Policies Introduction
The policies below are meant to supplement policies included in the University of Iowa Policy Manual, as well as those included in other areas of this website.
Noise and Collaboration
The library encourages students to collaborate, while remaining respectful of other students that may be studying. The circulation department has sound-canceling headphones as well as earplugs available for students to use.
Copyrights and Licenses
The University of Iowa Copyright Policy is available in Part V, section 30.4 of the University of Iowa Policy Manual.
Food, Drinks, Alcohol, and Tobacco
Food, alcohol, and tobacco products are prohibited in the library.
Drinks are allowed in closed containers.
Lost and Found
Lost and Found is located at the circulation desk. Items will be kept for a week, then sent to the University of Iowa Lost and Found in University Capitol Centre.
Criminal Behavior
The library staff will notify law enforcement authorities concerning any suspected criminal behavior by library users. Areas in which the library will be particularly vigilant and pursue legal remedies are:
- Theft or destruction of library materials and equipment;
- Property damage, including, but not limited to, defacing or deliberate misuse of buildings, materials, or equipment;
- Disorderly conduct;
- Vandalism;
- Indecent exposure;
- Illegal pornography; and
- Assault and harassment, including verbal threats
Animals
Animals, with the exception of assistance animals, are not permitted in the library.
Law Library Closing Procedures
The Law Library's entrance doors lock 15 minutes prior to the scheduled closing time.
Photography and Filming in the Law Library
If you are a student, faculty member, or member of the community who would like to photograph, film, or record video in the University of Iowa Law Library for non-commercial purposes (other than limited casual photography or filming for personal use), you must:
- Request permission
- Follow the Guidelines for Photography and Filming in the Law Library
If you want to photograph, film, or record video in the Law Library for commercial purposes, you must:
- Request permission
- Request permission from the Office of Strategic Communications, which is required by University procedures. A request form and additional information is available on the Office of Strategic Communication's Policies page.
- Because granting permission will require coordination between the Office of Strategic Communication and the Law Library, your request must be made at least two weeks prior to filming. We recommend, however, that you request permission as early as possible to ensure a determination can be made prior to your session.
- Follow the Guidelines for Photography and Filming in the Law Library
Guidelines for Photography and Filming in the Law Library
Use of photographic, videotape, or film equipment within the Law Library:
- Must:
- Occur during Law Library’s regular operating hours.
- Be accomplished without interfering with the study, research, privacy, or safety needs of library users.
- Be done within the constraints of all university policies, rules, or regulations.
- Must not:
- Interfere with the ability of library staff to function.
- Hinder access to exits, stairways, corridors, doorways, and other library facilities.
- Involve the use of camera dollies, smoke, smoke effects, or other equipment or effects that could negatively effect the physical space, library materials, or the library users within the space.
- Generally, photography and filming is not permitted:
- In staff offices and other non-public and staff-only areas.
- During examination periods.
Responsibilities of the filmmaker, photographer, and/or film crew:
- Return library facilities to the original condition found before filming started. Libraries staff will not be responsible for moving furniture, setting up film shots, or assisting with the film setup or take down.
- Bear of the cost for the repair of any damage incurred.
- The filmmaker/photographer shall not present any individual in a defamatory manner or violate any individual’s expectation of privacy.
- Persons who could be photographed or recorded should be informed when such activity is imminent.
- Any individual may decline being photographed or recorded and is not required to be subject to photography or recording.
- The filmmaker/photographer is encouraged to obtain the prior written consent of any individual, including any library users or library staff, who will appear in or be the subject of the photography/videotaping/filming. Obtaining written consent is especially encouraged for any individual having a prominent role (e.g., speaks at some length) in the photography/videotaping/filming or for any individual who displays or creates a copyrighted work during the photography/videotaping/filming. Consent is required for any minors appearing in the photography/videotaping/filming.
The Law Library reserves the right to terminate any photography, videotaping, or filming that causes an undue disturbance, violates Law Library or university policies or regulations, or endangers the health and safety of participants, library users, or library staff.