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Policies User Rights and Responsibilities

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Overview

UCLA is a public institution, which means its Library collections are accessible to the people of the state of California, the nation and the world. The UCLA Library's primary mission is to support the instructional, reference, research and administrative needs of the university's students, faculty and staff. Library facilities, collections and services are also accessible to others whose information needs require these resources.

The Library's buildings are intended for research and study, to support the mission of the university and to preserve and protect the collections for future users. Members of the university community (faculty, students, staff, current UCLA BruinCard holders and UCLA affiliates) have first priority to use library property, resources and services. Persons not affiliated with the university community (guests, visitors, members of the general public) may enter library facilities to use collections and services. Any other use of library facilities by non-affiliated users is not permitted and may be considered trespassing.

Regulations FAQ

The Library has adopted regulations to protect the rights of both users and staff, to create an appropriate academic atmosphere, and to provide a safe, comfortable and convenient environment. All users are expected to contribute to an atmosphere that is conducive to study and to respect the rights and needs of others. The Library will refuse access to its facilities, resources or services to anyone who acts irresponsibly by disrupting the use of the facilities by others or by being disrespectful to other users or employees.

In addition, all persons on university property are required to abide by both university policies and campus regulations (UCLA Regulations on Activities, Registered Organizations, and Use of Properties) and UC policies applying to campus activities, organizations, and students.

Persons who are unwilling to abide by these regulations will be asked to leave, and those refusing to do so will be subject to removal by campus police and may not be allowed further access to the libraries.

The FAQ contains references to relevant university and campus regulations, UC policies, California law and, if applicable, federal law.

This FAQ is a working document and is subject to additions and revisions.

Q. Are animals permitted in the libraries?

A. UCLA policy states that dogs, leashed or otherwise, are not permitted in any campus building, except for police dogs; guide, signal, and service dogs used by disabled persons as defined by California Civil Code § 54.1; in accordance with the California Health and Safety Code; and under special circumstances, which must be approved in advance by the director of UCLA Environment, Health, and Safety.

California State Law: Animals are not permitted in library buildings, with the exception of animals trained or being trained to assist persons with disabilities (California Civil Code § 54).

Q. Are bicycles (regular and folding) or e-scooters allowed in the libraries?

A. No. They must be parked in designated areas outside of the libraries. Bicycle and scooter racks are located close to each library location; a map of campus bicycle racks and lockers is available online. Please note that you should only lock your bicycle to an officially designated bicycle rack; otherwise, it may be impounded by UCLA Police Department

Q. Are hoverboards allowed in the libraries?

A. No. As of March 2016 UCLA banned the possession, charging, and storage of hoverboards at buildings and housing units at all University locations.

Q. Are there regulations governing connecting to the campus network and the use of computer systems, networks, programs, or data in the libraries?

A. Yes. See the relevant sections of the UCLA Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual for information regarding minimum security standards, including software patch updates, anti-virus software, host-based firewall software passwords, unencrypted authentication, unauthenticated email relays, unauthenticated proxy services, physical security, and unnecessary services.

California State Law: Users must not maliciously access, alter, damage, or destroy any computer system, network, program, or data (California Penal Code § 502).

Q. What copyright protections govern the use of library material?

A. See the UCLA Library Copyright Policy page.

Q. What happens if I damage library materials, furniture, equipment, or property?

A. You may be prosecuted.

California State Law

All users must handle library materials such that they are not mutilated, defaced, or damaged in any way. This includes but is not limited to marking, underlining, or writing on pages; folding or removing pages or portions of pages; removing or damaging binding; removing electronic theft devices or labels; or applying post-its, paper clips, or other damaging materials (California Penal Code § 594 and California Education Code § 19910).

Users must not maliciously access, alter, damage, or destroy any computer system, network, program, or data (California Penal Code § 502). Users must not vandalize, deface, damage, or destroy library buildings, furniture, or equipment (California Penal Code § 594).

Q. What is the food and drink policy for the UCLA Library?

A. Cafe 451 is located in the Charles E. Young Research Library, and covered drinks and food from the cafe are allowed in the general public areas of the library. Other libraries allow light food and drink to be brought in from the outside within reason; these may include snacks, fruit, or items in small containers. However, users will not be allowed to accept food deliveries, such as pizza or fast food, or consume them within the library buildings. Designated areas with special usage concerns, such as the branches of the Department of Special Collections, do not allow any food or drink.

Q. Who bears responsibility for library users’ personal property?

A. Users are responsible for their personal property at all times and should never leave personal belongings unattended. The UCLA Library is not liable for loss or damage to personal property.

Q. What regulations apply to the issue of privacy?

A. See the UCLA Library Privacy Policy page.

Q. Are radios, compact disc players, and games allowed in the libraries?

A. Radios and other electronic devices without earphones or loud enough to disturb others are prohibited.

Q. Is smoking permitted in or around the libraries?

A. No. As of April 2013 UCLA is a tobacco-free environment.

California State Law: No public employee or member of the public shall smoke any tobacco product inside a public building, or in an outdoor area within twenty feet of a main exit, entrance, or operable window of a public building, or in a passenger vehicle, as defined by Section 465 of the Vehicle Code, owned by the state. This section shall not preempt the authority of any county, city, city and county, California Community College campus, campus of the California State University, or campus of the University of California to adopt and enforce additional smoking and tobacco control ordinances, regulations, or policies that are more restrictive than the applicable standards required by this chapter (California Government Code § 7596-7598).

Q. Can library materials, equipment, or property be taken from the libraries?

A. Circulating library materials must be properly checked out before being taken from the libraries. Library equipment or property cannot be taken from the libraries without proper checkout or authorization.

California State Law: California state law states that library materials, equipment, or property must not be taken from the libraries without proper checkout or authorization. Library materials must be returned following the expiration of the loan period or upon request by the library. Library materials must not be concealed in the libraries for the exclusive use of individuals or groups (California Penal Code § 490.5 and California Education Code § 19911)

Q. Are there regulations concerning the use of telephone services?

A. Users of UCLA's telephone services are required to comply with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations as well as applicable university policy. The misuse of telephone services and equipment provided by UCLA Information Technology Services (ITS) is strictly prohibited.

Call Harassment: Annoying or threatening telephone calls are illegal under Section 653m of the California Penal Code. As a victim, you have the right to file a formal complaint. The UCLA Police Department will investigate complaints regarding any calls that are in violation of the law.

Fraud: The UCLA telephone system tracks all outgoing calls. Tampering with telephone equipment, the false use of ITS authorization codes, and/or misuse of telephone services are strictly prohibited. ITS will investigate any fraudulent calls that are reported. Upon completion of a fraud investigation, a fraud investigation/rebilling fee as well as the rebilling of unauthorized calls will be charged to the actual caller.

References

California Penal Code
California Education Code
California Civil Code
California Government Code