Library Guidelines

PURPOSE AND INTENT

All Library patrons share the responsibility for ensuring that the USF Library can provide its patrons and employees with a safe and pleasant environment. Please observe the user guidelines outlined below. Report activities that interfere with your use of the library or that violate the guidelines outlined here. Many of the Guidelines below are derived or related to the USF6.0021 Student Code of Conduct, USF4.014 No Trespass and Loitering Regulation. Patrons found in violation of these Guidelines could be denied library services, asked to leave the library facilities, reported to the USF Police, or trespassed from the library facilities or the campus. Any criminal activity will be reported to the USF Police.

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR

The Library Guidelines describes behaviors that are counteractive to the goals and mission of the University and the process for how the University Library will hold its patrons accountable to these standards of behavior. All USF affiliates must present a valid physical USF ID Card, and public patrons must present a physical government ID for entry.

CONDUCT GUIDELINES

  • Alcohol and Drugs

    Bringing, possessing, or use of any alcohol or illegal drugs or substances within any library facility is prohibited. Overt signs of alcohol or substance abuse will be reported to the USF Police. USF Policy 30-023.

  • Alerts and Police Activity

    The USF Library will enter into an after-hours entry mode, where all ID’s will be checked, during a USF Alert or if there is Police Activity in the general vicinity of the library. Bags may be checked during USF Alerts or lockdowns.

  • Animals and Pets

    Animals are prohibited in the library with the exception of trained service dogs used by individuals with disabilities. Emotional support dogs are not considered service animals. USF Policy 6-033 Animals on Campus, ADA Service Animal Use.

  • Disruptive Conduct – Noise Levels

    Actions and/or behaviors that disrupt, disturb, impair, or interfere with the processes and/or functions of the University or the rights of members of the University community are prohibited. Actions and/or behaviors that are disorderly, unruly, and/ or disturb the peace are prohibited. Talking is not permitted on silent study floors, 5th for Tampa and 3rd for St. Petersburg. USF Regulation 3.025 Disruption of Academic Process, or USF4.014 No Trespass and Loitering Regulation.

  • Distribution of Material and Solicitation

    University regulations prohibit leaving printed materials such as cards or flyers in the library, without prior approval, including inside library books. Distribution of, including but not limited to handing out, stacking, and/or placing in racks, commercial material, or advertisements is prohibited.USF Regulation 6.026 Distribution of Material and Solicitation on Campus.

  • Failure to Comply

    Failure to comply with an official request or lawful directive of law enforcement or a University Official acting within the scope of their assigned duties is prohibited. This includes failing to comply with assigned sanctions and/or related University sanctions. All library patrons are required to identify themselves or produce USF identification upon request by a University Official. USF Regulation Student Code of Conduct 6-0021, or USF4.014 No Trespass and Loitering Regulation.

  • Fire and Safety

    Removing, damaging, interfering, or tampering with any fire safety equipment (e.g., smoke detectors, sprinklers, fire alarms) is a criminal offense. All personnel and patrons are required to evacuate during a fire alarm in any University facility or at any University event. USF Regulation Student Code of Conduct 6-0021, or USF4.014 No Trespass and Loitering Regulation.

  • Harassment

    Harassment/Sexual Harassment – Unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would determine to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the recipient’s education program or activity is prohibited. Bullying conduct that meets the standard for harassment set forth above is included in this violation and are not protected by freedom of expression. USF Policy 0-007 Diversity and Equal Opportunity – Discrimination and Harassment. USF Policy 0-004 Sexual Misconduct/Sexual Harassment.

  • Personal Property

    Students/Patrons are responsible for their own personal property at all times. Property must always be in the possession of the student/patron and never left unattended. Unattended property will be placed into lost and found or turned over to University Police. The USF Library is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property. USF Regulation Student Code of Conduct 6-0021.

  • Photography and Video Recording

    Any photography or video recording within the building must have prior approval by Library Administration. Please email requests to lragsdal@usf.edu (Tampa campus) or kkeogh@usf.edu (St. Petersburg campus). Request must be made at least 72hours in advance. Filming &Photography in the USF Libraries.

  • Scooters, Skateboards, Roller Skates/Blades

    The use of personal bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, or roller blades is prohibited within the library. E-scooters and other micro mobility devices must always be stored outside of the building. USF Regulation USF4.0011.

  • Sleeping

    Lying down on the floor or furniture and, arrangement or use of furniture for the purpose of sleeping are prohibited. USF Regulation Student Code of Conduct 6-0021, or USF4.014 No Trespass and Loitering Regulation.

  • Sound Reproduction

    Any sound reproduction via cellphone, speakers, etc. is prohibited in the USF Library. USF Policy 6-028 Events, Signage, and Space Management.

  • Theft

    Taking, attempting to take, or keeping possession of property or services not belonging to the student or student organization is a crime and subject to law enforcement intervention. USF Regulation Student Code of Conduct 6-0021, or USF4.014 No Trespass and Loitering Regulation

  • Threats of Violence

    A threat by word or act to do violence to an individual(s) is prohibited and subject to law enforcement intervention. USF Regulation Student Code of Conduct 6-0021, or USF4.014 No Trespass and Loitering Regulation.

  • Tobacco

    Smoking or use of electric cigarettes or any tobacco product in any library facility is prohibited (see theofficial USF Policy 6-026).

  • Unauthorized Access (Trespassing) and/or Use

    Unauthorized access or entry to university facilities or any property of any member of the University community without permission is a crime and subject to law enforcement intervention. USF Regulation Student Code of Conduct 6-0021, or USF4.014 No Trespass and Loitering Regulation.

  • Weapons, Firearms, or Explosive Devices

    The illegal possession, storage, use or sale of any weapon (lethal or non-lethal), firearm, ammunition, or any incendiary, explosive or destructive device is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, fireworks, switchblade knives, air soft guns, dangerous chemicals, corrosive and/or biological chemicals, or agents as restricted by university policies and/or protocols. This also covers any item used as a weapon to cause actual physical harm or threaten physical harm. Reference USF Policy 6-009 Weapons on USF Property.