The library is an important resource for the entire Law School community and a commons which is shared by many. Students who abuse this facility and hinder the work of others will be subject to the Law School's disciplinary procedures.
Library users who consume food or drinks in the law library must do so in a manner that maintains a clean, safe library and that minimizes the risk of damage to library books, equipment, and other property.
Non-alcoholic beverages are permitted in the Law Library in spill-resistant containers only (e.g., those with a top, lid, or cap that firmly closes and that is unlikely to come off if knocked over).
Non-messy foods (cold sandwiches, a breakfast bar, cookies, raisins, candy, etc.) are permitted. Please use good judgment and be respectful and considerate of other patrons when consuming food in the library. Patrons may not consume hot, noisy, smelly, or messy foods in any area of the law library. Library users are expected to clean up their workspaces by disposing of any wrappers, crumbs, or spills before you leave. All library users are expected to dispose of their trash in proper receptacles.
No food deliveries are to be made to the Law Library (except during specially approved law school events). Law Library personnel will ask users to take food and drink that does not comply with this policy out of the Library.
Penn State policy (SY07) prohibits bringing animals into University buildings. As a result, pets and other animals, with the exception of authorized service animals, are not allowed in the Law Library or elsewhere in Law School buildings at any time.
While it is expected that users will keep conversations and other noise to a minimum throughout the Law Library, this is particularly true in the University Park Reading Room (Katz Building, Library Room 320) which is typically reserved for quiet reading and research. Conversations and collaborative/group work should not be conducted in these areas at any time.
Cell phone conversations disrupt others’ expectations of quiet study and research space. Cell phones should be turned off or put on silent mode whenever you are in the Law Library, and no calls should be answered or initiated from anywhere within the Law Library. Cell phones may be used in the buildings' lobbies or other common areas.
All users should protect their personal property from theft by assuring that valuables are not left unattended in the Law Library. Neither the Law Library nor the Law School will be responsible for lost or stolen property. Lost and Found in the Katz Building is located in the Business office in the basement, Rm 009. Any items left on the library circulation desk overnight are turned into Lost and Found immediately.
Carrels, tables, and Group Study Rooms are not personal property or private offices. Carrel or table space may not be claimed for an extended period of time without actually occupying the seat. Carrels and tables will be cleared of ALL unattended items periodically throughout the day.
Smoking or vaping of any material is not permitted in the library. This includes the burning of any type of lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette, e-cigarette or any other smoking or vaping equipment, whether filled with tobacco or any other type of material. For more information, see the University Policy on Smoking.