Policies

Overview

The Law Library encourages scholarly research by maintaining an environment conducive to study, Library users are expected to act responsibly, appropriately, and courteously to preserve the library's facilities, environment, and collections.

Persons who violate any of these policies may lose their privileges to use the Law Library, be subject to University imposed discipline, and/or be subject to criminal prosecution or other legal actions, as appropriate.

This policy is intended to supplement and clarify policies set forth in the University of Iowa Operations Manual.

Animals

Animals, with the exception of assistance animals, are not permitted in the library.

Carrels

A limited number of study carrels in the Law Library are available to full-time law students and LL.M. students. Study carrel sign-up occurs each fall semester for the academic year. Students with a carrel or desk space in another area of the College of Law (for example, Law Review, TLCP, JCL, JGRJ, or Legal Clinic) are not eligible for a study carrel in the Law Library. If you have any questions or issues involving study carrels, please contact the Law Library Circulation Desk on the 2nd Floor or email lawlib-infohawk@uiowa.edu.

Cell Phones and Pagers

The library is considered a research environment where users expect to work undisturbed; therefore, the audible use of cell phones and pagers must be limited to the stairwalls and outside the library; cell phones and pagers should be set to non-audible signals while in the library.

Check-out

All books and other materials must be checked-out before removing from the library or storing in a study carrel.

Closing

Vacating the library by closing time is mandatory. Library hours are posted at the main entrance. Warning chimes are sounded 30 minutes before closing and the computer and print labs are locked 15 minutes before closing. Please plan to leave the library shortly after the chimes sound to facilitate closing of the library.

Copyright and Licenses

The University of Iowa Copyright Policy is available in Part V, section 30.4 of the University of Iowa Operations Manual.

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 is 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.

Disruptive Behavior

Staff will take appropriate action to remedy disruptive behavior and to maintain a quiet, pleasant environment conducive to serious study as well as casual use. Disruptive behavior is any activity which endangers the perpetrator or others, interferes with the library business of other patrons or staff, or is illegal. This may include any activity which results in harm to library equipment or services.

Electrical Outlets

Electrical outlets are intended to be used only for mobile computing devices and other electronic equipment having a legitimate library use. They may not be used for small appliances, e.g., coffee pots, or any other electrical device that poses a hazard to the law library or its collections. Electrical cords must not be draped in aisles or in any manner that creates a tripping hazard.

Exits

The only exit from the library is the main door on the second floor. All other doors are fire emergency exits that will set off an alarm.

Food, Tobacco and Drinks

Food and tobacco products are prohibited in the library. Drinks are allowed in approved containers only.

Please see the PDF iconFood, Drink and Tobacco Restrictions for examples of approved and unapproved containers.

Group Study

A group study room is located in Room 126 at the west end of the 1st floor.

Groups must observe the PDF iconFood, Drink and Tobacco Restrictions at all times.

Legal Research and Legal Advice

Reference librarians primarily serve the University of Iowa's students, faculty, and staff. Reference librarians also help attorneys and the general public, as time permits. However, reference librarians are not allowed to do research for public users, and may not give them legal advice. Public users are responsible for their own research.

Legal research is complicated and time-intensive. Simple questions can require complex analysis. Researching law, applying law to specific facts, and advising clients must be done by a licensed attorney meeting all Iowa State Bar requirements for operating a legal practice. Our reference librarians are highly qualified legal professionals, but they are not practicing attorneys.

Reference Librarians will recommend legal resources and demonstrate their use. However, reference librarians are not allowed to conduct public users' research, nor may reference librarians analyze or interpret information found in library resources. In addition, reference librarians may recommend resources for finding an attorney, but are not allowed to recommend specific attorneys to public users.

Lost and Found

The library maintains a lost and found service behind the Circulation Desk. Personal belongings - other than notes or papers - left in the library will be placed in lost and found and held until the end of the week. Items not claimed by the end of the week will be sent to University of Iowa Lost and Found in University Capitol Centre.

Paging

The library does not have the ability to page persons or to deliver messages.

Personal Property

The library is not responsible for theft, damage, or loss of personal property, including property stored in carrels. Library users should take every precaution to ensure the security of personal belongings, especially purses, wallets, backpacks, books, portable computers, and other electronic devices.

Tables

Library tables are for general use and will be cleared daily by staff members. Papers left on tables at closing will not be saved.

Technology

University of Iowa students are governed by the University Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources Policy. UI Community use of computers, printers, and networks (e.g., Internet and Office365) are to be used primarily for support of University of Iowa academic and work-related business.

Telephones

The library does not have a public telephone. A campus telephone is available in the west hall of Level 2 of the Boyd Law Building.

Children

The library is not responsible for the safety of children left unattended in any part of the library. If necessary, library staff will take appropriate action upon discovering unattended children. Actions may include contacting parents and/or the Department of Public Safety.