POLICIES
CELL PHONE USAGE
As a courtesy to other Library patrons, please turn cell phones off. If you must make or take a call, please be courteous to other patrons and complete your call outside of the Library.
CIRCULATION
No books or other materials may be checked out of the Law Library except with the permission of the Law Librarian. Other staff members may not authorize loan of materials.
COMPUTER USAGE
The Law Library has two public access computers available for patron use. These provide access to the Library online catalog, Internet websites, and the LexisNexis Shepard's citation database with West Virginia primary materials. Patrons may use the terminals to access Westlaw.com using their personal authorized passwords. Westlaw public access is not available currently.
Library computers are provided for use for legal research purposes only. Occassional use for access to personal email may be allowed if it does not interfere with others' use of the computers. Library staff may limit a patron's access time based upon the number of other patrons waiting to use the computers.
COPYRIGHT AND FAIR USE
The Copyright Law of 1976 (United States Code, Title 17) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. These photocopies or reproductions are not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." If a user makes a request for or later uses a photocopy or reproduction, including that made by electronic transmission of reserve material for purposes in excess of "fair use," that user may be liable for copyright infringement.
FAX MACHINE
The Law Library fax machine is located at the Library front desk in the Reading Room. The fax number is 304-558-3673. Charges to fax copies are $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
FOOD/DRINK
Library users who consume food or drinks in the law library must do so in a manner that maintains a clean, safe library and that minimizes the risk of damage to library books, equipment and other property. We allow beverage consumption in the law library so long as beverages are in containers with tops, lids, or caps. We allow "judicious” food consumption in the library. Use good judgment and be respectful and considerate of other patrons. Please discard all wrappers and empty containers and clean the table or carrel used. Immediately report to Library staff any food or beverage spills.
INMATE REQUESTS
The State Law Library supplements the collections of the correctional facilities of the state of West Virginia and its political subdivisions by providing inmates with case and statutory law, secondary legal materials such as American Law Reports annotations, and periodical articles less than five years old. There is a limit of five items per inmate per day. This free service does not extend to inmates in the custody of the federal government, other states, or foreign governments. Individuals in such institutions may request fee-based document delivery by mail. Please note: doing extensive legal research, suggesting legal strategies, and giving legal advice are beyond the scope of our service.
PHOTOCOPYING
If you are with a law firm or other government organization, you may establish a billing account allowing you to make photocopies for which you will be billed by mail at the end of each month. State agency employees should use their agency code. Public patrons may obtain the photocopier code from Library staff. Photocopies cost fifteen cents per page. Copies printed from self-serve public access computers are ten cents per page. Copies made on the Library's microfiche reader/printer are twenty-five cents per page. In-person patrons must pay for their copies at the Library front desk.
WIRELESS ACCESS POLICY
The State Law Library provides wireless Internet (WiFi) service free of charge. It is available in the Reading Room and library stacks to anyone who has a wireless computer or handheld device. It is necessary for Library staff to log in each individual who wishes to use WiFi. Please see a staff person at the Library's front desk for access.