Purpose
As public law libraries, all persons are welcome to use the facilities and information resources during regularly scheduled hours. To provide an environment conducive to legal research, the Trial Court Law Libraries adopted this Patron Conduct Policy (“Policy”). This Policy shall be implemented and enforced in conjunction with any other Trial Court policies and guidelines then in effect.
Principles
Patrons should be engaged in activities associated with using a public law library. Appropriate activities generally include researching and studying the law, preparing for court, and accessing electronic legal-related information. All library patrons must conduct themselves in a manner that respects the everyday activities of the law libraries, its staff, and other patrons.
Patrons shall not interfere with another person’s right to use the library or the library staff’s performance of their duties or safety.
Prohibited Activities
The following activities and behaviors are prohibited in the Trial Court Law Libraries:
Animals - No animals are allowed in the library except those needed to assist a person with disabilities as permitted by law. Service animals must always be under the control of their handler. Failure to maintain control over the service animal may result in library staff asking the patron to remove the service animal.
Audio - Headphones must be used at all times when listening to audio. Headphones must be set to a volume that does not disrupt other patrons or library staff.
Beverages/Food - Only non-alcoholic beverages in closed, spill-proof containers are permitted in the library. Some libraries may permit food in designated areas. No beverages or food are allowed in computer areas.
Cell Phones and Other Personal Electronic Devices - Devices must be set to vibrate or silent mode. Patrons who receive a phone call must step outside of the law library to hold a conversation.
Children - Any adult who brings a child into the law library must continuously supervise and monitor the child’s behavior. Library staff is not responsible for the supervision of children. Children under the age of 12 must not be left unattended in the library.
Clothes - Appropriate attire, including shirts and shoes, is required. Face masks/coverings may be necessary for health purposes according to federal, state, or local health and safety protocols/guidelines.
Computers - Trial Court computers can not be used for illegal purposes or to view sexually explicit material. Patrons are prohibited from downloading programs onto Trial Court computers. If other patrons are waiting, and a patron has had an opportunity to use a computer for at least thirty (30) minutes, the patron may be asked to stop using the computer so that other patrons are able to access the computer.
Conferencing - With the prior permission of law library staff, conferencing is allowed in libraries with designated conference areas for legal research and education purposes. At no time may the library space be used to conduct business.
Disruptive Behavior - Making excessive noise, talking loudly, harassing other patrons, asking other patrons for legal advice, or being visibly intoxicated or impaired by drug or alcohol use is prohibited. Disruptive behavior also includes threatening behavior (verbal or physical), including but not limited to intimidation, inappropriate touching, invading an individual’s personal space, obscene language and gestures, staring, and threats of violence. Patrons are expected to leave the library promptly before the library closes.
Hygiene - Any patron and personal belongings emanating an odor (including cologne and perfume) constituting a nuisance or disruption may be asked to leave the law library.
Nonpublic Areas - Entering off-limit areas of the law libraries or remaining in the library after closing or during emergencies is prohibited.
Personal Belongings - Patrons are prohibited from leaving their personal belongings unattended. Patrons who leave their personal belongings unattended do so at their own risk because the Trial Court and law library staff are not responsible for damaged or missing items. In the sole discretion of the law library staff patrons may be required to leave athletic equipment, large parcels, or any belongings outside the law library.
Restrooms - Shall not be used for personal bathing or to wash clothes. Library materials can not be taken into restrooms.
Smoking, Vaping, and Drug Usage - Not allowed.
Solicitation - Patrons are prohibited from offering goods or services for sale.
Theft and Vandalism - Defacing or altering library material, property, or equipment is prohibited. Patrons may not remove library materials without properly checking out the materials. Patrons will be held personally responsible for the total cost of repairing or replacing lost, stolen, or damaged library materials or equipment.
Weapons - All dangerous weapons are forbidden per Trial Court Security Department policy.
Any activity violating federal, state, or local law is also prohibited. The above identified situations do not constitute an exhaustive list. Library staff may address any other behaviors that interfere with patrons use and enjoyment of the library or interfere with library staff performing their duties.
Violations / Enforcement
Library staff, court security, or law enforcement officers may intervene to stop any prohibited activity or behavior. Library staff is authorized to implement library policies and determine appropriate standards of conduct. Violations of this Policy or engaging in criminal activity may result in the restriction or termination of library privileges and the use of library materials or equipment. Patrons behaving in a prohibited manner will first be asked to stop behaving in that manner. If patrons continue to behave in a prohibited manner after being instructed to change their behavior, the patron may be told to leave the law library. Refusal to leave, as requested, is considered trespassing. A criminal law violation for trespassing may result in arrest and prosecution.
Contact for Trial Court Law Libraries' patron conduct policy
Online
| Last updated: | August 9, 2023 |
|---|