Faulkner University

Approved July 2005 by JSL Faculty Library Committee

Faulkner University

Jones School of Law Library

General Policies

These polices have been adopted in order to enable the Library to fulfill its mission to provide the most comprehensive access to our resources by all patrons, to provide an atmosphere conducive to studying, and to protect and maintain our collections.  Violation of Library policies by current Jones School of Law students may be considered a Student Conduct Code offense.  Patrons who violate these policies may be subject to disciplinary action, including loss of Library privileges, referral to the Honor Court, and/or civil or criminal penalties.

ACCESS:

The Library is open to members of the Jones School of Law (“JSL”) community (current students, faculty, and staff of the law school), alumni, attorneys, and the general public.  During specified hours Library access may be limited to members of the JSL community.

ALUMNI:

Alumni of the university and the law school are welcome to use the Library as public patrons.  See section on PUBLIC PATRONS, below.

ANIMALS:

Animals are not permitted in the Library, with the exception of service animals.

BULLETIN BOARDS:

Bulletin boards located in the Library are for general Library, law school, and law-related information.  Postings must be approved by a librarian.  Bulletin boards are not to be used for personal postings (including student election campaign postings).  No postings are permitted on Library doors, windows, or walls.

CARRELS:

See STUDY ROOMS AND CARRELS.

CATALOG:

The Library uses an Online Public Access Catalog (“OPAC”) that is available through the law school’s website from any computer, on campus or off, that has Internet access.  Patrons also can search the catalog via dedicated terminals located in the Library.  The computers in the Library and in the Training Lab are available for searching the OPAC, as well as for accessing the Internet and the Library’s online databases.

CHILDREN:

See section on PUBLIC PATRONS, below.

CIRCULATION:

Because of the research nature of a law collection and the inter-relationship of the resources, most of the collection does not circulate outside of the Library.  Patrons may check with the Circulation Desk regarding specific items.  Most materials on Reserve may be checked out for two hours and may not leave the Library.  Overdue materials may incur fines (see section on FINES, below).  Patrons must have a valid university ID card in order to check out materials.  For those items that circulate, borrowing privileges are limited to university students, faculty, staff, and patrons of our consortium members.

COMPUTING:

Computer equipment is to be used for educational and research purposes.  Research computers for patron use are available on both floors of the Library and in the Training Lab on the first floor.  JSL students and faculty have first priority on the use of Library computer resources.  For members of the JSL community, wired ports and wireless access are available throughout the Library for connecting to the university’s network and the Internet.  All computer use must be in accordance with Faulkner University computer use policies.  Public patrons using Library computers must sign up at the Circulation Desk and will be logged on by a Library staff member.  Database access for public patrons is limited and is subject to the terms of the Library’s contractual obligations with providers.

CONFIDENTIALITY OF LIBRARY RECORDS:

The Library endorses the concept of confidentiality expressed in the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics:  “We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.”  The Library will not voluntarily provide personal information to third parties about Library patrons or their records.  This includes whether a person has a library card, the person’s address and telephone number, what materials the person has checked out in the past, and what materials the person presently is using.  Library records will be released to third parties in accordance with applicable law.

COPYRIGHT:

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials.  Persons making copies are responsible for complying with the provisions of this act.

EMERGENCIES AND ALARMS:

Please report any emergencies to the Circulation Desk attendants as soon as possible.  Emergency exits are marked.  Patrons should familiarize themselves with these exits.  In the event of a fire alarm or fire drill, please walk to the nearest exit (do not use the elevators), and stand clear of the building.  Please be aware of any emergency personnel or equipment that may require access to the building.  Follow the directions of Library or emergency personnel and do not re-enter the building until they have given permission to do so.

FAXING:

The Library does not send or receive faxes for patrons.

FINES AND FEES:

The Library reserves the right to charge fines and/or fees for overdue items.  Overdue items not returned may be considered lost.  Lost items will be billed for replacement cost, plus a processing fee per item.  Fines must be paid at the University’s business office.  Unpaid fines may result in grades being held, registration being denied, borrowing privileges being suspended, or transcripts and diplomas being held.

FOOD AND DRINK:          

No food is allowed in the Library.  This is to prevent damage to Library materials and infestation of insects, mold, and mildew.  Drinks are allowed in spill-proof containers.  If you have doubts about your container, ask a Library staff member.  No alcoholic beverages of any kind are permitted.

GROUP STUDY ROOMS AND CARRELS:

The Library has several group study rooms on second floor.  Due to the level of demand for the limited number of rooms, study rooms are to be used by groups (i.e., two or more people together) pursuant to the reservation system that is administered through the Circulation Desk.  If a room is available, an individual student may use that room but must vacate it when requested by a group.  Students must be considerate of others when using group study rooms; this includes not monopolizing a group study room for an extended period of time.  The group study rooms are not sound-proof, so students should be aware of noise levels during discussions.  Students may not adjust the thermostats in the Library, because modifying the temperature in one part of the building affects others.

Leaving items in a group study room does not “reserve” that room.  The Library cannot take responsibility for any unattended items left anywhere in the building, including the group study rooms.  The Library reserves the right to inspect and remove unattended personal items from group study rooms, study carrels, tables, and other areas.

ID CARDS AND REGISTRATION:

All persons who visit the Library are required to fill out a registration form.  Patrons must use their own, valid university ID card to check out Library materials.  Students may be billed for replacement cards.  The Library reserves the right to check ID cards at any time.

INTERLIBRARY LOAN (“ILL”):

Materials not found in the Library collection often can be borrowed from other libraries.  ILL forms are available at the Circulation Desk and on the Library web site.

LEGAL ADVICE NOT GIVEN:

Library staff will assist patrons in obtaining access to materials.  Library staff, however, cannot interpret the law, explain the meaning of the law, apply the law to a specific situation, or otherwise provide legal services or legal advice.  Patrons with specific legal needs should consult an attorney licensed to practice in the relevant jurisdiction.

LOST AND FOUND:

Any items turned in to the Library staff will be held at the Circulation Desk through the end of the semester.  For your protection, label your belongings so they are identifiable in the event they are turned in to Lost and Found.  The Library assumes no responsibility for personal items lost or stolen on the premises.  Patrons are cautioned not to leave their books, bags, computers, or other personal items unattended.

MESSAGES:

The Library does not have a paging system, and cannot take messages for patrons.

MICROFORM MATERIALS:

The microform collection is housed in cabinets in the rear area on the first floor.  Equipment for viewing microforms is located near the microform collection.  If you need assistance using the microform equipment, please ask at the Research Office or at the Circulation Desk.

NOISE:

In order to maintain an atmosphere conducive to research and study, noise levels must remain as low as possible.  In particular, the second floor is designed for quiet study.  If you must have a lengthy conversation, please do so in a study room or outside of the Library.  Please move outside of the Library to send or receive cellular phone calls.  Cellular phones and pagers should be turned off or set on silent mode, and phone conversations must take place outside of the Library.

OVERDUE ITEMS:

            See FINES.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS:

The Library cannot take responsibility for any unattended items left anywhere in the building, including the group study rooms.  The Library reserves the right to inspect and remove unattended personal items from group study rooms, study carrels, tables, and other areas.

PHOTOCOPY MACHINES:

Self-service copiers are located on the first floor.  Copy charges and billing procedures are set by the university.  Please report any problems (e.g., out of toner or paper, paper jams) to the Circulation Desk.  See also:  COPYRIGHT.

PROBLEMS:

Please report any building, furniture, equipment, noise, or maintenance problems to the Circulation Desk or to a librarian.  Any Library materials in need of repair should be brought to the attention of the staff member at the Circulation Desk.

PUBLIC PATRONS:

Persons who are not members of the JSL community are permitted to use the Library, but all such use must be in accordance with Library and university policies.  Public patron access may be curtailed during final examinations and similar periods.  Public patron privileges are subject to suspension or revocation for violations of policies or for hostile or otherwise inappropriate behavior toward staff members or other patrons.  All public patrons must sign in at the Circulation Desk, must complete appropriate forms (e.g., Library use agreement form).  Regarding computer use by public patrons, see section on COMPUTING, above.

Public patrons who are minors are subject to additional requirements.  We understand that many of our patrons are also parents.  Children may come into the Library, but they must remain quiet and children under age 13 must be attended by their parent(s) or guardians(s) at all times.  Children under age 16 are not permitted to use Library computers unless prior permission is obtained from the Library Director or the Director’s designee.

RESEARCH SERVICES:

Research services are regularly available throughout the week for JSL faculty and students and, to the extent time and resources permit, other patrons.  Research Office hours are posted in the Library and on the Library web site.  Research services also may be available via telephone (334-386-7533) and via email through a link on the Library web page.

RESHELVING:

Patrons are requested not to reshelve their materials after use.  When finished with a book, please place it on a nearby reshelving cart, or simply leave it on the carrel or table, and Library staff will reshelve it.  If you would like materials left where you are working, leave a dated note requesting that they not be reshelved.  The note will be honored through the end of the day.

RESTROOMS:

Restrooms are located outside of the Library.

SECURITY:

To enhance security and promote compliance with Library policies, the Library reserves the right to inspect materials when a patron is entering or leaving the building, or if items are left unattended.

SMOKING AND TOBACCO USE:

In accordance with Faulkner University policy, no smoking or other tobacco is permitted.   Use of all tobacco products (including smokeless tobacco products) is prohibited on campus.

STUDY ROOMS AND CARRELS:

            See GROUP STUDY ROOMS AND CARRELS.

SUGGESTIONS:

The Library welcomes your suggestions.  A suggestion box is available on the first floor.

TELEPHONES:

Cellular phones should not be used in the Library except in cases of emergency.  Patrons’ cellular phones and pagers should be turned off or set on silent mode.  Telephone conversations must take place outside of the Library.

TOBACCO:

See SMOKING AND TOBACCO USE.

TRAINING LAB:

A Computer Training Lab is located on the first floor of the Library.  When not being used for training sessions, Library patrons may use the computers in the lab in accordance with Library and university policies.

TYPEWRITERS:

            A typewriter is available on the second floor for patron use.

DATE LAST REVISED:   8/10/09