Code of Conduct

The Library Code of Conduct is designed to create a safe and quiet environment for all patrons to enjoy. Library users are responsible for informing themselves of library policies. This code applies to all users of the Biola Library, including faculty, staff and members of the community. Thank you for your cooperation.

Use of the Library

Access to the library is permitted only for purposes of using library resources or studying. Soliciting, loitering or sleeping is not permitted. Audio recording, videotaping, photography and other audio-visual recording are not permitted except where expressly authorized.

Identification

Library users must be prepared to provide valid personal identification if asked by library staff or Campus Safety personnel. University students, staff and faculty should carry their ID card at all times when in the library.

Individual, Quiet Study

A quiet atmosphere is expected in all areas of the building except for the group study rooms and the outdoor Study Terrace. Any noise or activity that disturbs the concentration of other users (including noise from conversations, cell phones, pagers, musical devices, etc.) is considered inappropriate. Areas where there are service desks, library phones and computers will be noisier than other areas.

Cell Phones and Pagers

Cell phones and pagers are to be turned off or put on silent mode if brought into the library. Cell phone conversations are not permitted inside the library.

Food and Drinks

Food is not allowed to be consumed anywhere inside the library building (including the group study rooms) except in the Food Court and outdoor Study Terrace. Any food brought into the library must remain uneaten and stowed inside a carrying case of some kind. Drinks are not permitted (even with covers or lids) at any computer or media workstation or in the Instruction Lab. Drinks are permitted other places inside the building ONLY if they are in containers with spill-proof lids.

Children in the Library

Children less than 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times while in the library. An adult must supervise the children's use of all library equipment and resources and remain with the children at all times.

Bicycles, Scooters and Skateboards

Bicycles and motorized scooters are not allowed inside the library building. They must be placed in the bike racks on the sidewalks, not left on or attached to library ramps or railings. Non-motorized scooters or skateboards are allowed inside the building, but must be carried in the building and kept on the floor, out of the way of other patrons.

Shoes

Footwear must be worn in the library at all times for health and safety reasons.

Animals

Animals are not allowed in the library building unless they are official guide or assistance animals.

Personal Computers

Personal computers may be used throughout the building EXCEPT in the Reading Room and Mezzanine. Patrons may use the wired or wireless Internet connection provided. Other personal items may not be plugged in any of the outlets or data connections that serve the library's equipment.

Unattended Items

Personal items should not be left unattended, even for a few minutes. Biola University Library is not responsible for thefts or vandalism to personal property that is left unattended. Items left unattended may be removed by Campus Safety. Items left unattended in a group study room may be removed by other library users and brought to Lost and Found or Campus Safety.

Unacceptable and Illegal Activities

Any behavior that hinders the operation of the library or library users’ ability to study or use library resources will not be tolerated. Library staff may ask users to leave if they create a disturbance, pose a safety threat or refuse to abide by library policies. Failure or refusal to comply with the library staff’s directives will be reported to Campus Safety officials.

The following activities are deemed unacceptable and not permitted in the library:

  • Removing or attempting to remove library equipment or property without authorization from library staff.
  • Posting of announcements, flyers, personal invitations, etc. in or on library property.
  • Concealing library materials in the library for the exclusive use of an individual or group.
  • Ruining library materials by marking, underlining, removing pages or portions of pages, removing binding, removing electronic theft devices, or in any other way damaging or defacing library materials, furniture or equipment.
  • Smoking in the building or near entrances and exits. Biola is a smoke-free campus.
  • Failing to respect copyright laws, including persistent downloading, printing or saving of copyrighted information to library computers or personal devices.
  • Loitering in restricted areas of the library or remaining in the library after closing.
  • Opening emergency exits except in case of an emergency.
  • Conducting inappropriate public displays of affection.

Library staff will immediately call Campus Safety officials if patrons engage in any illegal or unacceptable activities such as smoking, possession or use of alcoholic beverages, possession or use of illegal drugs or weapons, intentional damage or theft of library or others' personal property, unacceptable Internet use, or threats against library staff or patrons.