Code of Conduct

The UW Libraries seek to provide a safe and secure learning environment where diverse experiences and perspectives are honored. Library users are expected to respect the rights of others, the integrity of Libraries resources and the scholarly mission of the Libraries. All visitors to the UW Tacoma Library must adhere to the UW Libraries Code of Conduct.

The UW Tacoma Library also requires that users adhere to the University of Washington Tacoma Student Code of Conduct; the policies and procedures of the Library and the University; and to all local, state, and federal laws. Issues of discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct will result in a Civil Rights & Title IX Report.
 

Download the UW Tacoma Library Policies and Code of Conduct

Computer Use

The University Libraries supports the University’s teaching, research, and clinical functions. The Libraries’ public computer equipment is provided to enable library users to access the collections and other information resources and services in support of curriculum and research needs. Users must abide by the UW Libraries Computer Use Policy.

 

Posters and Flyers

  • The bulletin boards inside the Libraries are for University of Washington campus related information, for campus related events, or announcements by UW students, faculty, and staff. Posters and flyers must have an official university logo or approval stamp. 
    Posters should not monopolize the limited space. Space limitations are taken into consideration for rejecting postings. All posters and advertisements are posted for no more than two weeks, or until the date of the event.
  • Posters should only use provided magnets and/or push pins. Tape and staples are not allowed.
  • Commercial and non-affiliated materials will be removed.
  • All UW Libraries follow UW policies on free speech.
  • Political postings for or against a particular candidate or measure will not be posted. Announcements of public meetings by political groups may be posted to bulletin boards, subject to space and priority for UW departments and officially recognized groups.
  • By posting submitted materials, UW Libraries does not endorse any message, activity or group.
  • UW Libraries is not responsible for the loss or damage of posted materials due to vandalism of any kind.
  • Posters or flyers left on tabletops, counters, or desks throughout the Library and Learning Commons will be discarded.

 

Food & Beverage

Food and covered beverages are permitted in the TLB and SNO buildings.

  • Uncovered beverages and food that can potentially damage library resources or is disruptive to a learning environment are not allowed in the library.
  • Deliveries cannot be met inside the library buildings.
  • Vendors and marketing are not allowed inside the TLB or SNO buildings.

  • Staff have final approval of any food or beverages allowed in the buildings.

     

Filming and Photography

The University of Washington Libraries provides collections, services, and study space for the University of Washington community, and for visitors conducting research. In keeping with its mission to advance “intellectual discovery and enrich the quality of life by connecting people with knowledge,” the Libraries maintains an environment conducive to study and research.

The following policy is derived from the Libraries Code of Conduct and governs photography and videography in all campus Libraries:

  • Candid, snapshot photography is allowed as long as it is not disruptive to Libraries users.
  • Photography and videography should not be invasive or disruptive. As much as possible, faces should not be identifiable in photographs.
  • Photography and videography should not violate Libraries users’ reasonable expectations of privacy.
  • Any photography or videography that blocks building entrances, passages, and staircases or moves/rearranges library furniture is not allowed.
  • Photography or videography requiring the use of flash, special lighting, reflectors or large tripods is not allowed.
  • Photography and videography are not allowed in the Makerspace and library classroom. 
  • Drone photography is not allowed.

Commercial and staged photography and videography are subject to UW Tacoma filming policies.

 

Study Rooms

  • Study Rooms in the Library are for UW student use only.
  • Library staff cannot reserve rooms for students.
  • Faculty and staff cannot reserve Library study rooms or have students reserve a study room on their behalf. Faculty and staff in need of study spaces should check for available locations through the UW Tacoma Space Scheduling Page.
Library Study Room Rules
  • Students may make up to two reservations per day.  Each reservation can be made for a period of 30 minutes up to a maximum of four hours.
  • Your reservation is void if you are more than 15 minutes late. Another student may claim the room.
  • Personal property may not be left unattended in the room to hold the room reservation.
  • Reservations can be made up to 14 days in advance.
  • When not reserved, Study Rooms are open on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Study Room users without a reservation must vacate the room when requested by Library Staff or a student with a valid reservation.

Library Study Space users are expected to follow the UW Tacoma Library Code of Conduct, including:

  • Maintain a moderate noise level - rooms are not soundproof, and loud talking disturbs other users in adjoining rooms and outside the rooms.
  • Personal belongings should not be left unattended in the Library at any time; the Library is not responsible for patrons’ personal belongings, and they may be removed by staff or Campus Safety.
  • Library materials checked out to your account should be treated as personal belongings. You may be assessed overdue and replacement fees if they go missing from a study room.

 

Graduate Student Study Carrels

Access to the space is restricted to currently enrolled graduate students, and reservations are available on a first come, first serve basis.

  • For access to the storage in the study space you must check out a key at the circulation desk on the first floor of the TLB. Valid ID is required to check out a key.
Library Reservable Study Space Rules
  • Patrons may make up to two reservations per day.  Each reservation can be made for a period of 30 minutes up to a maximum of four hours.     
  • Reservations can be made for up to 14 days in advance.
  • When not reserved, Study Spaces are open on a first come, first served basis. Priority will be given to students with or without a reservation.
  • Study Space users without a reservation must vacate the space when requested by Library Staff or a student with a valid reservation.

Library Study Space users are expected to follow the UW Tacoma Library Code of Conduct.

 

Caregiver Study Carrels

Our caregiver study carrels are intended for parents and caregivers of young children to utilize while studying.  Reservations of the carrels is restricted to currently enrolled students. 


Library Reservable Study Space Rules
  • Patrons may make up to two reservations per day. Each reservation can be made for a period of 30 minutes up to a maximum of four hours.
  • Reservations can be made for up to 14 days in advance.
  • Caregiver carrel users without a reservation must vacate the carrel when requested by Library Staff or a student with a valid reservation.
  • Children may not be left unattended in the study carrel or around the library. If an unsupervised child comes to the attention of library staff, Campus Safety and Security and local law enforcement will be called. 
  • Caregivers and parents are solely responsible for the safety, wellbeing, and behavior of any child(ren) brought into the library. 
  • When not reserved, caregiver carrels are open on a first come, first served basis for caregivers and parents with children present. Priority will be given to students with or without a reservation. Users will be asked to leave the space if children are not present. 

Library Study Space users are expected to follow the UW Tacoma Library Code of Conduct.


Lost & Found

The Library Lost and Found is located at the Circulation Desk on the first floor of the library. All items received are recorded and held in the library until the following Monday morning, after which they are given to Campus Safety or discarded. 

  • Items of high value, items with serial numbers, or property with owner identification clearly marked are immediately transferred to Campus Safety upon receipt.
  • Data storage devices will be disposed of due to security risk.
  • Personal books that are not claimed by the following Monday will be donated to the Little Free Library.
Retrieving Lost Items

To retrieve lost items, visit the Circulation Desk located on the first floor of the library.
For items of high value that have not been transferred to Campus Safety, you may be asked for a form of identification and/or ownership of the item.
Forms of ownership identification may include, but are not limited to:

  • Description of lost item
  • Further identifying marks, stickers, labels, text, or images
  • Ability to unlock a tablet, laptop, or phone