The primary responsibility of the Law Library is to support the teaching and research functions of the UCLA School of Law and other University of California (UC) researchers who need to use legal materials; therefore, access to the UCLA Law Library is restricted. All users must present official photo identification to verify their user status. Upon entering, all Limited Access Users must receive a Daily Access Ticket. These Daily Access Tickets are limited in number and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

Note to UCLA faculty teaching or supervising UCLA students who need on-going access to the Law Library's materials for research or assignments: read our "Exemption Handout" for information about obtaining a temporary exemption to this policy for these students.

Regular Access User: UCLA law students; other UC law school students; current UC faculty and staff; UC law school alumni; members in good standing of a state bar association; members of the judiciary and their staff; current faculty of other degree-conferring institutions of higher education in California (excluding online schools); current U.S. law school faculty; current students from law schools located outside of Los Angeles County (excluding online schools).

Limited Access User: UCLA non-law students; non-law students from other UC campuses; depository users.

1. Only Authorized Users shall have access to the UCLA Law Library.
    
2. Access to the Law Library for Limited Access Users is limited to a small number of users per day. Access to the Library does not include access to areas designated for the exclusive use of UCLA Law Students, Faculty, and Staff, such as the Tower Reading Room, Conference Rooms, and the After Hours Reading Room.
    
3. To access the Law Library during Law School final exam periods, all Limited Access Users must demonstrate to the Circulation Desk staff member on duty an immediate need to use Law Library print materials that are not available in other UCLA libraries. Upon demonstration of such need, a special access pass may be issued at the discretion of the Circulation Desk staff member on duty. (Users should ask at the Circulation Desk about specific dates and requirements for access.)
    
4. All users must present photo identification each time they enter the Library and non-UCLA Law users will be required to sign in and identify their institutional affiliation. Limited Access Users will be issued Daily Access Tickets that must be kept visible at all times. Ticket holders must abide by all Library policies. Any ticket holder who is found in an area reserved for UCLA Law students, faculty or staff, who is found violating any other Library policy, or who is disruptive in any way, will have his/her ticket revoked and must leave the Library immediately.
    
5. Tickets are issued on a daily basis to an individual and are not transferable. Individual tickets may be canceled by a Law Library Supervisor whenever necessary to ensure useful access to the facility for Regular Access Users. Ticket holders exiting the Library should be prepared to present the Daily Access Ticket upon re-entering the Library. When leaving for the day, please return all Daily Access Tickets to the checkpoint so that they may be reissued. 
    
6. The Library is not open to the general public except that members of the general public may have access to United States government documents acquired by the Law Library through its membership in the Federal Depository Library Program. Please note that the Law Library receives only a very small portion of federal depository materials. Access to the federal depository documents is available to the public; however, because of our limited selection of depository materials and/or staffing availability, we cannot guarantee access to the needed materials unless prior arrangements have been made. Please visit "Access to Government Documents" (under Other Library Policies below) for more information about our government documents policy and instructions for making prior arrangements for access to our federal depository materials.
    
7. Students from non-U.S. law schools (not online) are permitted to access the Law Library only 20 days per year. Those seeking access for longer periods or seeking a letter of invitation must apply to the Visiting Scholars and Researchers Program.

1. Regular Access Users

Regular Access Users shall have access to the Law Library upon presentation of the required identification:

2. Limited Access Users

Limited Access Users must have a Daily Access Ticket to enter the Library. If all tickets have been distributed, users may request a special access pass to be issued by a Circulation Desk staff member based on a demonstrated, immediate need to use Law Library print materials that are not available in other UCLA libraries. Limited Access Users must present the following required identification:

Access may be granted to law students from schools within Los Angeles County and from online law programs only if prior arrangements are made through the UCLA Law Library Administration by the administration of their home institution's library.

The UCLA Hugh & Hazel Darling Law Library is the primary place of study and research for the UCLA Law School community; thus, a quiet environment must be maintained. Recognizing that non-UCLA Law School users may have legitimate needs to use the Library's collection or academic services, the Law Library allows a limited number of users who are not UCLA Law School users (as specified by our Access Policy listed above) to use the Library at any one time. Access to the Law Library, however, does not grant users access to all Library services or to all areas of the Library. While in the Law Library, users who are not members of the UCLA Law School community are expected to abide by the following policies:

• Users must present photo identification each time they enter the Library. All users who are not members of the UCLA Law School community are required to sign-in and record their institutional affiliation and ID number.
• A quiet study environment must be maintained in the Library. Any behavior that disrupts an environment that is conducive to study will not be permitted.
• In accordance with UCLA campus policy, sound on cell/mobile devices must be turned off when entering the Library. As a courtesy to others, please hold all mobile phone conversations outside of the library.
• No food is allowed in the Library. The Library Guard or the CSO on duty will ask users to remove or throw out any food found in the Library. Beverages are allowed in the Library, but only in the sealable, reusable containers. Beverages in disposable containers are strictly prohibited.
• Specified areas of the Library, including the Tower (Fourth Floor) Reading Room and the Conference Rooms are for UCLA Law student, staff, and faculty use only.

Unacceptable behaviors for all users include, but are not limited to (see the Regulations FAQ below for more information):

• Deliberate misuse of materials or equipment that interferes with or prevents timely access to resources or equipment by other users or staff;
• Violation of University policies, including policies on computer and network use, cell phone use, electronic communications and harassment;
• Vandalism, theft or defacement of library materials or other property.

Users found violating any of the policies listed above, will be asked to leave the Law Library. Violations of Library or University policies on more than one occasion, or one-time egregious violations, are grounds for having Law Library privileges revoked. Violations of California state or Federal law will be handled appropriately.

Any refusal to comply with requests made by representatives of the Law Library (including Library and Law School Staff, Library Guards, Campus Security Officers or Campus Police) in the enforcement of Library policies may be grounds for permanent revocation of Law Library use privileges. For students, violations of Law Library policies may also be referred to the appropriate Dean of Students for further action.

The Library has adopted regulations to protect the rights of both users and staff to create an appropriate academic atmosphere and to provide a safe, comfortable and convenient environment. All users are expected to contribute to an atmosphere that is conducive to study and to respect the rights and needs of others. The Library will refuse access to its facility, resources or services to anyone who acts irresponsibly by disrupting the use of the facilities by others or by being disrespectful to other users or employees.

In addition, all persons on university property are required to abide by both university policies and campus regulations (UCLA Regulations on Activities, Registered Organizations, and Use of Properties and UC policies applying to campus activities, organizations, and students).

Persons who are unwilling to abide by these regulations will be asked to leave, and those refusing to do so will be subject to removal by campus police and may not be allowed further access to the library.

The FAQ contains references to relevant university and campus regulations, UC policies, California law and, if applicable, federal law.

The following topics are covered:

• Animals
• Connecting to the campus network; computer systems, networks, programs or data
• Damage to library materials, furniture, equipment or property
• Smoking
• Taking materials, equipment or property

This FAQ is a working document and is subject to additions and revisions.

Q. ARE ANIMALS PERMITTED IN CAMPUS LIBRARIES?

A. UCLA policy states that dogs, leashed or otherwise, are not permitted in any campus building, except for police dogs; guide, signal, and service dogs used by disabled persons as defined by California Civil Code § 54.1; in accordance with the California Health and Safety Code; and under special circumstances, which must be approved in advance by the director of UCLA Environment, Health and Safety.

CALIFORNIA STATE LAW

Animals are not permitted in library buildings, with the exception of animals trained or being trained to assist persons with disabilities (California Civil Code § 54).

Q. ARE THERE REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONNECTING TO THE CAMPUS NETWORK AND THE USE OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS, NETWORKS, PROGRAMS OR DATA IN THE LIBRARIES?

A. Yes. See the relevant sections of the UCLA Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual for information regarding minimum security standards, including software patch updates, anti-virus software, host-based firewall software passwords, unencrypted authentication, unauthenticated email relays, unauthenticated proxy services, physical security, and unnecessary services.

CALIFORNIA STATE LAW 

Users must not maliciously access, alter, damage, or destroy any computer system, network, program, or data (California Penal Code § 502).

Q. WHAT HAPPENS IF I DAMAGE LIBRARY MATERIALS, FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT OR PROPERTY?

A. You may be prosecuted.

CALIFORNIA STATE LAW

All users must handle library materials such that they are not mutilated, defaced, or damaged in any way. This includes but is not limited to marking, underlining, or writing on pages; folding or removing pages or portions of pages; removing or damaging binding; removing electronic theft devices or labels; or applying post-its, paper clips, or other damaging materials (California Penal Code § 594 and California Education Code § 19910).

Users must not maliciously access, alter, damage, or destroy any computer system, network, program, or data (California Penal Code § 502). Users must not vandalize, deface, damage, or destroy library buildings, furniture, or equipment (California Penal Code § 594).

Q. IS SMOKING PERMITTED IN OR AROUND THE LIBRARIES?

A. As of April 22, 2013, the entire UCLA Campus was designated as a smoke free environment. (UCLA Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual).

CALIFORNIA STATE LAW

No public employee or member of the public shall smoke any tobacco product inside a public building, or in an outdoor area within twenty feet of a main exit, entrance, or operable window of a public building, or in a passenger vehicle, as defined by Section 465 of the Vehicle Code, owned by the state. This section shall not preempt the authority of any county, city, city and county, California Community College campus, campus of the California State University, or campus of the University of California to adopt and enforce additional smoking and tobacco control ordinances, regulations, or policies that are more restrictive than the applicable standards required by this chapter (California Government Code § 7596-7598).

Q. CAN LIBRARY MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT OR PROPERTY BE TAKEN FROM THE LIBRARIES?

A. Circulating library materials must be properly checked out before being taken from the libraries. Library equipment or property cannot be taken from the libraries without proper checkout or authorization.

CALIFORNIA STATE LAW

California state law states that library materials, equipment, or property must not be taken from the libraries without proper checkout or authorization. Library materials must be returned following the expiration of the loan period or upon request by the library. Library materials must not be concealed in the libraries for the exclusive use of individuals or groups (California Penal Code § 490.5 and California Education Code § 19911).

As of April 2013, the UCLA Campus implemented a smoke/tobacco free environment.

Please help us keep our library beautiful. Beverages are allowed in the Library, but only in sealable, reusable containers. Beverages in disposable containers are strictly prohibited. Please be aware that CONSUMPTION OF FOOD IS NOT ALLOWED IN THE LAW LIBRARY. The pests that are attracted to the Library by food also eat our books. We ask for your cooperation in adhering to the "NO FOOD" policy.

In accordance with UCLA campus policy, sound on cell/mobile devices must be turned off when entering the Library. As a courtesy to others, please hold all mobile phone conversations outside of the library.

The Library has a number of computers which are located in the Reference Reading Room, near the entrance and on the second and third floors in the stacks. These computers are available for academic and legal research purposes only and are not to be used for e-mail, word processing or playing games. Use of the Library's computers is limited to 2 hours per day. In addition, the Law Library also follows the UCLA Library system's "Acceptable Use Policy for Library Public Computers."

The following areas of the Library are reserved for the exclusive use of the UCLA Law School Community: the Tower Reading Room (4th Floor), all Conference Rooms and the Computer Labs. Your cooperation in observing these restrictions is appreciated.

When using the Library, PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PERSONAL BELONGINGS UNATTENDED. Please keep in mind that your valuables can be stolen in a matter of seconds. The Law Library is not liable for loss or damage to personal property. We encourage you to make use of the Library's public lockers to store your personal belongings.

The Library has a bank of public lockers available to Library users. These are located to the left as you enter the Library, near the Photocopy Room. The cost for the lockers is 25¢ per use (You must deposit a quarter to release the key).

The Department of Community Safety provides free escort service every day of the year from dusk to 1:00 a.m. Uniformed Community Service Officers (CSOs)–specially trained UCLA students–are available to walk students, staff, faculty and visitors between campus buildings and local living areas or Westwood Village. To obtain an escort, call (310)794-WALK (4WALK from a campus phone) about 20 minutes before you need to leave.

General Information

Access to the Federal Depository Collection by the general public is an exception to the Law Library’s Access Policy. This exception is made in order to provide access to government information.  Access to the Federal Depository Collection entitles members of the public to use those publications received through the Federal Depository Library Program only; it does not entitle the visitor to use the Law Library’s general collections, services, or physical space. Once the user has completed his/her use of the federal depository documents, he/she is required to leave the Law Library promptly.

Application for Access to the Federal Depository Collection

Advance reservations are recommended for members of the public to ensure access to the Federal Depository Collection. Users can request reservation sessions by submitting the online request form or by calling (310) 825-3166. Phone requests should include the following information: your name, contact information (phone number or email address), and a description of the federal depository materials you are requesting to access.  Alternatively, if users are unable to submit the form electronically, they should send an email to govdocs@law.ucla.edu with the information described above.

Requestors will receive a response within two business days. Federal Depository users with an immediate need may contact the library at (310) 825-3166 for assistance and will be accommodated as staff is available. 

Procedures for Use of Depository Collection

1. Check in with the guard at the Library’s entrance at the appointed time. Visitors must present a government issued photo ID.
2. The guard will escort the visitor to the Reference Reading Room where the requested document will be paged. The visitor will be required to work in the Reference Reading Room for the duration of the appointment.
3. Upon completion of the use of the federal depository documents, the visitor will be required to leave the Law Library promptly.