Borrowing & Renewal Rules
Circulating materials may be checked out at the Circulation Desk in the first floor lobby. The loan period for most borrowers is two weeks. CSUN students, faculty and staff must always present a current CSUN I.D. card to check out materials.
- Undergraduates may check out 20 items at one time for 2 weeks; each item may be renewed a maximum of 3 times.
- Graduate students (both doctoral and masters) may check out 30 items at one time for 4 weeks; each item may be renewed a maximum of 5 times.
- Students may not check out periodicals.
- Staff may check out 30 items at one time for 2 weeks; each item may be renewed a maximum of 5 times.
See Faculty Borrowing Privileges for circulation policies applying to CSUN faculty.
Friends, Alumni, visitors and other courtesy card holders may have 10 items checked out at one time. Each item may be renewed once.
Noise
We encourage patrons to be respectful of others by keeping voices lowered and conversations brief. Patrons may listen to music using personal headsets as long as it is not heard by surrounding students. Headsets may also be used to dim noise that will be occurring in some areas of the library.
The entire first floor of the library will have varying noise levels due to transactions at service desks, library users leaving computer labs, visitors to the Friends of the Library Bookstore as well as to the Presentation Room on the lower level and other events.
Therefore, for those wishing to study in a quiet space we have designated the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors as Quiet Zones. Exceptions are public service desks and exhibit spaces, where a certain amount of conversation is necessary and appropriate. For quiet space there are also study rooms available on a first-come first served basis on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the library.
Cell Phone Use
In order to provide a quiet place to work and study, the Library building is designated as a "cell phone free zone." We appreciate everyone's cooperation by adhering to the following procedures:
- Patrons should turn off or make silent all cell phones and pagers when entering the Library building.
- In an emergency, when patrons must make or receive a cell phone call, they are required to move to the stairwells or within six feet of a payphone. They should take their valuables with them.
- Voices carry, even at these locations, so we request cell phone users to help by speaking softly.
- A patron may never use a cell phone's camera or binocular features in the Library without permission from Library Administration.
Food, Beverages & Tobacco
The Oviatt Library prefers if food and beverages are not brought into the Library premises. However, we will allow non-alcoholic drinks and small snacks provided that the Library premises are kept clean in order to prevent damage to Library materials and furnishings. Use of electronic cigarettes is not permitted in the Library. In addition, state law prohibits the use of any tobacco products in the Library. Persons not complying with these rules may be asked to leave.
Security
The Oviatt Library is a public place and as such is open to the Campus Community and to the general public. We recommend that students familiarize themselves with security and safety information on the campus. While in the Library, please do not leave your belongings such as laptops, purses, backpacks and other valuables unattended, even for a minute.
The Oviatt Library is not responsible for stolen items. However, if you find that a theft has occurred, please go to the Circulation Desk in the Lobby on the first floor. Library staff can assist you in calling Campus Police. We recommend that students read the brochure "Staying Safe on Campus" (PDF).