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Library Services

Mason Law Library Community User Services

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The Mason Law Library serves the education and research needs of its students, faculty, staff, and members of the public. Community library users with research needs may use the library's physical space, wireless internet, and print collection. Members of the public do not generally have access to UDC Law Library databases. Community members are welcome to visit the library from 9am-7pm, Monday through Thursday. In order to visit the library, members of the public must reserve a day and time at least 24 hours in advance by calling 202-274-7310 or emailing lawlibraryhelp@udc.edu. Please note, public hours may change during holidays and exam periods.

Reference assistance is also available to the public when visiting the UDC Law Library. Reference librarians are available to assist community library users with: 

  • Locating legal information through freely available online sources, like federal and state government websites, Google Scholar, and others.
  • Locating and retrieving materials in the library’s print collection.
  • Identifying and accessing available online resources to meet specific research needs.

Reference staff are unable to provide any type of legal advice to library users. This policy is not only for the protection of our users, but also providing such advice violates the rules and laws governing the practice of law.

Mason Law Library Code of Conduct

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All patrons are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner. Behavior that violates this policy will result in intervention by staff. Such behavior includes but is not limited to:

  1. Interfering with another person’s ability to use the facilities or services or with any library employees’ performance of their duties. Interference includes behavior that is deliberately intrusive, intimidating, hostile, or offensive.
  2. Damaging, mutilating, or removing from the premises without authorization any part of the library collection, building, furnishings, equipment, or supplies, or using any of the same in a manner that is inconsistent with customary use.
  3. Altering any computer system hardware or software configurations.
  4. Making excessive noise, using a phone or playing audio equipment that creates a disturbance for all other library users.
  5. Using abusive or threatening language.
  6. Using matches, lighters, or other means of ignition, illegal substances or alcoholic beverages on Library premises. Smoking is not permitted in the building or within 25 feet of the building entrances, including the use of electronic cigarettes or other smoking-simulation devices.
  7. Entering the Library without a shirt or other appropriate covering on the body or without shoes or other footwear.
  8. Disrupting others with any strong odors or overly fragrant scents that may be unpleasant to other library users or staff.
  9. Leaving personal belongings unattended.
  10. Loitering in the building’s restrooms.
  11. Bringing any animal into the Library, other than a registered service animal, or as approved for participation in library-sanctioned activities.
  12. Soliciting or panhandling on library premises.
  13. Engaging in any illegal act or conduct in violation of Federal, State, or local law, ordinance or regulation.
  14. Disregarding the reasonable direction of a library staff member. Patrons may not remain in the library past regular operating hours or when circumstances dictate evacuation, e.g. power failure, fire, threatening weather, or similar situation.
  15. Being present in library offices, lounges, storage areas, or other non-public areas while unaccompanied by a Library staff member or without prior agreement with library management.
  16. Any and all other behavior that is contrary to the intended purposes of the library.

Library staff may address any of these behaviors in the following ways:

  1. Verbal warning to cease the behavior or actions.
  2. Written warning to cease and/or not to repeat behavior or actions.
  3. Directing the patron to leave the premises.
  4. Contacting public safety or the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Library staff are not required to go through the entire intervention process. Intervention may begin at any step, including immediate involvement of the police, depending upon the severity of the incident or behavior.

Extreme or repeated violation of this policy may result in a suspension of library privileges.

Please click here to view our general library policies.