Barco Law Library: Policies

Use of the Library

The Barco Law Library serves the faculty and students of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, but our legal resources are available to anyone needing to do legal research. As a Federal Depository Library, our Government Document collection is available for use by the public at large. Patrons who aren't doing legal research or using the Government Document collection will not be permitted to remain in the library. This includes Pitt students who aren't using legal resources. This policy is strictly enforced because of our location across the street from the Towers dormitories and the ABA minimum seating requirements for law school accreditation. The library does not permit any type of instruction by non-University of Pittsburgh instructors on its premises. Instructors of graduate courses at the University may hold a class in the library under certain conditions with permission.

Smoking

Smoking in the library is prohibited.

Eating

Food and beverages are allowed in the Fawcett Student Commons area of the library. Outside of that area, beverages are allowed in the library as long as they are contained in spill-proof cups or bottles, but food is not allowed. No food or drinks are allowed in the computer labs.

Reshelving Materials

Patrons are expected to use books within the general area where they are shelved and are requested to reshelve books without classification numbers after use.

 Classes in the Library

Instruction in the library is only allowed when prior permission has been given. Generally, permission will be granted to Pitt graduate and undergraduate classes for tours or one-time only instruction as long as it is not held at inconvenient times or excessive demands are made. Permission will rarely be granted to non-Pitt classes. Class groups not from the Pitt Law School showing up without permission will be asked to leave.