Using Library Facilities

The USC Libraries provide services, facilities, and technological resources in support of the university's educational, research, clinical, artistic, professional, and community-service goals. The following policies, governing the use of the facilities and collections, reflect this mission.

The libraries' staff is committed to maintaining a quality study and research environment, protecting the rights of users, and sustaining the integrity of its collections. You will be asked to present a photo ID in order to enter some of our libraries. In addition to the policies noted below, university-wide policies and civil laws related to facilities and collections vandalism apply. 

  1. Members of the USC community (current USC students, faculty, staff, and alumni) with valid university-issued identification may use any USC library during operating hours.
  2. The general public may use the libraries for academic and research-related purposes when resources are not in use by or reserved for USC students, faculty, staff, alumni, or other members of the USC community. Members of the general public will be asked to show a photo ID to enter some of our libraries.
    • ​​​​​​​Please note: Only USC students, faculty, staff, alumni, and sponsored guests may be present in libraries open after 9:00 p.m. or before 7:00 a.m. All patrons will be asked to present their physical USCard (not a picture of a card), digital USCard + a government issued picture ID (for USC students enrolled in USC’s online programs), an Alumni Association physical or digital card (not a picture of a card) + a government issued picture ID, or library-issued USC identification during these times. For further information about access to campus, please check the University's policy at https://policy.usc.edu/campus-access and the Invited Guest Registration policy.
  3. Selected collections, resources, workstations, and services are reserved for the exclusive use of USC community members. Other special usage rules may apply. Please consult with staff in applicable locations.
  4. Public computer workstations in the USC Libraries are for research use only and are not intended for extended personal use. Computer access requires a USC computer account. USC students, staff, and faculty should use the same login information they use for their USC email accounts.
    • Visitors not affiliated with USC can request access to information kiosk computers (stand-up terminals only) on site at the circulation desk in the Doheny Memorial Library. Please note: guest login expires automatically after 30 minutes and may be renewed at staff discretion for an additional 30 minutes, for a total of 60 minutes per day.
  5. Group study rooms are for use by current USC students only, and can be reserved online with the USC NetID and password. Reservations have priority over non-reserved use.
  6. Please do not leave your personal belongings unattended. The USC Libraries and its employees are not responsible for loss, vandalism, or theft of your personal property. When stepping away from your seat, please take your belongings with you.
  7. Individuals who wish to film or photograph within a library facility must obtain permission from the libraries' facilities staff. Such requests will only be accommodated if the proposed activity results in minimal impact to the facility‘s environment for research and study. For student filming, review the approval process.
  8. Please respect the USC Libraries food and drinks policy
  9. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors must abide by the pets on university property policy and the Service animals on campus policy.
  10. Policies in the USC Student Handbook are applicable to use of libraries. Anyone engaging in disruptive behavior or otherwise undermining a studious atmosphere of our libraries may be asked to leave. Disruptive behavior includes but is not limited to:
    • loud talking, shouting, loud noises, snoring
    • verbal abuse
    • running
    • use of skateboards and coasting devices
    • use of scooters, or self-balancing or motorized scooter boards. These are not allowed in library spaces
    • any other activity that might disturb the safety and work of others
    • Determination of disruptive behavior is at the discretion of library staff and DPS when appropriate.
  11. Scooters, self-balancing or motorized, are not permitted in any library building and must be parked in a designated parking area only and may not be parked in such a manner as to prevent vehicles from parking. Designated parking area maps are available at the USC Transportation Office.
  12. Smoking/Vaping is prohibited in all library facilities with no exception. For purposes of this policy, smoking/vaping is defined as inhaling, exhaling, burning, carrying, or possessing any lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, electronic cigarette, vape pen, hookah, or other product including, but not limited to, tobacco, cloves, or cannabis.
  13. Anyone who mutilates, defaces, tears, writes on, or otherwise injures any library material or facility may lose library privileges. They also may face appropriate administrative action within the university as well as prosecution under state law.
  14. Display of posters or fliers, distribution of literature, or solicitation is prohibited except in designated areas and with the permission of the head of the relevant library unit. Display of materials is not permanent.
    • Only material related to events and activities of an academic (i.e., non-commercial) nature will be considered.
    • Materials from non-USC organizations will not be considered.
    • Permission from the head of the relevant unit must be obtained ahead of time.
    • Unsolicited materials will be discarded by the library.
  15. The USC Libraries reserve the right to refuse access to libraries and borrowing privileges to any person who fails to follow library policies.