Chastek Library Information

Library Policies

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, several Chastek Library policies have been altered to better support a healthy and safe environment for library patrons and employees. If you have any questions about a policy, please reach out to the Head of Public Services for clarification.

The Gonzaga University School of Law Chastek Library policies are intended to help provide an environment that is conducive to research and learning. For questions or concerns, please contact the circulation desk.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Members of the Gonzaga community and the public are invited to use Chastek Library's information resources and services. The library seeks to provide a safe and secure environment and facilities suitable for serious study and legal research. 

WHO CAN USE THE LIBRARY

• Gonzaga University School of Law students, faculty, and staff
• Gonzaga University students, faculty, and staff - Per COVID-19 policies, Gonzaga community access outside of the law school has been removed for the time being.
• Attorneys and the general public who are conducting legal research - Per COVID-19 policies, attorneys and general public access has been removed for the time being.

AS A LIBRARY USER, YOU CAN EXPECT

• An environment free of disruptive activity
• Ready access to print and online materials
• Access to reference assistance, when available
• Access to microform collections, including the federal depository collection
• Printed materials free from markings and without missing pages
• Surroundings conducive to research, reading, and study

PROHIBITED BEHAVIORS

Behaviors that infringe upon the rights of library users or staff are prohibited. These include, but are not limited to the following:

• Create disturbances
• Exhibit intimidating or threatening behavior to others through language or actions
• Disturb students with unwanted advances, questioning, or solicitation of legal advice
• Make harassing, unrealistic demands of library staff for any reason, including seeking inappropriate types of assistance with legal research or legal questions
• Inappropriate computer use
• Deface or damage library materials, furnishings, or equipment
• Talk on cell phones
• Use tobacco products or e-cigarettes
• Disturb others with strong odors, e.g., perfumes, alcohol, or personal hygiene conditions
• Vend, peddle, solicit, or petition in the library
• Leave personal belongings unattended
• Enter areas not authorized for public use such as the study rooms, computer lab, and staff areas
• Refuse to comply with posted public hours

In addition, library users must comply with all other library policies and signage.

ENFORCEMENT

Library employees have the authority to determine what behaviors constitute inappropriate use of the library and its resources.

Library users in violation of the library’s code of conduct, or any other library policy, may be asked to present identification, and may be subject to a search of backpacks or bags.

Library users who fail to follow the library’s code of conduct are subject to sanctions including:

• Removal from the library and law school building
• Reporting to campus security, city police, or other law enforcement
• Legal prosecution

BICYCLES, ROLLER BLADES, AND SKATEBOARDS

Bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, and the like are not allowed in the library.

CELL PHONES

Audible cell phone use is not allowed anywhere in the library, including the computer lab, study rooms, stairwells, and restrooms.

COPYRIGHT

The library, like the University at large, adheres to the law of copyright. Gonzaga University has issued a policy on copyright with the objective of good faith compliance with the directives and intent of the copyright law of the United States.

Copies requested or made for the purpose of interlibrary loan are also subject to the restrictions of copyright laws. The law library reserves the right not to fill a request that violates copyright law.

FOOD AND DRINK

Beverages in spill-proof containers are permitted in the library. Individual snack items are allowed; do not bring in food that is messy, noisy, or has a noticeable odor.

Please be considerate and dispose of trash in the trash cans and recycling bins located throughout the library. Report spills immediately to library staff.

NOISE

All three floors of the library, including the computer lab, are quiet study areas. We ask all patrons and staff to work cooperatively to minimize noise in the library. The common areas outside of the library are available for telephone calls and conversation.

The third floor of the library is intended to be the quietest of the three floors. Please make a special effort to maintain quiet on the third floor by not talking in open areas. The study rooms are not sound proof, so please close the doors when working with a group.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

Please do not leave any personal items unattended in the library. Any items left unattended at closing will be placed in lost and found at the Circulation Desk.

PETS AND ANIMALS

With the exception of school-sponsored therapy dogs and personal guide or service dogs, no pets or animals are allowed in the library.

SECURITY

Maintaining security in the library is of paramount concern to the library administration and staff. If you observe any hazardous or potentially dangerous situation in or around the library, please report your observations to the Circulation Desk (509) 313-5792, Campus Security Dispatch: (509) 313-2222, or to the local police (911) as the situation requires.

UNATTENDED CHILDREN

The law school policy against leaving children unattended in the law school building applies in the library. The first time a child is left unattended, the library staff will look for the parent in the library. If staff cannot locate the child’s parent or if a child is left unattended a second time, the library staff may call Campus Security.