Libraries Public Space Use and Security Policy

University Libraries ("Libraries") employees are charged with enforcing the rules and regulations of the Libraries. The Libraries Security office will address specific complaints and incidents as needed. If an issue may warrant it, CU Police assistance will be requested.

“Libraries” means the University Libraries locations: including Norlin Library and the four libraries in Benson, Imig, Math and Koelbel buildings.

CU affiliates (faculty, staff, students) and campus partners may request use of library public spaces in alignment with the mission of the University Libraries.

Rules and regulations

  • Obstruction, harassment or interference with property, employees or users is prohibited. If users obstruct, harass, or interfere with property, employees or other users, ask them to cease or ask for help from the nearest service desk.
  • Users of the Libraries will comply with noise level signage as posted. When signage is not visible, users must treat the space as a silent zone and avoid talking.
  • Users must use headsets when listening to music or other audio content; sound through headsets must not be audible to other users. Amplified sound is prohibited in the Libraries, except in designated small group or individual study rooms as articulated in the Library Study Room Policy.
  • Users must provide a valid identification if requested by Libraries employee or other university employee.
  • Users of the Libraries must comply with campus smoking, drug and alcohol policies.
  • Canvassing is prohibited in the Libraries.
  • Whiteboards are for academic purposes only.
  • Individuals may not use recreational wheels (bikes, skateboards, etc.) in the Libraries. Recreational wheels may only be brought in the building if they can be carried and stored without blocking access while using the libraries.
  • ADA Service Animals are welcome, but no pets or assistance animals.
  • Food and beverages allowed except in Rare and Distinctive Collections or as posted.
  • Approved signs, banners, or fliers, may be posted in a designated area on the first floor of Norlin (for approvals, inquire at the East Service Desk; in other libraries, please ask at the service desk). The posting and distribution of signs, banners, and fliers is prohibited without previous approval. Patrons may not affix or place signs, banners or fliers, including placards, leaflets, posters, or table tents and sandwich board signs, to or on Libraries property. Libraries property includes, but is not limited to, tables, chairs, interior or exterior walls or windows.
  • Photography and filming in the Libraries is managed through the Libraries Photography and Filming Policy.
  • Damage or theft of Libraries’, Campus or personal property must be reported to Libraries Security.
  • Only authorized personnel are allowed in areas designated for employees only.
  • Areas of the Libraries may be under video surveillance.
  • Laying down of bedding, arrangement of furniture or use of furniture for the purpose of sleeping is prohibited. This does not include students who “doze off” while studying.

Norlin Commons after Norlin Library closes

  • Access is restricted to valid Buff OneCard holders exclusively and Buff OneCards are required for access. Do not prop doors or provide access to the Norlin Commons for other individuals.
  • All persons in the Norlin Commons must identify themselves with a Buff OneCard upon request of a University official acting in performance of their duties. At closing of Norlin Library, all patrons in the Norlin Commons may be asked to identify themselves.

Many of the items listed are also violations of municipal or state law and offenders may be contacted by the University of Colorado Police Department. 

In addition to this Libraries Public Space Use and Security Policy, patron use of the Libraries is governed by federal and Colorado law, and university laws, policies, procedures and guidance. These include, but are not limited to, the Campus Use of University Facilities policy; the Libraries Photography and Filming Policy, the Anti-Semitic and Anti-Islamic Harassment Policy Guidance; Administrative Policy Statement Protected Class Nondiscrimination; and the Student Code of Conduct.

University Libraries Security

University Libraries Security operates at all times that Norlin Library is open to the public, supporting all library locations. The Security office is in Norlin M298. Security can be reached by calling 303-492-5527. If it's an emergency, dial 911.

Lost and found: Visit the Security office (M298) to drop off items found in Norlin Library or to inquire about lost items. In other Libraries locations, if you have a lost or found item ask for assistance at the service desk 

Programming and reservations of library spaces

The University Libraries invites partnerships related to learning initiatives and exhibits. CU affiliates (faculty, staff, students) and campus partners may request use of library public spaces in alignment with the mission of the University Libraries. The partnering group or individual must have a Libraries employee represent them to the Libraries. The Libraries employee will need to follow internal procedures to reserve a space. 

This policy applies only to public spaces, which are areas that are generally open to the public at all times. Please see our policies page for information on classrooms, study rooms, etc. Visit the Center for British and Irish Studies for information about the CBIS Room (Norlin M549).

General Parameters

  • Requests will be fulfilled based on space availability and in coordination with building activities. We may accept programming on a very limited basis during busy times in the academic calendar.
  • Regularly scheduled meetings or activities will not be permitted.
  • The Libraries maintain the right to decline or cancel reservations at any time.
  • Programming involving children and minors must follow Risk Management guidelines:
  • Preference will be given to activities that do not interfere with CU students’ ability to study in the Libraries.
  • For events that will have food or require catering, additional coordination is required. All events with alcohol require the event to follow campus rules.
  • Some spaces/events may incur a use/cleaning fee.

Who

  • Faculty, staff, students, and community members collaborating with University Libraries may request use of these spaces. Programming is developed in close consultation with the University Libraries in accordance with our strategic vision, mission, and values.

When

  • Requests must be submitted at least three weeks in advance.
  • Reservations may be scheduled only 30 minutes after opening and must end at least 30 minutes before the building closes. Early entry for setup is not permitted.
  • Responses are normally provided within one week.

References

Last updated February 2025