Skip to Main Content
Commonwealth University of PA

Library Policies

Code of Conduct and Acceptable Use Policy

Commonwealth University Libraries:

Code of Conduct and Acceptable Use Policy

The Commonwealth University (CU) Libraries at Bloomsburg, Clearfield, Lock Haven, and Mansfield strive to be welcoming and accessible.  Providing access to library services and resources, regardless of a patron’s origin, age, background, or views, is at the heart of what we do, in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association.

However, the CU Libraries are not places of unrestricted public access.  They are intended for the use of students, faculty, staff, and others who are engaged in the serious use of library services and resources.  Remaining in the library with no intent of utilizing library services or resources, or interfering with this intended use, is prohibited, and violators may be asked to leave.

Patrons of the CU Libraries have the right to expect a quiet, productive, secure library environment conducive to research and scholarship and free of disruptive activity.  Ensuring such an environment requires that each patron of the library follow the rules laid out in this Code of Conduct and Acceptable Use Policy.  Public Safety officers and other University and non-University officials may request documents of identification from any library user who is not complying with library rules and regulations.

Unacceptable Personal Behavior (including, but not limited to, the following):

  • Creating a disturbance or an environment which threatens other library patrons or which prevents or impairs the ability of other library patrons from utilizing the library for its intended purpose.
    • Note:  Commonwealth University supports the rights of all patrons to individually and collectively engage in expressive activity in accordance with the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.  However, the University has the right to regulate the time, place, and manner of expressive actions in order to fulfill its educational mission.  Academic Libraries are not public forums.  For details, see Time, Place, and Manner Guidelines for the Exercise of Expressive Activities.
  • Engaging in any illegal activity.
  • Using or making sound in a way that disturbs other library patrons or staff. 
  • Making excessive noise, especially in designated quiet study areas.
  • Making or receiving cell phone calls in library areas where such noise disrupts the work of others.
  • Soliciting or loitering in or around the library building/facility.
  • Consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs in the library, regardless of the age of the person involved, is prohibited by University policy and Commonwealth law.
  • Sleeping beyond the occasional study-induced nap.
  • Consuming food or beverages near archival materials.
  • Smoking or vaping.
  • Engaging in sexual acts such as flashing, petting, sexual activity, or sexual gestures or sounds.
  • Having poor personal hygiene that constitutes a nuisance to other patrons and impairs their use of library resources.
  • Using library restrooms for other than their intended purposes (e.g., for laundering, bathing, etc.).
  • Bringing animals (other than service dogs) into the library building/facility.
  • Any conduct which violates any federal, state, or local law or any University policy.

Unacceptable Behavior Relating to Library Collections, Equipment, and Practice (including, but not limited to, the following):

  • Failing to return library materials when due or recalled.
  • Concealing materials in the library for the exclusive use of an individual or group.
  • Mutilating, damaging, or defacing of any library materials or property.
  • Maliciously accessing, altering, deleting, damaging, or destroying any computer system, network, computer program, or data.
  • Stealing library property or personal property.
  • Removing or attempting to remove library materials, equipment, or property without authorization.
  • Refusing to allow Public Safety officers to search bags and all articles or containers that could be used to conceal library property.
  • Failing to comply with copyright laws when using photocopiers or any other duplicating device.
  • Being in any “Staff Only” area of the library (e.g., mechanical rooms, staff offices, etc.) without special permission from Library personnel.
  • Remaining in the library after closing or during emergency drills or evacuations.
  • Opening emergency exits except in actual emergency situations.
  • Vandalizing or defacing the library building, furniture, or equipment, or engaging in behavior that could do so.
  • Leaving children (under the age of 16) in the library unsupervised.  Children under the age of 16 must be supervised at all times by a parent or other responsible adult.
  • Refusing to leave the library when asked by Library personnel or Public Safety personnel to do so.

Library users who fail to comply with the rules outlined in this Code of Conduct and Acceptable Use Policy may be subject to one or more of the following actions:

  • Being told to leave the library
  • Being reported to a CU Office of Public Safety and/or to off-campus Public Safety personnel
  • Being issued a criminal trespass notice by CU Public Safety
  • Being subject to legal prosecution
  • Being subject to action under the Student Code of Conduct
  • Being subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment

This Code of Conduct and Acceptable Use Policy is derived from current CU policies; the American Library Association’s Guidelines for the Development of Policies and Procedures Regarding User Behavior and Library Usage and Code of Ethics; U.S. and Pennsylvania law; and other CU policies that apply to the use of shared resources.

This policy was reviewed and approved by the CU Legal Team and the Directors of the CU Libraries in July 2025.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

PUBLIC NOTICE:  The following notice will be posted in all CU Libraries (at Bloomsburg, Clearfield, Lock Haven, and Mansfield):

The Commonwealth University Libraries at Bloomsburg, Clearfield, Lock Haven, and Mansfield strive to be welcoming and accessible.  However, the CU Libraries are not places of unrestricted public access.  They are intended for the use of students, faculty, staff, and others who are engaged in the serious use of library services and resources.  Remaining in the library with no intent of utilizing library services or resources, or interfering with this intended use, is prohibited, and violators may be asked to leave.  For additional details, go to the policy page of the CU Libraries website (https://library.commonwealthu.edu/policies).