Law Library Policies - Law Library - University at Buffalo Libraries

Home > Libraries > Law > About > Law Library Policies

Law Library Policies

General
Cell Phones
Copyright
Confidentiality
Policies on Access

Circulation Loan Periods, Holds, Renewals and Fines Circulating Collection UB Faculty and Staff - 16 weeks UB Students - 4 weeks Courtesy Borrowers (non-UB SUNY borrowers, alumni, attorneys, Friends, corporate borrowers) - 4 weeks Reserve Collection This collection includes materials on course reserve and permanent and Overnight Reserve books Permanent reserve - 2 hour library use only Overnight Reserve - 2 hour use during the day; may be checked out for overnight use 2 hours before closing and must be returned within 2 hours of opening on the next Law Library business day Additional circulation restrictions apply to non-UB Card borrowers Periodicals Periodicals circulate outside the Law Library for 2 hours and may circulate overnight under the rules governing Overnight Reserve. Additional circulation restrictions apply to non-UB Card borrowers Audio-Visual Materials AV materials must be checked out from and returned to the Koren AV Center. AV Policies Index Non-Circulating Collection This collection includes primary federal, state, and administrative materials, looseleaf services, multi-volume treatises and reference books. Lost and Found Items Most items found in the Law Library are placed in the Lost and Found drawer at the Circulation Desk for identification by their owner. Valuable items, such as wallets or jewelry, are usually locked up in the Law Library's administrative office. The University Police Office at 645-2222 maintains the University's official Lost and Found location. Their business hours are 8:00am - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Overdue Fines Overdue and fine notices are mailed to borrowers as a courtesy. First Overdue Notice is sent 7 calendar days after due date Final Overdue Notice is sent 14 calendar days after due date Failure to receive a notice does not absolve the borrower from responsibility to return library materials or to pay overdue fines or related charges. Fines for Overdue Materials Regular circulating materials: $0.50 per day (maximum fine is $20.00 per item) Late return on a recalled item: $0.50 per day from the new due date (maximum fine is $20.00 per item) Reserve and Overnight materials: $0.05 per minute per item (maximum fine is $20.00 per item) Audiovisual materials: Overdue A/V materials accrue at the rate of $.05 per minute ($5.00 per day) with a maximum charge of $20.00 per item. Fines may be paid at the payment drop site near the Circulation Desk. Fines may be paid by check or money order made payable to the "State University of New York at Buffalo" or with exact change. Fines may also be paid at the Bison Billing and Borrowing Office located in Room 118 Capen Hall. Lost Book Charges and Processing Fines Borrowers who have lost or not returned library materials will be charged for their replacement. A $25.00 processing fee is charged in addition to the replacement price of the item and overdue fines if applicable. Replacement charges may be canceled if lost items are returned, however processing fees will still be charged. Law Library Food and Drink Policy Food and beverages are allowed in the Law Library subject to the following restrictions: No "messy" foods are allowed. This includes pizza, chicken wings and ice-cream. Beverage containers must have lids. Please remember to discard any refuse and to clean up after yourself. Library Exhibition Policies The Law Library display cases are available to members of the Law School community (law student organizations, faculty and librarians) for law-related exhibits. Space is available as provided in the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, Sec. 6 which reads: "Libraries which make exhibit spaces ... available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use." Requests for exhibit space should be directed to a Reference Librarian. Requests will be handled in the order received and on a space available basis. Exhibits will be limited to a duration of three weeks. Off Campus Equipment Loans The Koren AV Center will make available to Law School students or faculty select pieces of equipment for academic and research use. The loan period is usually two days, however, the AV Librarian or Instructional Support Technician may determine the length of a loan period dependent on the use and availability of the equipment. To request the off campus loan of equipment please contact the AV Librarian or the Instructional Support Technician. Koren AV equipment that is usually circulated off campus includes: camcorders with tri-pods, audio recorders, and portable overhead projectors. Other types of equipment may be circulated at the discretion of the AV Librarian Interlibrary Loan Policy The Law Library's Interlibrary Loan Department will request books and articles for UB Law School faculty, staff and students when the materials requested are not available in the collections of UB Libraries. We will make every attempt to obtain requested materials as quickly as possible, however, turn-around times for requests cannot be guaranteed. If you have any questions, please contact the library's Interlibrary Loan Department at 645-6765. Copyright Statement The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research". If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use", that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law. Use of the Library's Interlibrary Loan service indicates acceptance of and compliance with this copyright statement.

Circulation Loan Periods, Holds, Renewals and Fines

Circulating Collection

UB Faculty and Staff - 16 weeks
UB Students - 4 weeks
Courtesy Borrowers (non-UB SUNY borrowers, alumni, attorneys, Friends, corporate borrowers) - 4 weeks

Reserve Collection

This collection includes materials on course reserve and permanent and Overnight Reserve books

Permanent reserve - 2 hour library use only
Overnight Reserve - 2 hour use during the day; may be checked out for overnight use 2 hours before closing and must be returned within 2 hours of opening on the next Law Library business day
Additional circulation restrictions apply to non-UB Card borrowers

Periodicals

Periodicals circulate outside the Law Library for 2 hours and may circulate overnight under the rules governing Overnight Reserve.
Additional circulation restrictions apply to non-UB Card borrowers

Audio-Visual Materials

AV materials must be checked out from and returned to the Koren AV Center.
AV Policies Index

Non-Circulating Collection

This collection includes primary federal, state, and administrative materials, looseleaf services, multi-volume treatises and reference books.

Lost and Found Items

Most items found in the Law Library are placed in the Lost and Found drawer at the Circulation Desk for identification by their owner. Valuable items, such as wallets or jewelry, are usually locked up in the Law Library's administrative office. The University Police Office at 645-2222 maintains the University's official Lost and Found location. Their business hours are 8:00am - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Overdue Fines

Overdue and fine notices are mailed to borrowers as a courtesy. First Overdue Notice is sent 7 calendar days after due date Final Overdue Notice is sent 14 calendar days after due date Failure to receive a notice does not absolve the borrower from responsibility to return library materials or to pay overdue fines or related charges.

Fines for Overdue Materials

Regular circulating materials: $0.50 per day (maximum fine is $20.00 per item) Late return on a recalled item: $0.50 per day from the new due date (maximum fine is $20.00 per item)

Reserve and Overnight materials: $0.05 per minute per item (maximum fine is $20.00 per item)

Audiovisual materials: Overdue A/V materials accrue at the rate of $.05 per minute ($5.00 per day) with a maximum charge of $20.00 per item.

Fines may be paid at the payment drop site near the Circulation Desk. Fines may be paid by check or money order made payable to the "State University of New York at Buffalo" or with exact change. Fines may also be paid at the Bison Billing and Borrowing Office located in Room 118 Capen Hall.

Lost Book Charges and Processing Fines

Borrowers who have lost or not returned library materials will be charged for their replacement. A $25.00 processing fee is charged in addition to the replacement price of the item and overdue fines if applicable. Replacement charges may be canceled if lost items are returned, however processing fees will still be charged.

Law Library Food and Drink Policy

Food and beverages are allowed in the Law Library subject to the following restrictions:

No "messy" foods are allowed. This includes pizza, chicken wings and ice-cream.
Beverage containers must have lids.

Please remember to discard any refuse and to clean up after yourself.

Library Exhibition Policies

The Law Library display cases are available to members of the Law School community (law student organizations, faculty and librarians) for law-related exhibits. Space is available as provided in the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, Sec. 6 which reads: "Libraries which make exhibit spaces ... available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use."

Requests for exhibit space should be directed to a Reference Librarian. Requests will be handled in the order received and on a space available basis. Exhibits will be limited to a duration of three weeks.

Off Campus Equipment Loans

The Koren AV Center will make available to Law School students or faculty select pieces of equipment for academic and research use. The loan period is usually two days, however, the AV Librarian or Instructional Support Technician may determine the length of a loan period dependent on the use and availability of the equipment. To request the off campus loan of equipment please contact the AV Librarian or the Instructional Support Technician.

Koren AV equipment that is usually circulated off campus includes: camcorders with tri-pods, audio recorders, and portable overhead projectors. Other types of equipment may be circulated at the discretion of the AV Librarian

Interlibrary Loan Policy

The Law Library's Interlibrary Loan Department will request books and articles for UB Law School faculty, staff and students when the materials requested are not available in the collections of UB Libraries. We will make every attempt to obtain requested materials as quickly as possible, however, turn-around times for requests cannot be guaranteed. If you have any questions, please contact the library's Interlibrary Loan Department at 645-6765.

Copyright Statement

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials.

Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research". If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use", that user may be liable for copyright infringement.

This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.

Use of the Library's Interlibrary Loan service indicates acceptance of and compliance with this copyright statement.

Cell Phones Cell phone use is prohibited throughout the Law Library

Cell Phones

Cell phone use is prohibited throughout the Law Library

Copyright Policy The Access Services department maintains a policy that insures that our internal practices and procedures are consistent with the United States Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S. Code). Copyright Related Information Copyright & Fair Use (University Libraries) Copyright Facts (University Libraries) Copyright (American Library Association) Webguide (Law Library)

The Access Services department maintains a policy that insures that our internal practices and procedures are consistent with the United States Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S. Code).

Copyright Related Information

Confidentiality of Library Records The privacy of borrower records is protected under New York State Law (section 4509 of the Civil Practice Laws and Rules). The Law Library may not reveal the names of borrowers nor the titles borrowed. 1. Library records, which contain names or other personally identifying details regarding users of the University at Buffalo Libraries, including but not limited to records related to the circulation of library materials, computer database searches, interlibrary loan transactions, reference queries, requests for photocopies of library materials, title reserve requests, or the use of audio-visual materials, films or records, shall be confidential. 2. Such records shall not be disclosed except to the extent necessary for the proper operation of the University at Buffalo Libraries and shall be disclosed upon request or consent of the user or pursuant to court order or where otherwise required by statute. 3. All requests for such records shall be referred to the Office of the Associate Vice President for the University Libraries. Upon receipt of a court order, the Libraries' officers will consult with legal counsel to determine if such order is in proper form and if there is a showing of good cause of its issuance before releasing such records. Policy approved by the Associate Vice President for the University Libraries on May 6, 2002, amended September 25, 2003. See Also: Library Bill of Rights (American Library Association)

Confidentiality of Library Records

The privacy of borrower records is protected under New York State Law (section 4509 of the Civil Practice Laws and Rules). The Law Library may not reveal the names of borrowers nor the titles borrowed.

1. Library records, which contain names or other personally identifying details regarding users of the University at Buffalo Libraries, including but not limited to records related to the circulation of library materials, computer database searches, interlibrary loan transactions, reference queries, requests for photocopies of library materials, title reserve requests, or the use of audio-visual materials, films or records, shall be confidential.

2. Such records shall not be disclosed except to the extent necessary for the proper operation of the University at Buffalo Libraries and shall be disclosed upon request or consent of the user or pursuant to court order or where otherwise required by statute.

3. All requests for such records shall be referred to the Office of the Associate Vice President for the University Libraries. Upon receipt of a court order, the Libraries' officers will consult with legal counsel to determine if such order is in proper form and if there is a showing of good cause of its issuance before releasing such records.

Policy approved by the Associate Vice President for the University Libraries on May 6, 2002, amended September 25, 2003.

See Also: Library Bill of Rights (American Library Association)

Policies on Access to Information "Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives." (James Madison, 1822) New York State Law "Library records, which contain names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of public, free association, school, college and university libraries and library systems of this state, including but not limited to records related to the circulation of library materials, computer database searches, interlibrary loan transactions, reference queries, requests for photocopies of library materials, title reserve requests, or the use of audio-visual materials, films or records, shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except that such records may be disclosed to the extent necessary for the proper operation of such library and shall be disclosed upon request or consent of the user or pursuant to subpoena, court order or where otherwise required by statute." (Section 4509 of the N.Y. Civil Practice Law and Rules)> Library Bill of Rights (American Library Association) The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use. Adopted June 18, 1948. Amended February 2, 1961, and January 23, 1980, inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996, by the ALA Council.

Policies on Access to Information

"Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives." (James Madison, 1822)

New York State Law

"Library records, which contain names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of public, free association, school, college and university libraries and library systems of this state, including but not limited to records related to the circulation of library materials, computer database searches, interlibrary loan transactions, reference queries, requests for photocopies of library materials, title reserve requests, or the use of audio-visual materials, films or records, shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except that such records may be disclosed to the extent necessary for the proper operation of such library and shall be disclosed upon request or consent of the user or pursuant to subpoena, court order or where otherwise required by statute." (Section 4509 of the N.Y. Civil Practice Law and Rules)>

Library Bill of Rights (American Library Association)

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves.

Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Adopted June 18, 1948. Amended February 2, 1961, and January 23, 1980, inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996, by the ALA Council.


		About


		Contact Info
		Hours & Location
		Maps
		Employment
		Staff & Departments
		Law Library Blog
		JD/MLS Program
		Mission Statement
		Policies


		Collections

		Library Services

		Legal Research

		Legal Sources