General Library Policies

The Graduate Theological Union (GTU) is committed to providing safe facilities and a well-maintained collection for our community of scholars and researchers.  The Conduct Policy enumerates the standards of behavior expected of our patrons to sustain an open and accessible academic environment.

Theft in the library...

...is an unfortunate reality.  Please help us take every precaution to ensure the security of your personal belongings: purses, wallets, backpacks, books, portable computers and other electronic devices.

Sleeping in the Library increases the potential for theft of personal items.  For this reason, Library staff will discourage patrons from sleeping.

Visitors to the library

Visitors are always welcome in the library in the public areas of the 1st floor and CARe Gallery. The Student Lounge is only available for GTU students. We welcome your questions at the reference desk about theology, religion, philosophy, and related topics. Visitors can use the public computers for walk-in access to our online collections, and a scanner is available if you would like to scan print materials. We recommend bringing a flash drive to save your scans.

Visitors who are disruptive to students or employees could be in violation of our library conduct policy and may be asked to leave.  

Help us keep your belongings secure

Here are a few simple steps you can take:

• Never leave your personal belongings out of your sight.
• Be aware of your surroundings and any unusual activity.
• Your most valuable items should be marked with your name and driver's license number or other identifying information.
• Study with a friend or try to study in an area where other students are located.

 

Library Technology and Internet Use Policy

 

Steps we take to ensure your safety

Here at the GTU Library, your safety is our concern. 

• At student orientation each year, we review library safety.
• Library staff conduct regular walk-throughs of the building.
• Library staff and circulation assistants have ongoing training in safety and security procedures.

 

Police Phone Numbers

Berkeley Police Department:
   510-981-5900
Emergencies only:
   911 or 510-981-5911 from cell phone

The Library will not under any circumstances take responsibility for theft, damage or loss of property.

 

GTU Library Food and Drink Policy

Food and drinks are allowed in the GTU Library if those items are consumed responsibly and with consideration to other library users. Please clean up the space after eating.  

• All drinks must be in spill-resistant beverage containers. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited except at official events.  
• Personal-sized snacks, sandwiches, salads, or wrapped items are allowed in the library.  
• Messy, odorous, or sticky foods should be consumed outside. Examples include, but are not limited to soup, microwave popcorn, or pizza,
• Food deliveries and food delivery drivers are not allowed inside of the building except for catered campus events. Individual persons may meet food delivery drivers outside on the patio on the first or second floor.
• Food-free rooms are designated to protect research materials and electronics and are indicated by signage. These include Seminar rooms A & B and the Rare Book & Archive Reading Room.  

GTU Library users must: 

• Report spills immediately to a staff member. 

• Dispose of trash and recycling in appropriate containers. Help us prevent ants by leaving no trace of food in your study space.  

It is at the discretion of library staff to determine whether a user is causing excessive disruption or distraction to other library users with their food/drink. The GTU Library staff reserve the right to ask patrons to remove their food and drink from the library. 

The GTU Library food and drink policy is subject to change as needed based on campus and regional health guidelines.  

GTU Library Digital Display Policy