Standards of Behavior

It is the policy of the Department of Information Services to provide, to the extent possible, an environment within our libraries, which supports the library patron in his or her search for information and in which to read or study. The extent of that support includes such qualities as a building that is well-maintained, reasonably comfortable and barrier-free; staff who are knowledgeable, responsive, and pleasant; programs, services, and materials which are relevant to this community; and a general sense of order.

In recognition of the fact that more than 4,000 people pass through our doors each day, the creation and maintenance of a sense of order within our buildings obligates the institution to establish standards of acceptable patron behavior which staff can reasonably enforce. The following Standards of Behavior were proposed by Library Administration and approved by the Library Commission and are to be used by staff as general guidelines in maintaining order within the Library.

Standards of Behavior

Library patrons are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which enables their fellow patrons, staff, and themselves to accomplish their intended library tasks in a safe, reasonably pleasant, and orderly atmosphere. Staff will take appropriate action when patron behavior causes disruption or unreasonable interference in the delivery of services. Staff respects, and will respond to, complaints from patrons, and will exercise professional judgment in taking appropriate action on a case-by-case basis.

As a minimum, the following list of specific prohibitions may be enforced by staff, as appropriate:

Library patrons shall not...

1. Destroy, deface, or illegally remove library materials or property
2. Smoke in the building
3. Disturb or harass other patrons or staff by (including, but not limited to):
1. loitering in the stacks;
2. staring fixedly or leering at patrons or staff, in combination with other inappropriate behavior;
3. following patrons or staff throughout the library;
4. following or stalking patrons or staff in the library building or the parking lot to strike up a conversation;
5. attempting to peer under a patron's or staff member's clothing;
6. annoying patrons by talking to them while they are trying to read, study or contemplate;
7. abusing or verbally harassing patrons or staff;
8. engaging in harassing or intimidating behavior at the entrance to the Library.
4. Create a disturbance by yelling, running, throwing objects, misusing the library facilities, etc.
5. Sell, panhandle, or solicit in the library building, on the grounds or in the parking lot.
6. Enter areas marked "staff only".
7. Bring pets (except seeing eye dogs) into the building or leave them unattended on library grounds.
8. Come into the library without being fully clothed, including shirt and shoes, at all times.
9. Refuse to relinquish computer equipment or other library resources after scheduled time period for use has expired.

Enforcement

1. Violation of the foregoing may result in the patron's library privilege being limited or revoked, removal of the patron from the building, or criminal prosecution if the conduct constitutes a violation of either State law or the Pasadena Municipal Code. 
2. The Director of Information Services, or authorized designee, upon staff recommendation, may revoke the privilege for a period of up to one year. 
3. A library patron whose library privilege has been revoked may appeal the Revocation of Library Privilege by submitting a completed Library Revocation Appeal form to the Library Director or designee within ten (10) days from the date of the determination letter. 
4. A patron whose library privilege has been revoked must schedule a meeting with the Library Director or designee prior to resumption of library privilege. The purpose of the meeting will be to review the Standards of Behavior policy.