Life Science Library (LSL) Facilities Use Policy

Welcome to the Life Science Library (MAI 220).   

We welcome researchers who are not affiliated with the University of Texas, however, our focus remains on the educational, research and study needs of current University of Texas students, faculty and staff. The Life Science Library is not available for private events.

This Building Use Policy has been created to protect the rights and safety of Life Science Library users and staff, and for preserving and protecting Life Science Library materials, equipment, and facilities. 

The LSL and its staff are expected to provide:  

• Space for users that is clean, well-lit and safe.  

• Tools for users to find and use information quickly and efficiently.  

• Service that is courteous, knowledgeable and respectful.  

• New services and changes to existing services, in support of our mission. 

• Access, within specific guidelines, to the Libraries’ collections, and to collections from other institutions.  

LSL users are expected to: 

• Refrain from disruptive behavior. Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to the following: 

  • Assault or intimidation of staff or patrons through language or actions.  
  • Any behavior that creates excessive noise or commotion.  
  • Refusing to leave the library at closing time or during an evacuation.  
  • Entering areas of the library marked "Staff Only”. 
  • Engaging in sexual harassment and/or overt sexual behavior. 
  • Being under the influence of alcohol/illegal drugs, and selling, using or possessing alcohol/illegal drugs. 
  • Entering the library barefoot or without a shirt, or otherwise being attired so as to be disruptive to the environment. 
  • Having offensive body odor or personal hygiene so as to unreasonably interfere with other patrons’ ability to use the librar and its facilities. 
  • Using restrooms for bathing or shampooing, doing laundry, or changing clothes. 
  • Leaving packages, backpacks, luggage or any other personal items unattended. 
  • Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children. 
  • Bringing pets or animals, other than service animals, into the library. 
  • Using audible devices without headphones or with headphones set at a volume that disturbs others. 
  • Talking on cell phones in areas other than the main lobby. 
  •  Filming or taking photographs in the library without prior authorization. 

• Refrain from marking Libraries materials with pencil, ink, post it notes, tape, paper clips, bending corners of pages and lying books open facedown.  

• Refrain from ripping or cutting pages out of Libraries materials; scan or photocopy materials instead.  

• Refrain from taking Libraries materials out of the library without first checking them out. 

• Refrain from theft of or damage to furniture or equipment, to include writing on the tabletops or graffiti of any sort. 

• Refrain from using extension, adaptor or power cords in a way that poses a safety hazard for others. 

• Refrain from using wheeled transportation in LSL, including but not limited to bicycles, scooters, hover boards and skateboards.  Bicycles are not permitted in the library at any time.  Mobility devices, including wheelchairs and walkers, are permitted. 

• Refrain from touching or sitting on the art and sculpture in the library. 

• Refrain from using tobacco products in the building (Nonsmoking Policy). 

• Consume food and drinks responsibly: 

• Non-alcoholic drinks in durable containers (no-spill and capped containers are encouraged) and food are allowed in public areas and study rooms. 

• Use care with greasy, sticky or crumbly foods, and food that has a strong odor. 

• Please leave your study area clean for the next person. 

• Report spills or get cleaning supplies from the Service Desk. 

• Refrain from sleeping at computer workstations or while using in-house use Libraries materials; sleeping under other circumstances is highly discouraged due to vulnerability. Sleeping individuals may be awakened by library staff in order to ensure their safety/well-being.  

• Treat staff and other LSL users with courtesy and respect.  

• Refrain from installing unauthorized software and/or changing setups on computer equipment (Libraries Computer, Software and Network Use Policy, Campus IT Policies).  

• Refrain from posting signs, distributing literature, gathering signatures, soliciting contributions or conducting surveys inside the building without Libraries authorization. 

• Without prior Libraries authorization, non-UT organizations and businesses are prohibited from using library spaces to conduct business or to recruit or solicit potential customers. 

Note: Anyone engaging in disruptive behavior may be denied further access to the Libraries. 

August 2021