Expectations for Law Library Patron Conduct

 

The Law Library is open to the public and we welcome all patrons who wish to use Law Library resources and conduct legal research. We are committed to facilitating use of a library that is well-maintained and clean and to providing a safe and secure environment that is conducive to study and legal research. Our reference librarians are available to answer brief, ready-reference questions and to assist patrons in locating sources and using legal research sources.

Patrons are expected to use Law Library resources and facilities in such a way that does not interfere with other patrons' or staff use of the Library. Users and visitors are also expected to comply with all relevant University policies, state and federal laws, and those general principles that guide civil behavior and discourse in the academic environment.

To ensure that all Law Library users and visitors are able to use our resources and services effectively, we require patrons to comply with the policies and rules listed below. Entering the Law Library represents a tacit agreement to abide by these policies and to respect each patron's interest in maintaining a safe and welcoming library environment.

  • Personal belongings. Please do not leave personal belongings unattended. The Law Library is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal items. Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times.
  • Briefcases, containers, luggage, packages or bundles exceeding 24" x 16" x 10" collectively are prohibited. Sleeping bags, bedrolls and blankets are also prohibited. Unattended belongings will be turned over to campus police.
  • Access. Please remember that all aisles and walking areas must remain open and freely accessible. Whiteboards should not be positioned to obstruct lines of sight and public computer workstations should be occupied only by patrons using those computers.
  • Noise and quiet areas: The Law Library encourages collaboration among students, but, in the interests of all patrons, requests that conversations be kept to reasonable levels so as to permit others to use Law Library resources. The Law Library has areas designated as ‘quiet zones’ (e.g., the Reserve Room). Patrons should refrain from collaborating and conversing in those designated quiet areas.
  • Food and beverages: Patrons may bring beverages into the Law Library, as long as they are contained in spill-proof containers. Non-disruptive food - i.e., snacks that are neither malodorous nor noisy - may be eaten in the Law Library. We discourage patrons from eating meals in the Law Library; hot food and food requiring the use of utensils should be eaten outside of the Law Library. Food should not be heated within the Law Library. It is expected that all patrons will dispose of trash and clean areas after consuming food and beverages.
  • Campus health requirements: The health and well-being of the law school community remains our most important consideration as we work to fulfill our educational mission. Patrons must follow any applicable policies concerning social distancing, masking etiquette, or other health-related measures established by the law school and/or university.
  • Beverly Rogers Literature and Law Building (RLL): Use of the area beyond the bridge to the RLL building is reserved exclusively to members of the law school community (law students, faculty, and staff and law school alumni).
  • Children: Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • Study Rooms: A number of study rooms are located in the Law Library. These rooms are reserved for use by members of the law school community (law students, faculty, staff, and, during non-exam times, law school alumni).
  • Telephones: Cell phone use should be limited to enclosed areas within the Law Library (e.g., study and copier rooms). Please silence audible ringers while in the Law Library and conduct all phone conversations in a quiet and non-disruptive manner.
  • Tours and group use: Library staff members are available to provide tours of the Library and its collections. Please contact the Circulation Desk to schedule a tour (702-895-2400).
  • Closing: All patrons must leave the Law Library upon closing or as directed by Library staff.

 

Prohibited Behaviors

 

  • Theft, vandalism or the deliberate misplacement of Law Library materials/resources or patron personal property.
  • Leaving personal belongings unattended or using personal belongings to reserve space/seating. Personal belongings should be supervised by their owner and not left for other patrons to monitor.
  • Sleeping anywhere in the Law Library.
  • Consuming alcoholic beverages or illicit drug usage. Patrons who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs or who are selling, using, or distributing alcohol or drugs while in the Law Library will be subject to arrest.
  • Defacing, destroying, or corrupting any Law Library information resources or property.
  • Engaging in disruptive conduct and/or verbally abusing or threatening to do bodily harm to any Law Library patron or staff member.
  • Possessing firearms or other weapons or destructive materials.
  • Engaging in any form of mental, physical, or sexual harassment and any sexual acts or public lewdness.
  • Annoying, disturbing, or stalking any Law Library patron or engaging in any other conduct which interferes with library use.
  • Being in unauthorized areas of the Law Library, remaining in the Law Library after closing or during emergency situations or drills.
  • Tampering with emergency mechanisms (e.g., alarms, extinguishers, opening emergency exits in non-emergency situations).
  • Having or using a bicycle in the Law Library; using roller blades, scooters, skateboards or remote-controlled vehicles/drones in the Law Library.
  • Selling, soliciting, distributing or displaying any unapproved materials.
  • Bringing animals into the Law Library, unless they are certified service animals as defined by applicable law.
  • Failing to comply with directions of Library staff and other University officials or law enforcement officers who have identified themselves as such.
  • Use of the restrooms or other Law Library facilities for bathing, shampooing, doing laundry, or other similar activities.

Patrons whose conduct violates Law Library or University policies will be asked to modify their behavior or to leave the Law Library. Failure to comply with these policies or applicable laws and regulations may result in the loss of library privileges, in addition to possible other legal consequences. The Law Library will pursue infractions or misconduct through campus disciplinary and/or law enforcement channels as appropriate.

No policy can address all potential circumstances. The Law Library reserves the right to address issues as they occur with the goal of maintaining a facility that is safe, secure, clean, and conducive to study and research.

Policies related to computer use are posted at the Law Library’s Circulation Desk and available online at /academics/law-library/about/policies/computer-use.