The Library expects patrons to help maintain a scholarly environment for study, research, and collaboration. While we welcome everyone, including community guests, our main focus is Portland State University (PSU) students and employees. We ask everyone to treat each other with courtesy and respect.
When you visit the Library, we ask that you avoid behavior that disturbs the scholarly environment, including but not limited to:
- Behavior that violates the University’s Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment Policy or any other University or Library policy or standard;
- Carrying weapons of any kind, including real or replica firearms, knives, and any other objects that may be mistaken for real weapons;
- Using obscene, abusive, or threatening language;
- Disruptive noise or behavior that interferes with the scholarly environment;
- Defacing or damaging the building or its contents, including graffiti;
- Soliciting or selling items;
- Handing out flyers or advertisements, leaving them on study tables, or posting them anywhere except for designated bulletin boards;
- Leaving personal belongings unattended;
- Using seating or space in a way that interferes with the scholarly environment. Examples include: blocking walkways with large amounts of personal belongings, using library spaces as living quarters, and moving tables, couches, screens, or heavy seating;
- Going through recycling bins or trash cans;
- Posing a risk to health and safety, including but not limited to personal hygiene that disrupts the safe and scholarly environment;
- Bringing indoors bicycles, scooters, shopping carts, or similar large items;
- Bringing indoors any animals that are not service animals or PSU-registered support animals. Service and registered support animals must follow all building policies;
- Smoking, vaping, drinking alcohol, or using controlled substances on Library property;
- Refusing to leave the building at closing time.
In the event of disruptive behavior, or behavior that disturbs the scholarly environment of the library, the Library may ask you to leave the premises. If you refuse, staff will call Campus Safety to intervene. For PSU students and employees, this Building Access Policy and Policies and Codes of Conduct at PSU outline expectations as well as processes to be followed should violations occur.
Last Updated: August 2026