Skip to Main Content

CPTC Library/Learning Resource Center: Library Use Guidelines

Welcome to the CPTC Library/Learning Resource Center! We are located in building 15.

Library Rules of Conduct

In accordance with college policy, with the exception of service animals, pets are not allowed anywhere in the library building.

Please note that emotional support animals are not considered service animals for these guidelines.

According to the ADA website: "A service animal must be under the control of its handler. Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of tasks. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.

When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform. Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task. A person with a disability cannot be asked to remove his service animal from the premises unless: (1) the dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it or (2) the dog is not housebroken.

When there is a legitimate reason to ask that a service animal be removed, staff must offer the person with the disability the opportunity to obtain goods or services without the animal’s presence."

All use of cell phones or streaming audio/video without earphones or that are loud enough to disturb others are prohibited.

Cell phone conversations should be limited to two minutes or less while in the shared library space. Calls should not be initiated or answered in the Computer Lab. 

Library staff are sympathetic to the demands of parents who are attempting to balance work, school, and childcare; however, the Library cannot be assumed to be a safe place for children and their presence in some areas of the Library may be disruptive to the learning and work environment of other students and staff.

Children, when accompanied by a parent, are allowed in the Library’s public areas (including study tables, booths, and group study rooms). While in the Library, children must stay in an area directly adjacent to their parent.

Children are not permitted in the following areas:

  • Math Classroom (room 111)
  • Open Computer Lab (room 104)
  • Tutoring Center (room 113K)

If a child is disruptive, the parent or guardian will be asked to remove them from the Library.

CPTC students who need access to a computer with their child present may be directed to a dedicated family-friendly space, known as the Living Room. All conduct guidelines apply within this room.

Students under the age of 18 who are currently enrolled in courses at Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) or Northwest Career & Technical High School have all the rights and privileges of CPTC students. 

Disruptive Behavior is any activity which disrupts the normal functioning of the Library, or which could result in physical, emotional, or mental injury to oneself or others or damage to the facilities, equipment, or materials of the Library.

Examples include but are not limited to:

  • Excessive noise.
  • Running or horseplay within the building.
  • Smoking or vaping within the building.
  • Use, possession, or observably under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Sexual misconduct or lewd behavior.
  • Misuse of library resources, including equipment, furniture, and services.
  • Failure to comply with a Library staff directive.

As outlined in the CPTC Code of Student Conduct such behavior is unacceptable and may result in suspension of the privilege to use the Library or go upon the premises of the Library for a specified period of time (495C-121-060 - Disciplinary sanctions and conditions). Any students exhibiting unusual or concerning behavior may be reported to the CPTC Behavior Intervention Team.

A patron engaging in disruptive activity will be notified that the behavior is inappropriate. Failure to comply with a directive from Library staff is a violation of the CPTC Code of Student Conduct (495C-121-050 - Prohibited student conduct). If the behavior continues, the patron will be asked to leave the Library for the remainder of the day. If the patron refuses to leave, campus security will be called. Further disruptive behavior may be escalated to a CPTC student conduct officer (495C-121-100 - Initiation of disciplinary action).

If a patron is engaged in any violent or harassing behavior, to other patrons or to staff, campus security will be called immediately. 

Dry snacks (chips, cookies, fruit) and beverages with secure lids are allowed throughout the Library, except the following areas:

  • Open Computer Lab (room 104)
  • Any computer station

Meals are not permitted anywhere in the Library. The Library reserves the right for a staff member to ask any user to remove their food. Unattended food or beverages are subject to disposal by Library staff.

Food or beverage spills must be cleaned immediately or be reported to library staff for assistance with clean-up.

Library staff members are not responsible for the security of personal belongings. Patrons of the library should not leave items unattended.

Personal items must not impede the movement of others or be a safety hazard.

Any lost items found by Library staff or turned into the front desk will be kept for one week before being taken to Campus Security (Building 19, Suite 109).

Items of high value, such as phones, keys, or electronic devices, will be turned into security by the end of the workday. The Campus Security office may be reached at (253) 589-5557. Patrons are encouraged to contact the Security office to confirm that lost items have been turned in before heading to the office. 

In an effort to ensure the safety and security of all library users, we ask that students and other patrons remain alert while in the Library building. For this reason, sleeping or napping is not allowed in the Library. Patrons who appear to be asleep will be woken up by Library staff.