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Using the Library

Information about our services, facilities, policies, and procedures that will help you make the most of your UVA Law Library experience.

General Library Policies

Library patrons are expected to adhere to generally applicable Law School and University of Virginia policies and regulations regarding the use of University and Law School facilities and property. The following Library use and conduct policies also apply:

Noise

  1. Library patrons are expected to respect the rights of other patrons to use library resources and facilities in a quiet, clean, and peaceful atmosphere.
  2. Library patrons must not engage in disruptive activity or other behavior that interferes with the normal use and operation of the libraries. Such behavior includes but is not limited to: verbal abuse, yelling, intimidation, or harassment.
  3. In order to provide an optimum environment for using the Library, users should conduct cell phone conversations away from study and research areas and turn off ringers while in the Library.

Smoking

  1. Smoking and vaping are prohibited.

Food and Drink

  1. Food and drinks, within reason, are permitted in many Library locations. However, Library patrons are expected to be considerate of others and to avoid messy, smelly, or noisy food items. Aluminum cans and waste paper should be recycled in the proper receptacles. All other trash is to be disposed of properly.
  2. Food and drinks are prohibited in Special Collections areas and restricted at computer workstations and microform or other equipment susceptible to damage.
  3. The consumption of alcohol, except at an officially sponsored event, is prohibited.

Computing

  1. Library patrons must not maliciously access, alter, damage, or destroy any Library computer or database.
  2. Library patrons must respect a staff member’s request to relinquish a computer or other equipment for use by another patron.
  3. Library patrons are expected to comply with the Library’s policies (available at the Circulation Desk) regarding online viewing of sexually explicit materials.

Other Conduct

  1. Library patrons are responsible for their personal property at all times, and should never leave personal property unattended. The Library is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal property.
  2. Library patrons are expected to respect and care for all library materials, equipment, and property and may not remove such items from the Library without proper checkout or authorization.
  3. Do not trespass. No patrons are permitted to be in the library when it is closed. Your image may be recorded.
  4. Filming and photography by UVA Law students, faculty, and staff are permitted in the Law Library, but patrons must not be disturbed or inconvenienced. Additional policies apply to Law Special Collections materials.
  5. The possession, storage, or use of any weapon by the general public or visitors, except a law-enforcement officer, on University property is prohibited.
  6. Library restrooms are not to be used for bathing or other similar purposes.

Privacy Policy

The Law Library supports our patrons’ confidentiality and privacy rights as expressed in the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics, in UVA’s Data Protection of University Information​, and in the American Association of Law Libraries’ Ethical Principles. We maintain a minimal amount of personal information on the library’s systems in order to process circulation transactions, e-mail notifications, overdue fine collections, etc. but this information is never shared with third parties except as required by law. 

The library collects usage analytics on some of its web pages by means of first-party cookies. No personal identification information is collected. You may opt out by turning off cookies on your browser or by using an opt-out add-on. 

Other Questions? Try our FAQs