Law Library Code of Conduct
Gallagher Law Library seeks to provide a safe and secure learning environment where diverse experiences and perspectives are honored. Law Library users are expected to respect the rights of others, the integrity of Gallagher Law Library and UW Libraries resources and the scholarly mission of the UW School of Law.
Law Library Users from Outside the UW Law Community Will:
- Enter and use the Law Library facility ONLY during public hours and by appointment ONLY, as determined by the Law Librarian. WAC 478-168-070(1).
- If William H. Gates Hall is closed, wait outside the Memorial Way entrance to the building until library staff escort the visitor down to the library facility.
- Check in, present current government-issued picture ID or a current UW Libraries Borrowers Card, and register with the Circulation Desk staff. Public visitors must check out with Law Library staff before leaving the premises. WAC 478-168-094(1) & -096(2).
- Provide Law Library staff with written explanation of the public user’s legal research need being met by the Law Library’s subscription resources on the date of the visit. WAC 478-168-070(1).
- Wear a visitor’s badge at all times, returning the visitor’s badge when checking out of the Law Library facility.
- Leave the Law Library facility before the close of public hours and refrain from staying in the facility after the Law Library closes to public users. WAC 478-168-070(1).
- Refrain from disturbing UW Law student users, including asking law students for legal research help, soliciting law students for employment purposes, or seeking legal advice. RCW 2.48.180
- If seeking to borrow Law Library print materials, acquire a UW Libraries Borrower’s Card from Library Account Services on the First Floor of Suzzallo Library.
- Adhere to all Washington Administrative Code provisions in Chapter 478-168 (“Regulations for the University of Washington Libraries”) including but not limited to:
- WAC 478-168-070 Marian Gould Gallagher Law Library—Access to Facilities. (1) Access to the Marian Gould Gallagher Law Library is limited. Only University of Washington faculty and University of Washington law school students may use the library as a study hall (i.e., for use not related to that library's materials). In general, the library is open for use by any person having need of the library's legal materials. However, when necessary to serve University of Washington faculty and University of Washington law school students effectively, the law librarian may restrict access to the library or any part of the library.
- WAC 478-168-092 Marian Gould Gallagher Law Library—Student Identification Cards—Conditions of Use. (1) University of Washington Law School students must carry official identification cards to enter the library when it is not staffed.
- WAC 478-168-094 Marian Gould Gallagher Law Library—Official Registration of Other Library Users (1) All library users other than University of Washington faculty, staff, and students must complete a registration form for library records at the circulation desk. (2) Information required includes name, permanent address, and additional requested contact information.
- WAC 478-168-096 Marian Gould Gallagher Law Library—Registration by Library Users—Procedures. (1) All eligible library users other than University of Washington faculty, staff, and students must present identification and register at the circulation desk upon entering the library. (2) Identification and visitor's permits shall be as specified by the law librarian.
All Law Library Users Will:
- Adhere to policies governing appropriate use of University identification.
- Present identification upon request.
- Comply with all library policies.
- Respond to emergency and security gate alarms and other situations as instructed by staff; leave buildings at closing and limit use of the library to authorized areas only.
All Law Library Users Will Not:
- Engage in self-help practices when addressing the behavior of other library users. Please speak to Law Library staff if you are disrupted by the behavior of another Law Library user. If the disruption occurs after operating hours, email lawref@uw.edu to report the incident.
- Violate the safety and security of others. Prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to:
- Exhibiting threatening or intimidating behaviors, e.g., abusive language, threats of violence, or harassment.
- Engaging in behavior that is potentially unsafe or harmful to self or others.
- Engaging in sexual activities, indecent exposure, harassment, or making unwanted or inappropriate advances.
- Using the UW NetID or Husky Card of another individual to access UW Libraries facilities and/or resources.
- Using alcohol, tobacco, or controlled substances.
- Leaving young children unsupervised.
- Disturb or disrupt the academic pursuits of other library users. Prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to:
- Creating disturbances with disruptive noise, e.g., loud talking or audible electronic devices.
- Vending, peddling, soliciting, or petitioning in the libraries; posting or distributing materials without permission.
- Inappropriately demanding the attention of others, e.g. disturbing library users who are studying.
- Disturbing others with strong odors, e.g., perfumes, alcohol, or unsanitary personal conditions.
- Consuming food or drink in areas where they are prohibited.
- Bringing animals, other than service animals, into libraries.
- Using special lighting or reflectors for photography or videography.
- Using motorized or non-motorized wheeled devices inside the libraries, including the use of bicycles, skateboards, hoverboards, scooters, and shopping carts that are larger than a small, wheeled luggage cart. These restrictions do not apply to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mobility devices or medical assistive devices, baby strollers, or to university staff and contractors in the course of their work.
Last updated September 30, 2022.