The UC Berkeley Law Library strives to provide access to well-maintained collections, information resources, equipment, and associated research services. The Law Library also seeks to provide a safe and secure environment and facilities suitable for reading, learning, and other activities associated with scholarly teaching and research.
The following code of conduct is intended to ensure a respectful and productive environment for study and research for all users. These policies are applicable to all Law Library users and are enforceable by all Law Library staff.
General behavior
All Law Library users are expected to respect Law Library facilities, other users, and Law Library staff.
Individuals will:
- Comply with all Law Library, UC Berkeley School of Law and UC Berkeley policies.
- Use computers and online resources within the guidelines of the Law Library’s and campus’s computer-use policies.
- Adhere to policies governing appropriate use of University of California identification.
- Present identification upon request.
- Leave buildings at closing, and limit use of the Law Library to authorized areas only.
- Respond to security gate alarms, emergency alarms, and other situations as instructed by Law Library staff.
Individuals will not engage in prohibited activities, including, but not limited to:
- Exhibit any threatening or intimidating behaviors (e.g., abusive language, staring, threats of violence, any type of harassment).
- Engage in behavior that is potentially unsafe or harmful to self or others.
- Create any disturbances (e.g., disruptive noises, loud talking, audible electronic devices).
- Engage in any sexual activities, including, but not limited to, unwanted or inappropriate touching, unwanted or inappropriate advances, harassment, or indecent exposure.
- Allow others to use their UC identification or CalNet network authentication.
- Violate copyright laws, including systematically downloading, printing, or disseminating content from UC Berkeley-licensed electronic resources or UC Berkeley School of Law-licensed electronic resources in violation of copyright laws.
- Deface or damage Law Library materials, including, but not limited to, underlining, highlighting, writing, or removing pages or security devices.
- Misuse, misappropriate, damage, or deface Law Library furniture, buildings, or equipment, including computer systems.
- Use Law Library areas for prolonged sleeping or as living quarters.
- Obstruct use of Law Library equipment or facilities, or deny access to Law Library materials through theft or deliberate misplacement.
- Vend, peddle, solicit, or petition in the Law Library; post or distribute materials without permission.
- Leave young children unsupervised.
- Bring food or drinks in areas where they are prohibited.
- Use alcohol, tobacco, or related nicotine products, or controlled substances.
- Fail to wear clothing, including footwear, while in the Law Library.
- Bring firearms, weapons, fireworks, or other dangerous substances into the Law Library.
- Bring animals, other than identified service animals, into the Law Library.
- Bring, ride, or leave personal transportation devices (e.g., bicycles, scooters, mopeds, skates, hoverboards, or any gas-powered vehicles) into the Law Library. Skateboards may be brought into the Law Library if they are carried, monitored, and placed away from areas where personal injury or property damage could result. Accommodations are made for strollers and vehicles used by persons with disabilities.
- Photograph Law Library patrons or staff without permission.
- Leave personal belongings unattended.
Enforcement
Law Library use is a privilege. If an individual or group is not adhering to Law Library policies, individual users may point it out. Concerns, problems, or policy violations may also be reported at the Law Library service desk or to any Law Library staff member.
Anyone violating these policies can be asked to leave the Law Library and refused future access. Law Library users found in violation of this code of conduct may be: asked to present identification to Law Library staff; subject to a search of backpacks or bags; directed to leave the premises; suspended from access to all Law Library facilities for a period of time; and reported to the University of California Police Department. Disciplinary or legal action may be taken in accordance with applicable federal, state, city, and campus laws and policies. Depending on the severity of the offense and the pattern of behavior, persons may be banned for extended periods, such as one week, one year, or permanently; bans cover all Law Library locations and services.