University of California, Santa Cruz Library Use Policies
As a state-supported public institution, the University Library strives to make the materials in its collections as available as possible to the users in the community and state, while simultaneously fulfilling its primary obligation to the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) campus and the University of California (UC) system. – UCSC Lending Code
Animals
With the exception of service animals, no animals are permitted in the Library. Patrons bringing non-service animals into the building will be asked to leave.
Bicycles
Bicycles may not be brought into the library buildings. Bicycles may be parked outside the library buildings where racks are located.
Building Use
The library buildings are open to the campus community and the public all hours the buildings are open. Information about library hours is available online on our Hours Page or by calling 831-459-5185 (McHenry) or 831-459-5300 (Science & Engineering).
Patrons who refuse to leave the building when the library is closed are considered trespassers and will be reported to campus police.
Cell Phone Use
Cell phone use is permitted in all non-quiet-study areas of the library. Patrons are expected to be respectful of other patrons while using their cell phones. If a patron isn't being respectful of others, you may point it out to them. If you are not comfortable doing so, please go to a service desk to report the problem. Be sure to give a specific location and descriptive information about the person/persons involved.
Collections
The University Library is a resource for all, so it is important that users of the collections do not intentionally prevent others from accessing items in the collections. Items should be returned on time.Due dates may be managed online, in person, or by phone: 831-459-5185 (McHenry) or 831-459-5300 (Science & Engineering). Items that are recalled should be returned on time.
Please do not keep items that are not checked out in study carrels or hidden within the shelves.
Violations of the latter policies may result in penalties (fines/fees) up to and including suspension of library privileges.
Individual library departments or collections may have specific conditions or terms of use.
Computer Use Policy
Computers are made available to Library users for purposes of research, instruction, and public service.
The Library reserves the right to designate specific uses for individual computers. When there is high demand for using computers, time limits may be enforced; those not engaged in research or course-related activities may be asked to relinquish their computer to those needing use for research purposes.
The use of these computers is governed by UCSC policies including “Policies for use of UCSC computing facilities.”
The following examples are intended to clarify the interpretation of unacceptable use of University Library computers.
Examples of unacceptable use include:
Filming (Student Filming Guidelines)
The University Library supports student filming projects whenever possible.
In order to secure permission to film:
Food And Drink Guidelines
Food and drink items are allowed in the Library.
Please:
Areas Where No Food or Drinks Are Allowed:
Senior Library Management may approve special events or other exceptions to policy.
Patrons who don't comply with the UCSC Library Food and Drink Policy are considered in violation of the UCSC Library Use and Conduct Code.
Policy effective: September 22, 2008
Policy updated: August 2, 2017
Harassment
Sexual harassment is against the law and any patron who is harassing other patrons or library staff will be reported to campus police. The campus sexual violence and sexual harassment policy is available online.
Privacy
The University Library is committed to protecting your privacy as a critical component of your intellectual and academic freedom on our campus. Your guarantee of privacy is supported by federal and state law, and by the privacy policies of the University of California and its Santa Cruz campus. The University Library limits the collection of personal information to what is relevant and necessary to conduct library business, e.g. your name, university identification, and items borrowed. We retain that information only as long as it is needed to complete transactions or provide service. Information in a personal library record is considered confidential and will not be released by the Library to a third party except by court order or legal search warrant.
While the library makes every effort to negotiate the protection of user information in licensing agreements with outside database vendors, the University does not govern the privacy practices of those vendors. Users, therefore, should read the privacy statement on each Web site to determine these practices.
Quiet Study
Quiet study areas are available on the fourth floor of the McHenry Library and the Ching-Yi Dougherty Reading Room in the Science & Engineering Library. On these floors or in these areas, audible cell phone ringers should be off and conversation should be limited. Group study rooms are available in the McHenry and the Science & Engineering Libraries. Group work and conversation are encouraged in these group study rooms.
If a patron or group isn't respecting the rules of the quiet study floor(s)/area(s) you may point it out to them. If you are not comfortable doing so, please go to a service desk to report it. Be sure to give a specific location and descriptive information about the person/persons involved.
Smoking
UC Santa Cruz is a smoke & tobacco free environment. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on campus.
Tabling
The University Library allows one group at a time to table outside the library buildings. If there is already a group scheduled outside one of the library buildings, you may request to table outside the other library building if it is free, or you may need to find an alternate date.
You will:
To request a date for tabling, please contact the library via this form. Please login to your UCSC email account in order to access the form.
Vandalism/Destruction of Library Property
Graffiti, destruction of furniture, books, magazines/periodicals, etc., are considered destruction of university property and all incidents of this nature will be reported to campus police.
Campus Policies