Library regulations

The library regulations govern all libraries, resources and facilities falling under the jurisdiction of the Director of Library Services. These regulations apply to all registered users and visitors to the libraries, and those using all space designated for library use and under the management of Library Services.

All library staff are empowered to administer these regulations within the remit of their role and subject to any guidance issued by the Director of Library Services.

Current members of Imperial College London are also subject to the Student Regulations and Policies, Regulations and Codes of Practice as published by the Central Secretariat.

Library Services welcome feedback on all aspects of our service. Feedback can be given using printed forms available at library enquiry points or via ASK the Library.

Updated 6 January 2021

1 Admission to the libraries

1.1 Entry to the libraries and the use of library services is in accordance with the current membership and borrowing guidance. 

1.2 Entry to the libraries must be made using a valid College ID or membership card. Cards are not transferable and may not be passed on to others. Where a library user wishes to enter a library, but is unable to present a valid ID card, entry will be granted at the discretion of the library supervisor on duty.

1.3 Library users must keep their College ID or membership card with them at all times when in our buildings and must present them at the request of library staff.

1.4 Coats, bags and cases may be brought into the libraries on condition that their contents may be inspected on request. Library users may not leave personal belongings with library staff for safekeeping.

1.5 Library staff reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone deemed unfit by demeanour or conduct.

1.6 All users must vacate the libraries promptly at closing time, on hearing the fire alarm, or as requested by library staff.

1.7 The libraries operate a security system to protect the items held in our collections. If the alarm is triggered, users must cooperate with library staff in identifying the cause of the alarm, including allowing bags to be checked if necessary.

1.8 Children of users may be admitted at the discretion of library staff. Children must be closely supervised and the accompanying adult will accept sole responsibility for their children, including their good conduct, safety and observation of these regulations. Some campus libraries are situated in closed buildings. Access to libraries situated in closed buildings by the accompanied children of College members is governed by local Estates guidance.

2 Conduct in the libraries

2.1 Users are expected to respect the library environment as a place of study and conduct themselves with consideration to both library staff and other users.

2.2 Hot and/or smelly food must be in a container with a lid and may not be consumed on main library floors.

Hot and/or smelly food may only be consumed in the group study space on level 4 of the Abdus Salam Library and the breakout space (room 465) in GoStudy.

Drinks without lids may not be brought into or consumed in the libraries. Users doing so will be required to either remove their drink from the library or surrender it for disposal.

2.3 The consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the libraries. Anyone found consuming alcohol will be asked to remove it from the library. Users who are obviously intoxicated will be refused admission.

2.4 Users must observe all displayed guidelines relating to noise. Study spaces are clearly signposted to denote silent, quiet and group study areas. Quiet study is the norm for all libraries where no notices are displayed.

2.5 Mobile phones may only be used for silent functions. Users should use dedicated phone zones for making and receiving calls and video calls.

2.6 Use of all personal electronic devices is subject to their use not disturbing others.

2.7 Personal belongings should not be left unattended or used to reserve seats. Unattended items may be removed.

2.8 Library staff cannot take responsibility for the security of personal belongings. Users should take care of their possessions at all times.

2.9 Users must not mark, damage, misuse, move or remove items belonging to the libraries, including furnishings, fittings and equipment.

2.10 The distribution of leaflets and display of posters is forbidden without the express permission of library staff. Unauthorised material will be removed.

3 Use of books and other physical items

3.1 Users with borrowing permission do so on the understanding that they are held solely responsible for all items issued to their library account and items may not be passed on to any other person.

3.2 No items may be removed from the libraries without first being issued.

3.3 Users are entitled to borrow items up to the loan allowances advertised in our membership and borrowing guidance.

3.4 Where items do not automatically renew, users are responsible for returning items by the due date.

3.5 Library Services will charge fines for the late return of requested and recalled items in accordance with our overdue items policy.

3.6 Some items may be designated for 'use in the Library only', 'not available for loan', or 'for reference use'. Such items may not be removed from the library without prior agreement with library staff.

4 Use of online resources and computer equipment

4.1 All users accessing the College’s IT facilities and networks are subject to the College's Information Systems Security Policies.

4.2 Access to online resources (including e-books, e-journals and databases) is governed by the terms and conditions of the College's licence agreements with publishers and service providers. General guidelines are given in Conditions of use of online resources.

4.3 Users must not share their username and password or enable third parties to access online resources.

4.4 Users should not leave library PCs unattended whilst logged in or attempt to lock them to reserve use.

4.5 Users borrowing laptops and iPads agree to the terms of use on display and on the library website.

4.1 All users accessing the College’s IT facilities and networks are subject to the College's Information Systems Security Policies.

4.3 Users must not share their username and password or enable third parties to access online resources.

4.4 Users should not leave library PCs unattended whilst logged in or attempt to lock them to reserve use.

4.5. Users borrowing laptops and iPads agree to the terms of use on display and on the library website.

5 Photocopying and printing

5.1 Photocopying, printing and scanning must be carried out under the terms of the Copyright, Designs & Patents Act 1988 and subsidiary legislation.

5.2 The use and distribution of copied material must comply with current copyright legislation and the College's online resources licences.

6 Governance and sanctions

6.1 Users from other academic institutions or service partners are subject to both these Library Regulations and those regulations of any identified home institution.

6.2 Library staff reserve the right to charge for any service or impose any reasonable penalty fines.

6.3 In cases of serious misconduct by students the Director of Library Services or their designated deputy may refer to the Student Disciplinary Procedure.

6.4 In cases of serious misconduct by other College members the Director of Library Services or their designated deputy may refer to their department for disciplinary action.

6.5 Users have the right to appeal against any decision made under the terms of these regulations. All appeals must be addressed to the Director of Library Services at librarydirector@imperial.ac.uk

6.6 Library staff reserve the right to refer serious matters to College Security or the police.