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Alumni and Visitor Resources

Public Access Policy

  • ​​​​​​ Public Access: 7AM-5PM Monday- Friday. Visitors are expected to leave the library at 5PM. See public hours for most up to date access information.  Circulation desk service hours and Katz building/Library access hours are different.
  • Parking information at the Lewis Katz building. Orange A Katz. 
  • Computer Access: A Penn State Account is required to use library computers to search the catalog and access online resources. Accounts must be created prior to your visit.
  • Borrowing: Pennsylvania Residents who wish to borrow materials at Penn State University Libraries can create a Penn State Account prior to arrival on campus. More information is location at Penn State University Libraries borrowing privileges for Pennsylvania Residents.
  • All members of the public must adhere to the Law Library's User Conduct Policy and Guidelines.

Reference Assistance

The primary function of the Penn State Law Library is to serve the teaching, research, and scholarly activities of students, faculty, and staff.  To best fulfill this mission, access controls and restrictions are in effect. 

For consultation with a librarian please contact the first library via email.  We currently cannot offer walk in reference due to limited staffing and teaching responsibilities. Librarians, faculty, staff, and law students do not provide legal advice, legal reference, interpret the law or other legal services. 

Examples of what we can do include, but are not limited to:

  • Helping you find a book in the library
  • Showing you how to use the library’s public databases
  • Showing you how to use the library’s catalog
  • Helping you understand what a legal citation is referencing

Examples of things we cannot do or answer include, but are not limited to:

  • Finding legal sources on a particular topic
  • What does this case/statute mean?
  • Recommending a lawyer
  • Give legal advice
  • Which topic/form should I look at?
  • Downloading or sending materials from non-public databases