The Law Library has a number of study carrels available to law students, LL.M students, and SJD students. Study carrel assignments are made by Law Library staff based upon student status/standing and the availability of carrels at the time of request. Due to the limited number of carrels available, students with desk space in another area of the College of Law (i.e., Law Review, TLCP, JCL, JGRJ, or Legal Clinic), are not eligible for a study carrel in the Law Library. If you have any questions about study carrels, please contact the Law Library Circulation Desk on the Second Floor or email lawlib-infohawk@uiowa.edu. If there's a maintenance issue with your carrel, such as an issue with your carrel light or lock, please fill out this form to request a repair.
In addition to the assigned carrels, the Law Library has a limited number of closed carrels available to check-out for 4 hours. This is a great place to take a meeting, participate in an interview, etc. Visit the Circulation Desk to check availability.
Students utilizing the Law Library carrels are expected to comply with all the requirements of the University of Iowa College of Law Student Handbook and the standards of conduct established for the legal profession. These include conducting oneself “in a manner that respects the rights of all individuals in the law school community to exercise fully their freedom to teach, learn, work and express their views without undue interference by others.” To foster a professional atmosphere, demonstrate respect for others, and protect the Law Library’s financial investment in providing students with spaces conducive to study, College of Law students are expected to comply with the following rules:
Noise. Noise should be kept to a minimum in the carrel areas. Conversations should be conducted quietly and in locations that do not disturb others.
a. Study rooms are available for reservation in the Law Library and in the College of Law Student Commons. Closed carrels are available to check-out for 4 hours at the Circulation Desk and are great places to take a meeting, participate in an interview, etc.
b. Cellular phones should be silenced or placed on a vibration setting within the library. All telephone, Skype, Zoom, Facetime, or other video/web chat or meeting conversations should be conducted in a study room, in a closed carrel, or outside the library.
Decorations. To maintain a professional atmosphere, avoid damage to carrels and chairs (and the expense of refinishing) and for other aesthetic reasons, all carrel decorations should be conducive to an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of higher education and the legal profession.
a. Decorations must be kept within the confines of the assigned carrel space. Unoccupied carrels may not be decorated.
b. Nothing may be stored or displayed on top of or underneath your carrel, on the outside carrel walls, or on building walls next to carrels.
c. The library strongly recommends decorations not be physically affixed to the carrels, but any decorations a student chooses to affix may only be attached using non-permanent, residue-less methods. Students will be billed for any damage or marking to the carrel from the use of any adhesive materials (including those claimed to be safe) or other method of attachment.
d. Air fresheners, oils, incense, or strong personal scents/perfumes are not permitted in the carrels. If complaints are made, these items will be removed and discarded.
Furnishings. Safety regulations (such as campus and municipal fire codes) prohibit the placing of unauthorized chairs, equipment, appliances, or personal furniture in the carrel areas.
a. Library chairs are provided for each carrel. These chairs may not be replaced without written approval from the Law Library’s Carrel Administrator or Law Library Administration. Chair cushions may be used to improve personal comfort.
b. Appliances such as refrigerators, microwaves, personal coolers, hot plates, crockpots, coffee pots, lamps, personal heaters, or other electrical devices (other than 1 computer monitor) are absolutely prohibited in the Law Library carrels. Any appliances found on the premises may be confiscated by library staff without prior notice to the carrel occupant.
c. Other items (including, but not limited to standing desks, chairs, foot stools, fans, personal trash cans, etc.) are also prohibited in the carrel areas. Any of these items found on the premises may be confiscated by library staff without prior notice to the carrel occupant.
d. Library furniture (including, but not limited to soft-seating, study room chairs, and items from the library common areas) may not be rearranged or moved to the carrel areas.
Food and Drink. Food, alcohol, and tobacco products are prohibited in the library. Drinks are allowed in closed containers only.
a. Closed, sealed beverages (i.e., water bottles) may be kept in the carrels. However, it must be used and stored securely so as not to attract pests and trash should be cleaned out regularly to maintain cleanliness.
b. Food items or open beverage containers attracting pests are not permitted in the carrel areas. Any of these items found on the premises may be confiscated by library staff without prior notice to the carrel occupant.
c. If a drink should spill, all evidence must be cleared afterwards. Cleaning supplies are available at the Circulation Desk. Students will be held liable for any damage to library materials, furnishings, or premises resulting from the transportation, storage, and/or consumption of food or drink.
Penalties.
a. (Closed Carrels Only) Lost carrel key/not returned at end of occupancy charge: $25.
b. End of occupancy carrel cleaning and removal of belongings charge: $25.
c. Missing/Damaged items: Cost varies depending on damage.
Violations.
a. 1st time: Warning.
b. 2nd time: Meet with Carrel Administrator or Law Library Administration.
c. 3rd time: Loss of carrel privileges (timeframe is dependent upon the violation – minimum: remainder of academic year, maximum: remainder of law school education).