Policies

The Research Center is open to all who need legal materials. Circulating materials can be borrowed by members of the public on the same basis as by College of Law students, but it should be kept in mind that much of the Research Center collection consists of non-circulating items.

Library Cards

In order to borrow circulating materials, borrowers must present a library card. FSU students, faculty, and staff use their University I.D. cards as library cards at the Research Center as well as at other FSU libraries. Other borrowers, including students at FAMU and TCC, should use a special library card. To obtain one of these cards, borrowers should complete a Borrower's Registration Form at the Circulation Desk. Law firms may make special arrangements for cards issued to the firm; consult the Circulation Supervisor for details.

Reserve Materials

Books on reserve for College of Law classes are kept at the Circulation Desk. They may be checked out for two hours' use in the Research Center during the day. They may leave the Research Center for overnight use one hour before closing time or after 11 p.m., whichever is earlier. Books checked out overnight are due back in the Research Center one hour after opening the following day. Computer programs and videotapes kept at the Circulation Desk may not be taken out of the Research Center overnight.

Material on Open Shelves

Statutes, reporters, periodicals, and multi-volume sets on the open shelves may be checked out of the Research Center only if multiple copies are available. The first copy of the item is stamped (in the back) "For use in library only." Duplicate copies are stamped "This book may be checked out for one day only," or have a green card in the back. These books may be checked out for one day.

Single-volume works may normally be checked out for three weeks. These books have no special stamp and have a date-due slip in the back.

Reference and Index table books, loose-leaf services, micromaterials, audio- and videotapes, computer programs, and any other item stamped "For use in library only" may not be taken out of the Research Center.

Renewing Borrowed Items

Books which circulate for one day may be renewed for one more day if no one else has requested the book. Books which circulate for three weeks may be renewed for another three weeks if no one else has requested the book. To renew books, bring them to the Circulation Desk in the Research Center with a library card.

Overdue Books

Please note carefully the date on which borrowed materials are due. Borrowers with overdue books will not be able to borrow anything from the Research Center until the overdue items are returned. Overdue items not returned upon request are considered lost items, and the cost of the book and a reacquisition charge will be assessed to the borrower. The Research Center also reserves the right to charge overdue fines for materials. Students owing money to the Research Center will not be allowed to pick up schedules or to graduate until the problem is resolved.