Library Policies

Library Code of Conduct

The primary clients of the Ross-Blakley Law Library are the faculty and students of the College of Law. However, our facilities, collection and services are also available to other University users, members of the bar, and the general public who require access to legal materials.

Users of the library expect:

• a library environment free of disruptive activity
• access to library materials or an ability to place a hold on them as regulations allow
• newspapers, journals, documents, and books that are complete and unmarked
• surroundings free from food and uncovered beverages and their resulting problems

A pleasant and productive environment for study and research requires that each library user follow the Ross-Blakley Law Library Conduct Policy and refrain from the activities listed below:

1. Removal or attempted removal of library materials or property without checking them out or without authorization.
2. Consuming food or drinking beverages that are not in spill-resistant containers within the computer labs, study rooms and all other study areas of the library. See Library Food and Drink Policy for examples of spill-resistant containers.
3. Smoking or using smokeless tobacco in any area of the library.
4. Mutilation of library materials, furniture or equipment by marking, underlining, scratching, removing pages or portions of pages, removing binding, removing electronic-theft detection devices, or in any other way injuring or defacing the library building, library materials, furniture, or equipment.
5. Concealing library materials in the library for the exclusive use of an individual or group or for the express purpose of preventing use by others.
6. Failing to return materials following the expiration of the loan period and/or on request for return of materials by the library.
7. Failing to pay the library the value of lost or damaged materials.
8. Creating any disturbance that interferes with normal use of the library (rowdiness, noise, offensive sexual behavior, etc.)
9. Abusing the rules and regulations regarding the use of library facilities including the study, conference rooms, classrooms, and the computer labs.
10. Harassing of library staff or users.
11. Being in an unauthorized area of the library or remaining in the library after closing or when requested to leave during emergency situations or drills.

All users must comply with federal, state and local laws. The library will actively pursue disciplinary action, prosecution, or other legal action for the offenses listed above. Misuse of the library whether by theft, mutilation, or vandalism of library materials or property, or by interference with study and research activities of library users, shows disrespect for the institution and disregard of the rights of members of the University and College of Law community. Misuse of the library is a violation of Section 5-303, Prohibited Conduct (R7-4-102) of the Arizona Board of Regents Code of Conduct (BOR 5/83,9/83). The Ross-Blakley Law Library Conduct Policy is based upon the Code.

Persons who commit or attempt to commit offenses stated in the Code of Conduct and the Library Code of Conduct Policy, whether a member of the University Community or not, may be asked to leave the library or the campus, may be subject to the sanctions of expulsion, suspension, prosecution, forfeiture, warning, and restitution, and may be accountable to both civil authorities (city, state, or federal) and to the University.

Approved by ASU Office Of General Counsel
August 9, 2003

Computer Use

The Law Library has a number of computers visitors can use for legal research, located on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors of the library.  These computers are to be used for online legal research only and do not contain word processing software, spreadsheet software, or access to email.   Use of the computers is governed by the ASU Computer, Internet and Electronic Communications Policy.

Noise and Cell Phones

Cell phone use is permitted only in the first floor lobby.  Please help us to provide a quiet study environment by keeping conversations brief and the volume to a minimum.  Group study rooms are available for College of Law students, faculty, and COL alumni studying for the state bar exam.  Inquire at the Circulation Desk for room availability.  Ear plugs are also available at the Circulation Desk.

Food and Drink

Please help us to keep the library clean.  Food and tobacco products are prohibited throughout the Law Library, including the study rooms.  Drinks are allowed in spill-resistant containers only.  Drinks are not permitted in the computer labs.

Library Use by Minors

All children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult while in the facilities of the Ross-Blakley Law Library.

Federal Depository Library Materials Use by Minors

• During Government Documents Services reference hours (Monday-Friday 10am-5pm), the child will be directed to the Government Documents area to receive specialized reference assistance from government documents staff. 
  
• During all other hours, the child will receive mediated searching assistance from Information Services desk staff. Any government information research that cannot be answered by Information Services staff will be referred by phone or e-mail to Government Documents Services that will respond within 24 business hours.

Personal Belongings

The Law Library is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings.  Do not leave personal belongings unattended in the library.  Please bring any found items to the Circulation Desk.