Rules and Regulations (As of 15 October 2009)
The Library of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights warmly welcomes its clientele. The Library staff are available to guide you in your research.
Library opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
In order to maintain a welcoming environment that is conducive to research, all users of the Library agree to respect the following rules and regulations. Library staff should draw users’ attention to these requirements. Failure to follow the rules below may result in the temporary or permanent withdrawal of the Library privileges.
I. Admission requirements
1. Persons entitled to use the Library
a) Personnel with UNOG security badge
- OHCHR and UNOG staff and members of a permanent mission at Geneva
- Staff from specialized agencies and international organizations holding a UNOG badge
- Representatives from NGOs and journalists accredited at UNOG
- Delegates and participants at UNOG and OHCHR meetings—only for the duration of their meeting
Staff members of specialized agencies or international organizations should contact their organization for accreditation instructions to receive a UNOG badge. For others who wish to acquire a badge (NGOs, delegates and participants, or permanent mission staff), please see instructions for accreditation based on the group to which you belong.
b) Others
- Other users may request permission to access the library prior to their visit. These include:
- Staff of specialized agencies and international organizations not holding a UNOG security badge
- University and graduate students, professors, independent researchers, and journalists not accredited by UNOG
- Once in the Motta building, outside users will need a piece of ID to exchange at the security desk for a visitor’s badge.
II. Use of reading room and computers
1. A reading room and Internet terminals are made available to the users of the Library
Please bear in mind the following:
a) Library staff cannot be held responsible for the disappearance of unattended personal belongings, including valuables.
b) Users should be considerate of other patrons and avoid loud conversations and the use of mobile phones.
c) Eating is not allowed.
2. Use of the Library computers
a) Four Internet computers are available to users for their research. Library staff are always available to help with research.
b) Use of Library equipment and information resources, as well as the use of the Internet, for non-authorized, illegal or commercial purposes is strictly prohibited.
c) Users are kindly requested to respect the rules of international law relating to intellectual property rights.
d) When printing, users are asked to limit themselves to making single copies of materials.
3. Reserved tables
a) The limited number of reading tables and PCs do not permit regular extended use. Library staff may reserve a table or computer for a user in special circumstances, however.
III. Use of Materials
1. Reference books are not available for loan and must be consulted in the Library.
2. Books should be handled appropriately so that they may be preserved for the continued use of others.
3. Users are responsible for replacing, or paying for the replacement of, books that have been lost or destroyed.
4. Borrowing materials
a) Only OHCHR staff may borrow circulating materials.
b) Materials are lent for a one-month period. They may be renewed upon request unless a hold has been placed by another user.
c) Users may place holds via the Library catalogue or by request to the library staff.
d) Users may request to borrow books not found at either the OHCHR Library or the UNOG Library via Interlibrary loan.
5. Photocopying services
a) A photocopy machine is available for use. The Library reserves the right to prohibit the photocopying of very fragile materials, however.
Questions or comments? Please contact the Library at +41 22928 9790 or library@ohchr.org