Animals in the Libraries Policy

Purpose

UO Libraries actively supports the student learning experience, enables the creation and stewardship of knowledge, and contributes to advancements in teaching, research, and scholarship at the University of Oregon. This purpose of this policy is to help maintain a scholarly environment for patrons, safeguard library facilities and resources, and protect the health and safety of library users and employees.

Definitions

Service animals are defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.” The “work or tasks” performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual’s disability.

Dogs or other animals whose sole function is “the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship” are not considered service animals under the ADA. An animal individually trained to provide aggressive protection, such as an attack dog, is also not considered a service animal.

Policy

Dogs that are service animals are welcome and allowed in UO Libraries. No other animals are allowed inside UO Libraries. 

Enforcement

In accordance with ADA guidelines and University of Oregon’s Animal Control Policy, UO Libraries employees may ask handlers if their dog is a service animal and what service the dog performs. Non-service animals will be asked to leave the library. Service animals may also be asked to leave the library if they are not under control or are not housebroken. 

UO Libraries employees, including security personnel, will identify themselves when asking users to comply with library and university policy. If users do not comply with an initial request or if they violate the policy repeatedly, library employees, university security staff, or law enforcement may take additional measures. These may include, but are not limited to:

  • Asking to see photo ID.
  • Issuing a verbal or written warning.
  • Requesting assistance from campus law enforcement and, if necessary, asking the user to leave library spaces.
  • Reporting problems to the appropriate university office or official.

In all cases, library employees will be respectful of the rights of all users in working to maintain a scholarly environment. Users who engage in serious violations may lose the privilege of using the UO Libraries, be subject to university-imposed discipline, charged for damage to materials or equipment, and/or be subject to arrest and criminal prosecution. The University of Oregon Libraries follows all relevant and applicable University of Oregon policies.

Additional Resources

Contact

General comments and feedback about UO Libraries may be submitted to https://library.uoregon.edu/ask. Questions regarding ADA guidelines and service animals can be directed to UO’s Accessible Education Center at uoaec@uoregon.edu.

Last revision: August 8, 2024