Law Library Services for the Public

The Law Library prohibits activities that present health or security risks, are illegal, disrupt normal library operations, or damage library and law school resources. All patrons are expected to comply with University policy, Law School policy, the Bierce Library Acceptable Behavior Policy, and all law library policies.

Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to:

• Making unreasonable noise that disturbs other users including, but not limited to, loud talking, other loud or disruptive noise, or noise from cell phone or audio/visual equipment usage.
• Blocking entrance to and exit from the library; monopolizing/obstructing space, seating tables, or equipment to the exclusion of others.
• Using profane, obscene, or abusive language or gestures.
• Harassing or threatening behavior. 
• Intentionally damaging, destroying, or stealing property belonging to the library, another patron, or staff.
• Abusing, vandalizing, or improperly using furniture, equipment, or materials.
• Entering unauthorized workspaces or work areas or other non-public areas.
• Entering study rooms without a reservation.
• Taking photographs and/or recording videos or audio of Library staff or patrons without their permission.
• Smoking or vaping.
• Using alcohol or illegal drugs.
• Being under the influence, possessing alcohol or drugs, selling drugs or alcoholic beverages.
• Engaging in sexual conduct or lewd behavior.
• Littering.
• Bringing animals other than service animals to the library
• Soliciting, petitioning, or canvassing.
• Posting or distributing literature without permission.
• Using a bicycle, roller blades, skates, skateboard, in-line roller skates, or similar devices.
• Unlawful or unauthorized possession of firearms, fireworks, explosives, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals, or using any item, even if lawfully possessed, in a manner that harms, threatens or causes fear to others.
• Leaving unsupervised or unattended children who are unable to care for themselves.
• Engaging in any activity in violation of federal, state, or local law or university or library policies.
• Trespassing, violating an eviction, entering library property when banned, or remaining on library property after having been restricted or directed to leave.
• Engaging in other acts disruptive to patrons and staff.

Although the Library reserves the right to require anyone violating the Code of Conduct to leave library property, the library generally will follow these steps when a violation occurs:

1. Library personnel will verbally bring to an individual’s attention any act or omission that violates this Patron Code of Conduct or related library policies and ask the individual to change their behavior to conform to the rules.
2. If such change is not evident or forthcoming, library personnel will direct the individual violating this Patron Code of Conduct or related library policies to leave library property. In some situations, a violation may result in an individual being directed to leave library property (Step 2) without the patron having been given a verbal warning under Step 1, including, for example, in situations when a patron’s presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disruption (for example, when engaging in a physical fight, etc.), or based on the severity or frequency of the violation.
3. Failure to leave library property when directed may result in intervention by UAPD.
4. Individuals who violate this Code of Conduct may be restricted from the library for varying periods of time, depending on the severity or frequency of the violation. If restricted for more than one day, the library will give written notice of the violation and restriction, either in person at the time of violation or by mail if possible.

Library and law school personnel may, in their discretion, call UAPD for assistance as needed. The library reserves the right to enforce this Code of Conduct consistent with safety, health, legal, and other relevant considerations, and the library will comply with all applicable laws. In addition, patrons must comply with all federal, state, and local laws. Suspected illegal activity will be reported to UAPD. Violations of law may result in a patron being expelled from the library, and/or other legal action, as appropriate. The examples listed above are not a complete list of violations but instead are intended to provide guidance. The Associate Dean of Library and Information Services and other Library personnel are authorized to determine what constitutes disruptive behavior.

The School of Law Library, its librarians and staff do not provide legal advice and counsel. Individuals who have legal questions should contact an attorney. Assistance locating an attorney is available from organizations such as the Akron Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service, which may be reached at (330) 253-5038.

Librarians are available to answer questions about tools and resources that may be helpful when researching a particular topic. Reference librarians are usually available Monday-Friday from 8-5. However, librarians are often teaching classes, meeting with students, or in committee meetings. We encourage you to make an appointment by calling (330) 972-7330 or emailing us to ensure a reference librarian is available.