Library Code of Conduct

The Fresno State Library is dedicated to offering patrons exceptional service and a welcoming environment conducive to study and research. To ensure a positive experience for everyone, the following policies apply in all library public service areas.

We strive to create a comfortable and respectful environment for everyone. If your actions disrupt others or violate our Code of Conduct or the law, we may ask you to leave. Repeated incidents could lead to the loss of your library privileges. For everyone's safety, we will seek assistance from the University Police Department when needed. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Policy Topics

Respect for Collections, Equipment, Furniture, and Facilities

To keep our library resources in excellent condition for all patrons, we ask everyone to treat our collections, equipment, furniture, and facilities with care. Damaging or defacing library property is against California Education Code §19910 and California Penal Code §594.

Animals

Animals are not permitted in the library except for service animals trained (or in the process of being trained) to assist persons with disabilities. Service animals must remain under the control of their handlers at all times and must be housebroken.

Children

Children and young adults are welcome in the Library. Children aged 12 and under must be under adult supervision.

Respectful Behavior

To ensure a pleasant environment for all, we ask our visitors to treat others with respect and to avoid disruptive or disorderly behavior. Behaviors to avoid include:

• abusive language;
• threats of violence;
• entering unauthorized areas of the library;
• sitting in stairwells or in front of emergency exits;
• remaining in the library after closing;
• refusing to leave when requested during closing procedures, emergency situations, or drills;
• disturbing others with strong odors (e.g., perfumes or poor personal hygiene);
• sexual activities, including (but not limited to) indecent exposure, sexual harassment, and making unwanted or inappropriate sexual advances;
• harassment on the basis of race, religion, ethnic background, gender, or sexual orientation;
• using alcohol, tobacco, or any other controlled substances
• wearing face coverings except for medical masks or religious garments; or
• engaging in any behavior that threatens the safety of oneself or others.

Disorderly behavior is a violation of California Penal Codes §415 and §415.5 and is strictly prohibited.

Food and Drinks

• Food and drink are welcome in the open study areas on the second floors of both wings of the library and at library-approved events and meetings. In other public areas, including study rooms, single-serving packaged or wrapped snacks and covered drinks are permitted.
• Food and drink are not permitted at computer workstations.
• Please clean up after yourself, and report any spills to the Circulation Desk.

Wheeled Devices

Scooters, bicycles, skateboards, etc., are not allowed in the library or any campus buildings.

There is scooter parking available near the Library front door, near the Peace Garden, and next to the University Center. See the campus map for scooter parking locations.

Wheelchairs and other mobility aids and strollers are always permitted.

Noise

For a quiet study environment, please use the first and second floors of the south wing or the Table Mountain Rancheria Reading Room. In the rest of the library conversation is fine, but please avoid excessive noise. Thank you for helping us maintain a suitable environment for all patrons.

Petitions or Solicitations

To ensure a distraction-free environment for learning, we ask that you refrain from petitioning, soliciting donations, or proselytizing inside the library.

Photography / Video

You are welcome to take photos and videos in the library’s galleries and open/public spaces as long as it doesn’t disrupt others. Please respect the privacy of other patrons and avoid recording their study materials or personal information. If someone asks not to be photographed or recorded, honor their request immediately. Photography and recording in meeting rooms and lecture spaces are at the discretion of the meeting hosts. For professional or commercial photography or videography, including graduation photos and all media including student-run media, please get written permission from the Library Dean’s office.

Posting and Distributing Materials

The library provides limited areas for posting or distributing materials related to university-sponsored events. Materials related to other events, including those sponsored by student organizations, are not permitted. Posting locations include:

• A bulletin board and a literature stand on the first floor for posting campus-related announcements. 
• A bulletin board on the second floor for campus-related announcements with a diversity theme.
• A bulletin board on the third floor in Music & Media for performing arts announcements of interest to the campus community.

If you wish to post materials, please get permission from the Circulation Desk, the Research Help Desk, or the Music & Media Desk. Library staff monitor posted materials and may remove them. To keep things organized, flyers and leaflets may be distributed only in these areas and not elsewhere in the building.

Portable whiteboards are available as temporary directional signage for events. Contact the Administrative Services Office.

Smoking

Smoking and tobacco or cannabis use in any form is prohibited across campus, including in the Library.  For more information about this policy, see Fresno State’s smoke-free campus policy page.

Personal Belongings and Theft Prevention

Bags, backpacks, and other personal belongings must remain with the owner at all times; must not be excessively dirty or smelly or infested with pests; and must not obstruct access to any space or resource that could be used by another visitor, including (but not limited to) rooms, tables, and chairs. Large objects such as carts, bicycles, and luggage may not be brought into the library.

Unattended items may be placed in the library Lost and Found at the Circulation Desk or removed by Fresno State police officers. While we strive to maintain a safe and secure environment, the Fresno State Library is not responsible for misplaced or stolen items.

To safeguard our books and materials, state law allows us to detain individuals suspected of library theft for a reasonable time (California Penal Code §490.5). If the detection alarm sounds, we may ask to inspect briefcases, backpacks, and bags.