Library Use Policy & Code of Conduct

The J. Paul Leonard Library is committed to providing all library users with: 

  • Welcoming, comfortable, and safe learning environments that promote intellectual exploration and student success and well-being. 

  • Access to a diverse array of collections, resources, and services that meet the teaching, learning, and research needs of the SF State community. 

  • Access to knowledgeable and helpful employees. 

Maintaining a pleasant and productive environment for study and research requires that all users follow the Library Use Policy & Code of Conduct. Failure to follow the code of conduct may result in referral to the Library building coordinator, a community service officer, or University Police (UPD) and the loss of library privileges. 

Library Facility Use 

  • The Library’s facilities may be used only for ordinary library activities and programming sponsored by the Library, other programs housed in the Library, or the University. Other uses are subject to approval by Library Administration. 

  • Library users may not engage in disruptive behaviors that interfere with the ordinary use and operation of the Library. 

  • Smoking or using electronic cigarettes (i.e., vaping) on the grounds of the SF State campus is prohibited (SF State Ordinance #2010-4). Note that smoking/vaping sets off the fire alarms. 

  • Commercial solicitation in the Library or within 30 feet of its entrances/exits is not allowed (San Francisco State University Addendum to CSU Systemwide Time, Place & Manner Policy; Solicitation Directive AF 204). 

  • Erecting temporary structures (including tables, canopies, and collection bins for food, clothing, or other donations) inside the Library without prior approval from Library Administration is not permitted (San Francisco State University Addendum to CSU Systemwide Time, Place & Manner Policy; Solicitation Directive AF 204). 

  • Posting or distributing materials: The Library follows the San Francisco State University Addendum to CSU Systemwide Time, Place & Manner Policy regarding posters, signs, banners, and chalking. 

  • Library bulletin boards are a shared space for the SF State campus community. All flyers are cleared at the end of each month. Outdated materials may be removed at any time.  

  • Materials posted anywhere outside of the bulletin boards will be removed.  

  • Quiet study: The Library offers a variety of study areas to support quiet and group study. Silence is not enforced. Library floor maps show the location of various types of study areas.  

  • Mobile devices should be set to silent mode in the Library.  

  • In designated quiet study areas, all conversations should be avoided. When communication is necessary, voices should be kept at a low level.  

  • Cell phone conversations, Zoom meetings, and other audible online conversations are not allowed in quiet study areas. If it is necessary to use a cell phone or other audio devices, please leave the quiet areas and be respectful of others.  

  • In areas that are not designated as quiet areas, conversations — whether online, on the phone, or in person — should not be so loud or distracting that they disrupt the work of others.  

  • Filming in the Library without prior approval from Library Administration is not permitted.  

  • SF State film students’ project proposals are coordinated by the appropriate academic department and approved by a Conference Events & Services representative prior to confirming use of the Library with Library Administration.  

  • All other individuals (non-Cinema students, faculty, staff, and the general public) seeking to film on campus must apply for a film permit by contacting the Conference & Event Services office at hdcsces@sfsu.edu. The Conference & Event Services office will coordinate the project with Library Administration to secure final approval (San Francisco State University Addendum to CSU Systemwide Time, Place & Manner Policy). 

  • Library users are expected to stay within authorized areas of the building and leave after areas are closed or when requested to leave during emergency situations. 

  • Emergency exits or security/emergency alarms should be used only in emergency situations.  

  • Personal hygiene should not be disruptive or interfere with others’ use of the Library. Users whose strong body odor is a nuisance to other persons may be asked to leave the building. 

  • Bathing in the restrooms is not permitted. 

  • Searching through trash, recycling, or compost bins is prohibited. 

Library Safety and Security (Users, Building, Equipment) 

Library users are expected to respect the Library building and its contents and to refrain from engaging in behavior that disturbs the operations of the Library. Prohibited behaviors include:

  • Vandalizing or damaging any part of the Library building complex, furniture, equipment, or sanitary facilities. 

  • Tampering with or destroying any Library computer, network, computer program, or data. 

  • Leaving personal property unattended. Users are responsible for their personal property at all times. The Library is not liable for loss or damage to personal property. 

  • Bringing weapons into the Library (CA Penal Code § 626.9 (h), Gun-Free School Zone Act; Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 5, § 41301 - Standards for Student Conduct). 

  • Entering or remaining in any part of the Library facility during times when it is closed to the public or when users are required to leave the Library at closing, during emergency situations and evacuations, or whenever requested to leave by library employees, Community Service Officers, or UPD. 

  • Riding skateboards, scooters (motorized or not), or bicycles on the grounds of the SF State campus (SF State Ordinances #2010-2 and #2010-3) 

  • Securing a bicycle/scooter of any kind to an object, building, or tree on the SF State campus at any time. Only a bike rack provided by the campus and designed to secure bicycles/scooters shall be used to secure bicycles/scooters (SF State Ordinance #2010-1).  

  • Blocking or obstructing a library entrance, lobby area, staircase, or passageway, either in person or by placing objects in areas that cause a blockage or obstruction (Occupational Safety and Health Standards, Exit Routes and Emergency Planning, 1910.37). 

Note that the Library follows university policies regarding pets and service animals (San Francisco State University Addendum to CSU Systemwide Time, Place & Manner Policy; see also the Disability Programs and Resource Center’s recommendations regarding assistance animals). 

Library Food and Drink Policy 

It is the Library’s policy to maintain an environment appropriate for the protection of Library materials and conducive to study, research, teaching, and learning. Consumption of permitted food and drink is allowed in public areas if these items are consumed responsibly. We ask you to adhere to the following Food & Drink guidelines: 

  • Foods such as snacks are permitted, but foods that may disturb others are prohibited (e.g., foods with distracting aromas). 

  • No group meals or alcoholic beverages are permitted in public areas, except for University-sponsored special events. 

  • Covered drinks in closed containers are permitted on all floors. However, food and drink are not permitted while using library computers and/or other equipment, nor inside the Special Collections & Archives Reading Room and Gallery. 

  • Dispose of food waste, trash, and recyclables in appropriate containers.  

  • Wipe up minor spills if possible, and report any spills that you cannot handle yourself at a Library service desk for clean-up support. 

The Library reserves the right to ask any patron to remove their food and/or beverage from the Library based on this policy. In addition, failure to comply with posted restrictions or staff instructions regarding the consumption of food and beverages constitutes a violation of the Library Use & Code of Conduct Policy. 

Use and Protection of Library’s Collections and Equipment 

Individuals are expected to handle library materials and equipment appropriately. 

  • Library materials, equipment, or property may not be taken from the Library without proper checkout or authorization.  

  • Library materials and equipment must be returned or renewed by their due date. Fines will accrue based on loan period and/or material type.  

  • Library materials must not be defaced or damaged; damaging library materials may result in additional fees.  

  • Library materials may not be removed from their proper location and concealed within the Library for the exclusive use of individuals or groups.  

  • Electronic theft prevention devices in Library materials may not be tampered with.  

  • Users must observe applicable intellectual property laws, including United States copyright laws.  

Library Computer Use Policy 

  • A current and valid SF State ID is required to use computers or study areas designated for SF State students, faculty, and staff only. 

  • ID numbers are required to sign on to computers, and users may only sign on to one computer at a time.  

  • Library users may not use a computer previously used by another user without signing in with their own ID number.  

  • A single user should not occupy multiple computers or multiple seats. 

  • Guests may use Library catalog terminals to access OneSearch and external databases. 

  • Terminals are for research purposes only. Access to email or other websites is not available. 

  • Research articles and ebook excerpts may be saved to a user’s personal USB drive if allowed by the specific database. 

  • Printing is not available. 

  • Users are welcome to bring their own laptops and use the University’s wireless access (network: SFState for SFSU-affiliated users and SFStateGuest or eduroam for guests). Check campus wireless access information for details. 

Minors’ Library Use 

Minors unaccompanied by adults or by San Francisco State University students are not permitted to use the facilities unless they are attending an event scheduled in the building, are invited guests of San Francisco State University, or are currently enrolled San Francisco State University students. Events expecting participation by minors must have prior approval by the Office of Enterprise Risk Management. Minors are defined as persons under the age of 18. 

Updated April 2025