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Research Shelf Policy - Wolff Library

The Wolff International Library provides research shelves where library materials may be held for an extended period of time. This privilege eliminates the frustration of constantly retrieving the same items while also providing an extended loan period. Patrons may use the materials anywhere in the library and then return them to their assigned shelf before leaving the library. Come to the Wolff library circulation desk for an application.

Due to space limitations and crowding, we are unable to offer carrel assignments.

Eligibility

Research shelves in the Wolff Library are available to students writing papers for upper-level writing seminars, graduate papers, journal notes, and authorized faculty research assistants. Research shelves are assigned for the entire semester and may be extended. Any student, who already has a research shelf, will be eligible for an additional assignment only if space is available. The library reserves the right to end these additional assignments with a 5 day notice if other patrons need research shelves.

These research shelves may be in high demand and we ask that students end their reservation as soon as they no longer have a need. Please be sure that your email address is correct, as almost all communication regarding research shelves is carried out through email.

Etiquette

Students may store Georgetown Law Library materials, papers, printouts and other research materials on their assigned shelf. These shelves are not for personal items such as cups, jackets, hats, pens, etc. We strongly discourage leaving interlibrary loan items, materials from other libraries such as Lauinger Library, or any personal books on the shelf since the library cannot be responsible if anything is stolen. We are only responsible for Georgetown Law Library materials checked out to your shelf – you are responsible for everything else including law library books checked out to you personally. Georgetown Law Library books that are not checked out will be removed and any personal items will be turned over to Public Safety in McDonough Hall. The library is not responsible for non-library items that may be lost or stolen.

Books that are checked out to research shelves have an extended loan period and are not due until the end of the semester. Other patrons may consult these books if needed, but they will be instructed to return the book to the assigned research shelf. Please notify Wolff library staff if Law Library materials are removed from your research shelf without authorization. Books may also be recalled for use by another patron. Recall notices will be placed on the shelf and if the item is not returned within one week, it will be removed by library staff.

Procedure

  1. Bring library materials to the Circulation Desk for check out (some materials are not eligible).
  2. The books will be checked out to the research shelf , not to the person. These books are not to leave the library and will trigger the security alarm at the library exit. If the material leaves the library, it must be checked out to an individual responsible for any fines or lost book fees. If you would like to keep books from Williams library on your research shelf and are eligible to borrow from the library, you would first have the items checked out to yourself at Williams and then bring them to the Wolff Circulation Desk to be checked out to your research shelf. Until the item is checked out to the research shelf, you are responsible for any fees. If you are not eligible to borrow directly, please go to the Circulation Desk for further assistance.
  3. Complete a blue flag for each Law Library book and keep the flag in the book while it is stored on the research shelf.
  4. The patron is responsible for transporting all books to the shelf and returning all books to the Circulation Desk by the due date or when finished with materials.

Note: Williams Library policies differ. View the Williams Library policies here.

Page last saved on 04/27/2009