Access and Policies

General Library Policies

• Tobacco products and foods that are noisy, odorous, or greasy are not allowed in the library or the study carrels.
• Drinks are allowed only in spill-proof containers.
• Cell phone usage is restricted to the foyer of the library and the 2nd floor patio.
• The law library staff will provide reference assistance to patrons seeking legal information or conducting legal research. However, the library staff is not allowed to give legal advice or help fill out legal forms for patrons.
• St. Mary’s University law students, law faculty, law staff, and other University faculty, staff and students may check out library books and other items that are for general circulation. A valid ID card issued by St. Mary’s University is required for borrowing any library items. An alternate ID may be accepted for loan purposes upon approval by the Director.
• Study carrels are assigned to law students working on the Law Journal, and the Scholar. Any remaining study carrels are assigned on a first-come-first-served basis to all other law students and to recent graduates studying for the bar. 1Ls are not eligible to reserve a carrel.
• Interlibrary loan services allow St. Mary’s University law students, law faculty and staff to get materials from other libraries through St. Mary’s. Please see our interlibrary loan page for more information.
• Document delivery service is provided to attorneys, law firms, other legal professionals, and businesses based on a service fee. Please see the section on making interlibrary loan requests for more information.

 

Access Policies

The law library is open to all members of the St. Mary’s community including alumni. The library reserves the right to restrict public access. All library hours will be strictly enforced. For a schedule of current hours and a map of our location see our Hours & Directions. No one except authorized library staff will be allowed in the library before or after posted hours. Please plan your research and study needs accordingly.

Access to the Law Library for Public Patrons

The primary purpose of the St. Mary s University Sarita Kenedy East Law Library is to support the teaching and research functions of the School of Law, other St. Mary s University researchers, and the legal community who need to use legal materials. The Sarita Kenedy East Law Library is also open to the general public only for the purpose of conducting legal research and using the federal government depository collection. Due to seating limitations, access to the Law Library may be limited to a small number of public users.

Rules Governing Use of the Law Library:

• The library is only to be used for legal research purposes.
• Patrons who engage in inappropriate conduct, including using a loud voice, rude or abusive behavior, or any interference with other patrons' use, will be asked to leave.
• Carrels, study rooms, the Quiet Study Room and the student lounge are reserved for the use of St. Marys University students, faculty, and staff.
• Personal items left unattended anywhere in the library will be removed and turned over to the St. Mary's University Police.
• Children under the age of eighteen must be supervised by a parent or other responsible adult while in the library.
• Cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices should be set to silent or vibrate mode. Cell phone use is only permitted in the building's foyer and on the second floor patio.
• Drinks are permitted only in covered containers.
• The following items/activities are prohibited:
  • Sleeping or loitering
  • Monopolizing any library space or obstructing the aisles
  • Entering any areas or occupying study spaces that are limited to St. Mary's University Students, Faculty, and Staff
  • Using restroom facilities for inappropriate purposes (including bathing or washing clothes)
  • Pets (service animals are permitted)
  • Inadequate attire (footwear and shirts required)
• The unauthorized removal, mutilation, or abuse of library equipment or materials is prohibited and subject to penalties under Texas law.
• Groups not affiliated with St. Mary's University School of Law may not conduct classes, tours, or business activities without the prior written permission of the Director of the Law Library or the Law School Administration.

Patrons who violate any of the above rules and regulations will be asked to leave the library and may be restricted from future access to the Law Library.

Carrel Reservation Policy

The purpose of this program is to provide students with a library location to store research materials during any short period of academic legal research and writing required by the faculty or for academic credit. This program is not designed for research and writing associated with normal class preparation. Click here to read more about procedures and requirements for carrel reservations and use.

Food and Beverage Policy

Beverages

• All beverages must have secure lids.
• No food or drinks are allowed in the computer lab or any library computing area.
• Clean up after yourself and report any spills to the circulation desk.

Food

• Please be considerate of the facilities and other patrons when eating in the library.
• Avoid foods that are noisy, pungent, or greasy.

Federal Depository Library Access

The Sarita Kenedy East Law Library is a selective federal depository library and as such during public hours we will make available materials and reference services to any member of the general public who can demonstrate a need for such materials.

For more information on the Federal Depository Library Program at the law library, click here.