LIBRARY ENTRY AND IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
All students and employees are required to obtain and carry a USF ID Card while on campus in accordance with the USF Card and ID Badge Policy 0-517. Effective October 31, 2025, entry to the Tampa Library is exclusively permitted through the turnstiles at the Welcome Desk; individuals accessing the facility by any other route may be asked to leave and could face disciplinary action.
Access to the Tampa Library requires presentation of valid identification. Current University of South Florida students, faculty, and staff must use their USF Card with “tap” functionality to enter through the turnstiles. Individuals who do not possess a USF Card must present a valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, state-issued identification card, military identification card, or passport, for entry.
The USF Libraries welcome visitors of all ages; however, minors (age 15 and under) must always be under the direct supervision of a responsible adult while in library facilities, except for currently enrolled USF students. Unaccompanied minors are not permitted in the libraries, and minors may not be left unattended while an adult uses library services.
Community visitors may access the Tampa Library from 7:00 AM to 8:45 PM and must depart by 9:00 PM. Access to Nelson Poynter Memorial Library is from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. All visitors are required to depart by 6:00 PM.
All Library visitors are expected to comply with the Student Code of Conduct, University Regulations & Policies, and/or Faculty Handbook. Library staff and security personnel may request identification from anyone using library facilities; refusal to present identification may result in being asked to leave.
Prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to:
- Tailgating or jumping over the turnstiles.
- Use of false identification, which constitutes a violation of the USF Student Code of Conduct.
- Displaying threatening or intimidating behavior, including abusive language, threats, or harassment.
- Engaging in conduct that poses potential risks or harm to oneself or others.
- Sexual harassment or making unwanted or inappropriate advances.
These policies are enforced in accordance with
USF Card and ID Badge Policy 0-517,
USF6.0021 Student Code of Conduct and
USF4.014 No Trespass and Loitering Regulation.
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 describe behaviors that are counterproductive to the goals and mission of the University and the process with which 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
After-Hours Building Access
After-hours access to USF Libraries’ facilities is limited to currently enrolled degree-seeking students, USF faculty (current and retired), and USF Libraries’ staff and building partners using their USF ID. For this guideline, and consistent with past practices, “after-hours” refers to any time after 9:00PM when the building is open. USF faculty, libraries’ staff, and building partners may enter library facilities after they have closed, for the purpose of conducting official business, once they have obtained permission from the Building & Security Manager. USF Policy 6-012 Access Control to Buildings & Facilities
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
Patrons may bring personal belongings into the library, but items must stay with them and may not block aisles, entrances, exits, seating, service areas, equipment, collections, or emergency pathways. The USF Libraries are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property. To maintain a safe, clean, accessible, and welcoming environment, patrons should avoid bringing items associated with camping, sleeping, long-term storage, or temporary living arrangements, including tents, canopies, tarps, sleeping bags, bedrolls, oversized carts, large luggage, bins, crates, or unattended property. Library staff may ask patrons to remove, relocate, or secure items that create safety, sanitation, accessibility, operational, or disruption concerns.
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 the 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 the official
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.