Welcome to the Library & Learning Commons. We are committed to providing a welcoming environment for all users engaged in research, study, and other scholarly activities. To ensure a positive experience for everyone, all patrons are expected to treat one another and library staff with respect and dignity.
Please note that this is a summary of key behavioral expectations and is not an exhaustive list of all library or university policies. Library staff will take action when a patron's behavior disrupts library services.
- Personal Property: You are responsible for your personal belongings. Unattended items may be moved by staff, and the library is not responsible for any loss or damage.
- Cleanliness: Our shared spaces stay welcoming for everyone when we all do our part. Please help keep the library clean by picking up after yourself, reporting any spills, and using the correct trash and recycling bins.
- Community Use: We welcome members of the community to visit the library and use our public spaces.
- Minors: Non-SCU affiliates under the age of 16 must be supervised by an adult.
- Late Hours: After 11 p.m., the learning commons is limited to SCU students, faculty, and staff with a valid ACCESS card.
- Service Animals: Only animals trained to perform a specific task for an individual with a disability are permitted in the building.
- Phone Use: Brief, low-volume phone calls are permitted on the first floor. Please take longer conversations outside the building.
- Collaborative vs. Quiet Zones: The first floor is a collaborative space and may be noisier. The third floor is a designated quiet area; please limit conversation to the St. Clare Room and alcove during special events.
- Headphones: Use headphones or earbuds when viewing videos or listening to media.
- Time Limits: Leave study rooms promptly at the end of a reservation when others are waiting.
- Phone Booths: There is a time limit of 30-minutes for the phone booths.
- Noise Level: Study rooms are not soundproof; be mindful of others in nearby spaces.
The following are not permitted in the Library & Learning Commons:
- Disruptive Behavior: Do not interfere with other patrons' use of library facilities or resources. This includes filming or photographing others without their permission.
- Harassment: Do not harass other patrons or staff. This includes making unsolicited comments about physical appearance, gender expression or racial or sexual identity, following individuals, or continuing a conversation after being asked to stop.
- Substance Use: Vaping, smoking, chewing tobacco, using recreational drugs, or consuming alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Santa Clara University is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus.
- Unsafe Actions: Do not engage in any behavior that could be harmful to yourself or others.
- Sexual Activity: Engaging in any sexual activities is prohibited.
- Theft or Damage: Do not damage or steal university property, including library materials, furniture, and equipment.
- Animals other than service animals: Emotional support animals and pets are not permitted in the building.
- Transport Vehicles: Riding bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and similar personal transport vehicles is not allowed, with the exception of mobility scooters for accessibility purposes.
- Monopolizing Resources: Do not prevent others from using library resources like phone booths or receiving staff assistance.
- Disregard for staff instructions: You must leave the building at closing time or during building evacuations.
Failure to comply with these standards or engaging in any other behavior in violation of University policies (including the Student Code of Conduct) may result in a patron's library privileges being limited or revoked, or their removal from the Library & Learning Commons or the campus.
If you observe a violation of these rules, please report it to the Library Help Desk at (408) 554-5020.
For emergencies, please contact Campus Safety immediately at (408) 554-4444. For non-emergencies, you can reach them at (408) 554-4441.
Revised: August 2025