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Library Resources for Members of the Public

We welcome legal researchers to use the reference services and collections of the Gallagher Law Library. This guide will help you understand our policies and resources.

How to Contact Us

The Gallagher Law Library physical space is open during limited days and times per week on an appointment-only basis. We invite you to explore the library resources online.

To check in for public visitor appointments please call the Circulation Desk: (206) 685-2740

To reach us for legal research related questions:

Appointments for Public Visitors

Our public visitor hours for this week are:

 

Note: the library is closed to appointments the week preceding exams, the week of exams, the period between quarters (interim).

Book an Appointment

  • Registration closes 3 hours before the appointment.
  • Appointments are for one (1) hour.
  • You may reserve multiple hours in one day for up to four hours per day.
  • An email address is required to book an appointment online.
    • If you do not have an email address, please call us at (206) 685-2740 to book an appointment.

Policies:

  • We do not accept drop-in visitors
  • William H. Gates Hall is not open without authorized access, library staff will assist you with entering.
  • At the appointed time:
    • Come to the Memorial Way entrance of William H. Gates Hall. View a map here.
    • Call the Circulation Desk at (206) 685-2740
    • Library staff will confirm your appointment and escort you into the building
    • You will need to show a UW Libraries Borrower's Card or a piece of current government-issued identification
    • Library staff will issue you a visitor's badge to wear during your visit.
  • All visitors must abide by the Law Library Code of Conduct and the relevant provisions of the Washington Administrative Code governing University Libraries and Gallagher Law Library.

Using Library Material

Checking out any law library material requires a UW Libraries Borrower's card. Contact Library Account Services to obtain one.
Books:
  • Checking out: In order to check out circulating law library items, or laptops to access online resources while you are in the law library, you need to have a UW Husky Card, or a UW Libraries Borrower's card. 

Loan periods are library use only, or 2-4 weeks, depending on the status of the borrower and the location and type of material checked out.

  • Returning: Law Library books can be returned to any UW Libraries book returns on any of the three campuses (Seattle, Bothell, Tacoma). Do not return UW Libraries books to any non-UW library. This could result in late fines or a bill for replacement.
Laptops:

UW Libraries Borrowers in good standing can check out laptops and portable chargers from our Laptop Kiosk, located near the Circulation Desk. 

  • Items are library-use-only items and must be returned before you leave the library. 
  • Borrowers can only check out one laptop and one portable charger at a time. 
  • When checking out a device, you agree to all our Terms of Service

For more information, read our Frequently Asked Questions about Kiosk Devices. 

Renewing books:
  • Sign into your Library Account. You can also call the Circ Desk (206) 543-4086 during business hours to renew over the phone.
    • Note: if your item is overdue, you must renew in person.
  • Fines & fees accrue when items are late, lost, or damaged. These are handled by UW Library Account Services, not the law library. For questions about billing or to appeal a charge, contact Library Account Services.

Scanning Services

The Law Library can scan and email unique Law Library print resources for library users outside of the UW Law community. Consult our Scanning Services guide for information.

UW Non-Law Visitors

UW non-law Faculty

UW faculty members are entitled to access the Gallagher Law Library for research needs.

  • If you are a current UW faculty member with a limited legal research need, please use the appointments form above.
  • If you have ongoing legal research needs, please use our Gallagher Chat service to request access.
UW undergraduates taking a law course

Undergraduates who take a law course in the UW School of Law building are only permitted Husky Card access to the building so they can enter their classroom. They are not permitted access to the law library or use of the Law Library Course Reserves collection.