Library Policies

OU Law students, faculty, and staff have priority use of Law Library spaces and collections and generally have 24/7 access with a valid University ID, except when the University, College of Law, or Law Library is closed to all persons.

Other OU patrons, members of the bench and bar, and public researchers may use the library during posted public-access hours. Public access is not available during holidays or other full-building closures.

Law Library staff can help patrons locate legal materials, identify research tools, and develop research strategies, but they cannot interpret the law, recommend a legal course of action, or provide legal advice.

People seeking legal representation or advice may wish to contact the OU Legal Clinic, Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, or the Oklahoma Bar Association.

The Law Library is primarily a study and research environment. Patrons should keep conversations and unnecessary noise to a minimum, especially in designated quiet areas and on the upper level.

Collaborative conversation is appropriate in the Inasmuch Foundation Collaborative Learning Center and group study rooms, provided it does not disrupt nearby library users.

Mobile devices may be used for research, texting, and other quiet activities. Phone conversations should be taken outside the library. Headphones and ear plugs are available at the Circulation Desk.

Study rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis unless reserved. Multimedia and CLC study rooms may be reserved by OU Law students and faculty through the College of Law intranet.

Law students have priority over other patrons, and groups have priority over individuals when a room is needed for collaborative work.

Fines are intended to encourage the timely return of materials so they remain available to other researchers. The currently posted overdue schedule is:

Lost items are subject to replacement and processing charges. Once charges have been transferred to the Bursar's Office, they are handled through University billing procedures. Contact the Circulation Desk with questions about an overdue or lost item.

Food and drinks are generally permitted in the Law Library, except in the Chapman Reading Room and computer labs. Drinks should have lids, and patrons are expected to clean up after themselves. Larger meals are better suited to dining areas outside the library.

University policy prohibits tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and vaping devices on University property, including buildings, grounds, parking areas, and University vehicles.

Rare Book Room materials are available to researchers by arrangement with a librarian and must be used under supervision. Photocopying is not permitted. Researchers may use mobile devices to make reference images when allowed by staff and appropriate for the material.

Contact the Law Library to arrange access.

The Law Library's primary purpose is legal study and research. Special events, commercial photography, filming, and other extraordinary uses require advance approval and must minimize disruption to library users.

• Do not photograph or film library patrons without their written consent.
• Commercial use of artwork requires permission from the appropriate rights holder.
• Advertising, promotional, and other commercial filming requires approval from the Law Library Director and OU Marketing and Communications.
• Requesters are responsible for their own models, equipment, and support personnel.

Submit a photography or filming request →

The Law Library follows University of Oklahoma copyright requirements. Library resources, scanning, copying, course use, and other reproduction of protected materials must comply with applicable copyright law and University policy.

University of Oklahoma Copyright Guidelines and Resources →

Exceptional or repeated violations of Law Library policies may result in loss or refusal of access to library facilities or services.