicitation, proselytizing, and sleeping are prohibited in UHCL libraries.
• Users are expected to comply with library hours. Remaining in the library after open hours is considered trespassing. Library staff reserve the right to contact campus police if needed.
• Users should exit the library after the activation of the fire alarm and follow the directives of library staff.
• Emergency exits should only be used during emergencies.
• Users should not enter off-limits areas (personal offices, behind the service desks, staff-only spaces) unless otherwise specified.

• Phone calls should not take place in designated quiet study areas.
• Staff reserve the right to request that individuals on extended calls exit the library.
• Phone calls in collaborative study areas are allowed if audio from device is not audible and not disruptive to other users. 
• Phones should be set to silent while in the library.

• Photography or filming of library users without their express permission is prohibited.
• Any filming or photography that may impact library operations or other library users must be pre-approved by library administration.  This includes filming and photography for commercial purposes, university project-based activities, and personal content. To request approval, contact us at (281) 283-3900 or library@uhcl.edu.
  • Students who wish to take graduation photos in the library may ask for same-day approval at the library front desk.

• Reasonable consumption of food and drink is permitted within UHCL Libraries.
• Food deliveries in the library are not permitted. Food deliveries must be received outside the library.
• Drinks must have secure lids. 
• Food is prohibited when using library equipment (computer workstations, scanners, etc.). 
• Messy, greasy, odorous, or noisy foods should not be brought into the library. 
• UHCL Libraries reserves the right to ask you to remove food from the premises.
• Users must properly dispose of all food in trash receptacles and fully clean up any affected areas. No residual crumbs, liquids, or odors should remain. 
• Spills should be cleaned up immediately. Paper towels are located in library restrooms. Notify library staff if additional cleaning is needed.

• Only trained service animals are permitted in the UHCL libraries.
  • “Service animal” in this context means a canine that is specially trained or equipped to help a person with a disability. An animal that provides only comfort or emotional support to a person is not a service animal. For more information, see UHS SAM 01.D12 – Service Animals and UHS SAM 01.D.11 – Emotional Support Animals.

• Library users should not leave personal belongings unattended.
• Unattended items may be removed for security reasons.
• Library staff will not monitor unattended items.
• The library is not responsible for lost or stolen items. 

• Flyers and other print materials may be posted on the designated library bulletin board if they have been stamped for approval by the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership. View the UHCL Campus Expression & Flyers policy for more information.
  • Due to limited space, library staff reserve the right to limit multiple simultaneous flyers from one organization. 
  • Flyers, pamphlets, and other print materials may not be distributed or left in any other areas of the library. 

• Use of wheeled transportation or other conveyances (bicycles, scooters, skateboards, skates) is prohibited in the library, with the exception of devices used for medical purposes (e.g. wheelchairs, stability walkers, etc.).
• Larger wheeled transportation (e.g. bicycles and scooters) that is not needed for medical purposes may not be brought into the library. These devices may be secured on the racks outside the Bayou Building. Smaller wheeled transportation (e.g. skateboards and skates) may be carried into the library but may not be used.

Use of Library Property 

• Users are expected to properly care for library materials and spaces. 
• Intentional abuse of library spaces and property is strictly prohibited.
• Borrowed materials should be returned in the same condition they were at time of checkout.  Users should not write on, highlight, or otherwise damage library materials.
• Damage to library materials and equipment may result in replacement/repair charges. 
• Accidental damage to library spaces or property should be immediately reported to library staff. 
• Writing on library surfaces that are not intended to be written on (ex: windows, tables) is prohibited.
• Users should not use duplicate pieces of equipment.
• Users should clean up after themselves. Trash and recyclables should be disposed of in proper receptacles and dry erase boards should be cleaned after use.

Furniture Use / Configuration

• All furniture should be used for its intended purpose only.
• Furniture from library spaces should not be brought into study rooms.
• No stacking of furniture or moving furniture that is meant to be stationary.
• Furniture should not impede the flow of traffic.
• Electrical cords from library outlets to devices should not block the flow of traffic or create tripping hazards.
• Users should re-set furniture to original placement after use. 

Noise Levels

• The library has two types of study areas: 
  • Collaborative spaces: 
    • Conversations are permitted. 
  • Quiet spaces: 
    • Avoid extended conversations. 
    • Conversations should be whispered. 
    • Be courteous of others studying nearby.
• Users should refrain from disruptive noise in all library spaces. Disruptive noise includes but is not limited to loud talking and any audible noise from electronic devices. Audio from devices may be played inside study rooms if it is not audible from outside the room.

Community User Access 

• Community users may use library public spaces, physical materials, public computers (internet access only), and imaging equipment.
• Community users do not have access to study rooms, online databases, or printers.
• Current students and staff are given priority for access to library equipment. 

Children in the Library 

• Individuals under the age of 18 who are not enrolled in the UH system must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Any minor present in UHCL Libraries is subject to the same policies and expectations as their guardian.
• Guardians of minors are responsible for the minor’s behavior in the library.
• Library staff are not responsible for ensuring the safety of unattended children. 

Identification 

• Borrowing library property requires presentation of a Hawk ID or other government issued photo ID. Photographs of IDs are not acceptable forms of ID. 
• Use of other persons’ photo IDs is prohibited.
• Users are required to present a form of ID when requested by a member of library staff.

The primary purpose of library technology is to support academic efforts. Other uses are considered secondary. 

Imaging Equipment (Printers and Scanners) 

Library users should not do any of the following with imaging equipment: 

• Attempt to perform maintenance or repairs 
• Open machines and/or remove supplies 
• Use their own paper or other supplies
• Library users should:
  • Report any printer problems to staff
  • Comply with all applicable copyright laws when using imaging equipment

Loanable Tech

• Loanable technology includes any technology borrowed from the Access Services desk. 
• Any damage to loanable technology should be reported to library staff at time of return.
• Users are responsible for any damage to loanable technology that occurs during the loan period.

XR Lab

• Please refer to the XR Lab guide.

Computer Use

• Unauthorized use or misuse of any university computer, service, program, or network is prohibited.
• Individuals may not log in to multiple library computer workstations simultaneously.
• Food is prohibited when using library computers. Drinks with secure lids are permitted but should not be placed directly next to computers or peripherals.
• All computer users, including both users of personal laptops and users of library computer workstations, must comply with all applicable university, state, and federal policies and laws relating to internet use, copyright, pornography, and sexual harassment.