University of Warsaw Library

New Rules of Conduct of the University of Warsaw Library (BUW)

As of May 12, 2025, new regulations are being introduced at the University Library in Warsaw (BUW) as follows:

Rules of Conduct of the University of Warsaw Library (BUW)

I. General Principles:

The Library’s premises and its equipment serve solely scientific, educational, and creative or artistic work purposes. Other activities within the Library are permitted only with the consent of the BUW Director.
The generally accepted principles of social conduct and personal behaviour applicable in public places are in force at the University of Warsaw Library.
To maintain appropriate conditions for study and work, Users are obliged to use the Library’s premises in a manner consistent with its intended purpose.
Users are obliged to use the collections in accordance with the The Rules of Accessing of the University of Warsaw Library Collections and Special Collections https://www.buw.uw.edu.pl/en/practical-information/rules/, to comply with the rules of conduct in force at the BUW, as well as the announcements and instructions of BUW staff and Security.
Library staff and Security have the right and obligation to draw the attention of Users who violate these regulations, and in justified cases – to refuse them the right to remain on the BUW premises.
The obligations of persons staying on the BUW premises and the additional powers of Security staff are regulated by the BUW’s internal procedures and the Rules of Conduct of the University of Warsaw Library (update of 10th May 2025).
The powers of Security staff are regulated, among other things, by: the Act of 22nd August 1997 on the Protection of Persons and Property (Journal of Laws of 2021, item 1995, as amended); the Act of 24th May 2013 on Measures of Direct Coercion and Firearms (Journal of Laws of 2022, item 1416, as amended), the Regulation of the Council of Ministers on the detailed procedure for the actions of security employees of 19th December 2013, item 1681, as amended.

II. Users are obliged to:

Possess a valid library card authorising entry to the BUW and the necessity to scan it upon entering and leaving the Library.
Refrain from entering the Library in outerwear and from bringing in rucksacks, briefcases, bags, handbags, etc. Entry to the BUW is permitted with one piece of luggage with dimensions up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm and a small handbag with dimensions up to 20 x 15 x 10 cm.
Leave outerwear, umbrellas, large rucksacks, bags, etc. in the cloakroom or self-service lockers; locker keys are issued by the Security staff at the BUW entrance.
Present the contents of brought-in rucksacks, bags, etc. to Security for inspection each time before entering and when leaving the BUW.
When using the General Reading Room and the reading rooms of special collections departments, leave all luggage in the lockers located by the reading rooms; locker keys are obtained at the Information Desk or in the special collection departments upon presentation of a valid library card.
Maintain silence within the Library premises, especially in the reading rooms and individual study booths.
Use the BUW’s resources responsibly and in accordance with their intended purpose, i.e., respect for collections, computer equipment, and other Library furnishings. Any noticed damage or malfunctions should be reported immediately to Library staff, and in their absence – to Security staff.
Maintain order at their workspace, returning used collections only to the designated places (library trolleys, librarians’ desks in the reading rooms).
Possess a printed confirmation of book loans from the BUW and present it, along with the borrowed books, to Security staff upon leaving the Library if the magnetic gate alarms. The following printouts are mandatory:
- For books borrowed on the same day – a printout of the loan confirmation.
- For books borrowed on a different day – a registration form (valid on the day of issue) available from Security staff. Note: the form must be completed immediately after entering the Library.

III. It is forbidden to:

Engage in behaviour that disrupts order or is bothersome to other Users, including loud conversations, playing loud music, removing shoes.
Use the Library’s premises for overnight stays, sleeping for extended periods (not including short, restorative naps), lying and sleeping on sofas or the floor, bringing in personal sleeping mats, blankets, pillows, as well as using toilets for bathing, washing clothes, or for purposes other than basic physiological and hygienic needs.
Any action causing damage to BUW property, and especially to library materials during their use (e.g., underlining text, opening books spine-upwards, making photocopies by pressing an open book against the copier glass, damaging the stitching or binding of the spine).
Bring in and consume food and drinks within the Library (with the exception of water in tightly closed containers or bottles).
Bring into the Library dangerous items and substances, i.e., those that may pose a threat to the building or persons (all bladed weapons, projectile weapons, firearms, and pneumatic weapons, knives, pressurised gas, gas sprays, flammable, explosive, toxic, oxidising substances, those posing a health or environmental hazard, corrosive substances, etc.).
Smoke tobacco products and e-cigarettes, and take intoxicating substances or consume alcohol.
Enter the Library while intoxicated, under the influence of intoxicating substances, or with clear signs indicating a failure to observe personal hygiene rules.
Disconnect computers and peripherals located in the Open Access area.
Enter areas designated exclusively for BUW staff by unauthorised persons, including in the Open Access area.
Leave personal belongings of the User unattended. The Library is not responsible for them.
Remove library collections, as well as items and equipment belonging to the Library, from the premises without completing the required formalities.

The regulations come into force on 12th May 2025.

Published: 12 May 2025