Policies

Below are policies regarding the circulation and collection of materials, electronic resource access, and use of facilities within the Law Library. Please also refer to W&L's Law School Policies, which are to be observed in the Library.

Borrowing/Circulation Policy

All patrons have access to the Law Library's full print collection. Archival materials, microforms, loose-leaf materials, session laws, codes, digests, etc. may not be removed from the Law School building.

To check out an item, either visit the Circulation Desk (level 3) or use the W&L Meescan mobile app to check out an item annytime, anyplace in the Library using your phone. Download the app from Apple App Store for iPhone or Google Play for Android, or scan the QR code posted throughout the Library. Patrons may also use the self-service Meescan station at the Circulation Desk at any time to check out materials, which does not require the mobile app.

Please return or renew items prior to their due date and promptly return items when recalled. You may verify or renew your checked-out materials though your Library Account online or by contacting the Circulation Desk. Adjustments to circulation periods may occur during exam periods, holidays and academic breaks.

Loan Periods 

General Collection (Levels 1A & 1), Federal Documents (Level 1A), History Room (Level 2), and Career Strategy, Recreation, New Faculty Publications, and New Titles (Level 3):

  • Faculty and Staff: 365 days with two automatic renewals
  • Students: 90 days with two renewals
  • Local Patrons: 28 days with two renewals

Reserve Room and Bar Collection (Level 3): 48 hours with two renewals

Main Reading Room Materials (Level 3A): 48 hours with two renewals

Note: If a student has overdue items checked out, no additional library materials may be circulated until previous items have been returned or renewed.

Overdue Materials

Failure to return library materials will generate a Final Notice, at which point the replacement cost of the item is due. If the item is returned, the replacement cost will be waived. If circumstances prevent the timely return of materials, please contact Milea Webb at MWebb@wlu.edu or 540-458-8552.

Electronic Databases Policy

Access to electronic databases is governed by license agreements with the associated providers. Access to many databases is available to all users who are physically located on the W&L campus at the time of access. Access to Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Bloomberg Law is only available via individual passwords issued to law faculty and staff and law students upon arrival. These passwords are valid for a term of three years for law students, or for the term of employment for law faculty and staff, subject to limitations.

Noise, Food, Drink, and Property Policy

The Law Library is an open study space. Please be respectful of others and keep volumes at a reasonable level; noise in the building will carry. Pay attention to areas that are designated as quiet spaces.

Eating and drinking are permitted in the Law Library, however leaving food items or waste is prohibited at all times in all locations.

The Law Library is not responsible for your items. Do not leave personal property or library materials you are using unsecured overnight.

Main Reading Room Reservation Policy

The Law Library's Main Reading Room and adjacent areas may be reserved to hold events, subject to availability and other conditions. Please review the information below and contact Emma Martone at EMartone@wlu.edu or 540-458-8541 with any questions or to place a reservation request.

Reservable Locations

  • Main Reading Room: Floor 3A of the library.
  • Reading Room Loft: Floor 3 of the library near the Immigrant Rights Clinic.
  • Requests for locations other than the Main Reading Room and the Reading Room Loft are considered on a case-by-case basis, but in general, other library locations are not available for reservation.

Hours

  • The Main Reading Room is available for events after 4:00 pm on weekdays and beginning at 9:00 am on the weekends during the school year.
  • Events are not permitted to take place during reading days, exam periods, or University closures.
  • The scheduling of events during the summer is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Policies

  • Whenever possible, please refrain from relocating the tables from their existing positions. The chairs are free to be rearranged as needed.
  • In the event that it becomes necessary to move the tables, please request that Facilities handle this task with care, avoiding any dragging that could cause damage to the carpet.
  • When rearranging or bringing in furniture, ensure that all emergency exits remain unobstructed at all times.
  • Every Facilities request should include a takedown time scheduled for the morning following the event. If the event takes place over the weekend, please arrange for the takedown to occur on Monday morning.
  • Catering, including all related items such as plates, cups, food, and drinks, whether provided by W&L or outside vendors, should be thoroughly cleaned up at the conclusion of the event.
  • Notify Emma Martone of any accidents, including spills involving food or beverages.
  • In the event that any Facilities fees are incurred, they will be billed directly to the department or organization responsible for the event.

Collection Development Policy

The W&L Law Library Collection Development Policy was revised most recently in 2021. The goals of the Collection Development Policy are to:

  • Document the current collection philosophies, policies, and practices for the Law Library.
  • Establish guidelines for deselection, weeding, and withdrawal decisions.
  • Inform Law Library staff, law school administrators, faculty, and students of the collection emphases and criteria for evaluating new materials and formats.
  • Provide guidance to all those involved in developing the Law Library's collection.