Library Policies
The William A. Wise Law Library is an essential resource for the University of Colorado Law School's students, faculty, and staff as well as the entire state of Colorado, offering a comprehensive collection of legal research, open and inviting facilities, and expert research assistance. Whether you're conducting in-depth legal research, preparing for class, or seeking a quiet study space, the Law Library is designed to support your academic, professional, and legal research needs.
Learn more about how to use the Law Library through the policies below.
Law Library Policies
Purpose & Scope
TThe William A. Wise Law Library is committed to supporting the research, scholarship, and learning needs of the University of Colorado Boulder community. This policy establishes the guidelines for access to law library facilities, collections, and resources by both university-affiliated and non-affiliated users.
Access & Library Access Hours
Current law library hours are posted on the law library website and at the law library entrance.
Academic Semester Public Access Hours
- Monday – Friday: 7:00am to 7:00pm
- Saturday – Sunday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
University-Affiliated Users
The law library is open to currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff of the University of Colorado Boulder in accordance with posted hours.
- University affiliated users may enter the law library outside of public access hours with a valid Buff OneCard.
- An electronic Buff OneCard will not grant access.
Non-University Affiliated Users (Public Users)
Members of the public, including attorneys, researchers, and other non-University affiliated individuals, are welcome to use the library for research and collection purposes only during posted public access hours.
- Public access is limited to the hours posted above and as posted on the law library website and law library entrance.
- At the conclusion of public access hours, all non-university affiliated users must exit the law library promptly.
Access Restrictions
Certain areas of the law library are designated for specific users and are not open for general access.
Law Student & Journal Only Spaces
- Group Study Rooms – Available only to currently enrolled law students and must be reserved according to the law library’s study room policy.
- Council for Racial Justice & Equity Suite (“Solidarity Suite”) – Designated exclusively for law student use.
- Law Journal Offices – Reserved for members of the Colorado Law Review, the Colorado Environmental Law Journal, and the Colorado Technology Law Journal.
- Law Journal Kitchen – Designated for use by members of Colorado Law’s three student journals.
Staff-Only Spaces
- Library staff rooms, including offices, workrooms, and storage rooms, may not be accessed by unauthorized persons without express authorization by library staff.
- The area behind the circulation desks are restricted to library staff only. Patrons are not permitted behind the circulation desks or to enter workspaces designated for library operations.
- Technical services and administrative offices are for library staff use only. Unauthorized entry may result in removal from the premises.
If patrons need assistance, they should request help from a staff member at the circulation or reference desks – they should not enter staff areas or reach behind service counters.
Policy Administration
The law library reserves the right to modify access hours or restrict access as necessary in accordance with law school and university policy, security considerations, or other operational needs.
Policy Enforcement & Consequences
- Students found in violation of this policy may be subject to Honor Code violations.
- Users found in violation of this policy may be subject to law library sanctions, including temporary or permanent loss of law library privileges.
Policy Updates & Questions
This policy is subject to periodic review and updates. Any changes will be posted on the law library’s website. For questions regarding access or library hours please contact the Associate Director of Public Services.
Updated 2/27/2026.
Purpose & Scope
The William A. Wise Law Library is committed to supporting the research, scholarship, and learning needs of the University of Colorado Boulder community. This policy establishes the guidelines for use of law library facilities, collections, and resources by both university-affiliated and non-affiliated users.
General Use of Library Spaces
The law library is a shared academic environment intended for research, study, and related educational activities.
- All users are expected to utilize library spaces in a manner consistent with the library’s academic purpose.
- Library users must comply with the library policies, including policies on noise levels, appropriate access, and bias.
- To ensure a respectful and hygienic environment for all users, the law library requires that all users wear attire – including tops, bottoms, and footwear – at all times while inside the library.
Use by Non-University Affiliated Users (Public Users)
During public access hours, non-university affiliated users may:
- Use general law library spaces for legal research.
- Consult law library collections.
- Use legal reference services.
- Use designated public Westlaw terminals and public access computer terminals when available.
Non-university affiliated users may not use restricted materials, spaces, or resources unless expressly authorized. Please see the Law Library Access Policy for more information.
Conduct
Law library users should help maintain an environment that supports research, scholarship, and study. All users should use law library materials thoughtfully to maintain equitable access for everyone. To continue the normal use of library spaces, services, and materials, the law library does not permit the following behaviors:
- Engaging in behavior that interferes with other users’ ability to study or research or with staff’s ability to provide services. This includes, but is not limited to, excessive noise, harassment, or threatening behavior.
- Creating conditions that interfere with others’ ability to use shared spaces, including refusing to share space during peak library use times such as finals.
- Blocking walkways, seating, collections, and other public access areas with personal belongings, including large belongings such as luggage, skateboards, or carts.
- Please note, bicycles are not allowed in the Wolf Law building and must be secured to bicycle racks outside.
- Leaving children under the age of 15 unsupervised. Children under the age of 15 must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
- Removing or attempting to remove law library materials or property without proper checkout or authorization.
- Damaging, defacing, altering, or misusing law library materials, furnishings, equipment, or facilities.
- Concealing library materials or otherwise restricting access to materials intended for shared use.
- Entering areas not authorized for law library users or remaining in the law library beyond permitted access hours or during emergency procedures where user access is prohibited.
- Selling, soliciting, or promoting goods and services, including legal representation, without authorization.
- Conducting photography, audio, or video recordings or surveys without prior approval from the appropriate University or Law School administrator and the Associate Director of Public Services.
- Using the restroom facilities for anything other than the purpose for which they are intended.
Law library staff will address conduct concerns to preserve access, use, safety, and an inclusive environment. Users with concerns about another law library user’s conduct should speak to law library personnel at one of the circulation desks. Responses to conduct concerns are addressed in section of this policy.
Policy Enforcement & Consequences
- Students found in violation of this policy may be subject to Honor Code violations.
- Users found in violation of this policy may be subject to law library sanctions, including temporary or permanent loss of law library privileges.
Policy Updates & Questions
This policy is subject to periodic review and updates. Any changes will be posted on the law library’s website. For questions, please contact the Associate Director of Public Services.
Policy last revised 2/27/2026
The William A. Wise Law Library supports the principles of academic freedom as essential to its mission and values within the academic law community. We affirm that academic freedom is fundamental to advancing legal research, education, and knowledge creation, extending this commitment to all community members, including students, faculty, librarians, staff, and the public. We recognize that academic freedom is indispensable to librarians, as they are the custodians of knowledge and play a crucial role in ensuring that diverse, sometimes controversial perspectives are accessible to all. Our commitment to intellectual freedom safeguards the rights of faculty and students to teach, study, and engage freely with a range of ideas and viewpoints, free from censorship or undue restraint.
The Wise Law Library strives to acquire and maintain collections that reflect varied perspectives on law, society, and rights. We affirm the rights of our patrons to read, view, and engage with library resources. No material will be excluded based solely on its language, subject matter, or the views and identities of its creators. This ensures that all members of our community can exercise their academic rights and responsibilities in an environment of open inquiry and respect.
A public entity may be considered in compliance with 8 CCR 1501-11 Technology Accessibility Rules if it:
- Provide reasonable accommodations or modifications and
- Has a published accessibility statement and
- Can provide evidence of making good faith progress on their plan to remove accessibility barriers
Below is the William A. Wise Law Library’s Accessibility Statement as it pertains to their website (/law-library):
The William A. Wise Law Library is committed to providing equitable access to our services for all Coloradans. Our ongoing accessibility effort works toward being in line with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, level AA criteria. These guidelines not only help make technology accessible to users with sensory, cognitive, and mobility disabilities, but ultimately all users, regardless of ability or disability. Our efforts are just part of a meaningful change in making all State of Colorado and University of Colorado Boulder services inclusive and accessible. We welcome comments on how to improve our website’s accessibility for users with disabilities and for requests for accommodations to any William A. Wise Law Library Services.
Feedback and Support
The William A. Wise Law Library welcomes your feedback about the accessibility of its website and Digital Archive. Please let us know if you encounter accessibility barriers. The Law Library is committed to providing an initial response within 5 business days of your feedback. Feedback Form: . Or email us at lawref@colorado.edu.
Updated on 2/21/2025
Purpose & Scope
The William A. Wise Law Library is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all patrons, including students, faculty, staff, and public users. This policy establishes procedures for reporting bias incidents, discrimination, or harassment occurring within the law library.
Definition of Bias Incidents & Harassment
A bias incident is any act – verbal, written, or physical – that is directed at an individual or group based on race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics. Bias incidents may or may not constitute a legal violation but can negatively impact the law library community.
Harassment includes unwelcome conduct, whether verbal, physical, or visual, that creates a hostile or intimidating environment. This includes but is not limited to:
- Threats, intimidation, or offensive comments based on protected characteristics.
- Display or distribution of discriminatory or hateful materials.
- Unwanted physical contact or disruptive behavior that makes others feel unsafe.
Reporting a Bias Incident or Harassment
Library users who experience or witness a bias incident or harassment should immediately report the issue to library staff following the procedures in Section IV of this policy. Library administration will be informed of all reports of an incidences of bias or harassment. Other law school and/or university offices may be notified as necessary.
Reporting Procedures
1. Immediate Reporting:
- Visit the circulation desk and inform a library staff member about the incident.
- If the situation requires urgent attention (e.g., threats, physical harm), campus police may be contacted immediately.
2. Formal Complaint Submission:
- Patrons may file a formal complaint with the Head of Access Services and/or the Associate Director of Public Services in person or via email.
- Complaints should include relevant details:
- Date, time, and location of the incident.
- Description of what occurred.
- Names of any involved individuals or witnesses (if known).
3. Review & Response:
- The designated library personnel will review the complaint and determine appropriate action.
- If the incident falls under university policies on discrimination or harassment, it may be referred to the appropriate university office for further investigation.
4. Confidentiality & Non-Retaliation:
- Reports will be handled confidentially to the extent possible while ensuring appropriate action is taken.
- Retaliation against individuals who report incidents in good faith is strictly prohibited.
Enforcement & Consequences
- Patrons found in violation of this policy may be subject to library sanctions, including temporary or permanent loss of library privileges.
- More serious cases may be referred to campus security, university administration, or legal authorities as necessary.
Policy Updates & Questions
This policy is subject to periodic review and updates. Any changes will be posted on the library website. For questions regarding the law library’s reference services, please contact the either the Head of Access Services or the Associate Director of Public Services.
Revised 3/5/2025
Wise Law Library Book Donation Policy
The William A. Wise Law Library deeply appreciates the generosity of individuals who wish to support our collections through the donation of books and other materials. Due to limited staff resources, space constraints, collection development priorities, and processing costs, the Law Library generally does not accept unsolicited donations.
We may consider accepting very rare or historically significant law books that align with our collection scope and support the research and teaching mission of the law school. If you believe your materials meet this criterion, please contact us in advance at lawlibacq@colorado.edu with a detailed description of the items, including title, author, publication date, and condition. All donations, once accepted, become the property of the Law Library. The Law Library retains sole discretion over the classification, housing, circulation, and disposition of all donated items.
Please note that the Law Library consistently collects primary Federal and Colorado State law materials and rarely acquires duplicate copies of such materials.
We thank you for your understanding and continued support of the Wise Law Library.
Last updated August 2025
Mission Statement
As the intellectual heart of the University of Colorado Law School, the Law Library provides a collaborative environment for faculty and students to access a wide range of legal resources in all formats, as well as expertise in utilizing them. We also serve the legal information needs of the University of Colorado community, the Colorado bench and bar, and the people of Colorado.
What we collect
To support faculty research, student course work, and public services, we collect:
- Books (print and electronic)
- Databases
- Study Aids (print and electronic)
The Law Library acquires materials in a very wide range of subject areas of law. In accordance with our mission, the Law Library places emphasis on subjects covered in Law School’s courses, areas of faculty research, and topics featured in the Law School’s publications.
The Law Library collects materials in support of the Law School’s research centers, law clinics, and programs in areas of academic excellence.
The Research Centers include:
- The Byron R. White Center for the Study of American Constitutional Law;
- Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment; and
- the Silicon Flatirons Center for Law, Technology, and Entrepreneurship.
The LLM, Master’s and Certificate Programs include:
- Entrepreneurship and Business Law;
- Indigenous Peoples Law;
- Intellectual Property, Technology, and Telecommunications Law;
- International Law and Human Rights;
- Natural Resources, Energy, and Environmental Law; and
- US Law for Foreign Lawyers.
Clinics
- American Indian Law Clinic;
- Civil Practice Clinic;
- Criminal Defense Clinic;
- Criminal/Immigration Defense Clinic;
- Entrepreneurial Law Clinic;
- Juvenile and Family Law Clinic;
- Natural Resources, Energy & Environmental Law Clinic;
- Sustainable Community Development Clinic; and
- Technology Law and Policy Clinic.
Audiences and Selection
IIn addition to our faculty and students, as a publicly supported institution, the Law Library makes its resources available to legal researchers, lawyers, scholars, and the general public. The Law Library strives to meet the basic legal information needs of these audiences.
Our objective is to develop a collection and systems of access to resources that will support the curriculum and research needs of its primary audience, and will meet the standards of both the American Bar Association and the Association of American Law Schools. The Law Library's collection development policy focuses on acquiring and providing access to materials relevant to the instructional and research needs of its audience.
Generally, the Law Library collection does not include non-law materials.
Textbooks/Casebooks
The Law Library will purchase two copies of required textbooks and one copy of optional materials assigned for law classes to be placed on Course Reserve at the Circulation Desk. These may be checked out for two (2) hours.
Online access to materials
The Law Library provides limited online access to study aids, as well as primary and secondary materials.
Languages
The Law Library generally prefers to collect English language materials if available.
Wise Law Library Book Donation Policy
The William A. Wise Law Library deeply appreciates the generosity of individuals who wish to support our collections by donating books and other materials. Due to limited staff resources, space constraints, collection development priorities, and processing costs, the Law Library generally does not accept unsolicited donations.
We may consider accepting very rare or historically significant law books that align with our collection scope and support the research and teaching mission of the law school. If you believe your materials meet this criterion, please contact us in advance at lawlibacq@colorado.edu with a detailed description of the items, including title, author, publication date, and condition. All donations, once accepted, become the property of the Law Library. The Law Library retains sole discretion over the classification, housing, circulation, and disposition of all donated items.
Please note that the Law Library consistently collects primary Federal and Colorado State law materials and rarely acquires duplicate copies of such materials.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support of the Wise Law Library.
Government Documents
The Law Library is a Preservation Steward and a Print Selector in the Federal Depository Library Program. As such, the Law Library selectively acquires government titles, including the Code of Federal Regulations (Title 3), the Federal Register, the US Code, and other important titles. The Law Library also relies on ProQuest Legislative Insight, ProQuest Congressional, ProQuest’s Supreme Court Records & Briefs, and Nexis UNI for federal legal information.
The main campus library is the regional repository for government documents.
Rare Books
The Law Library maintains a small collection of rare legal titles in the Rare Books Room, as well as a collection of historical materials, primarily from Colorado, and a few archival collections.
The acquisition of rare books will not be a priority, except, for example, for purchases in honor of faculty appointed to endowed chairs or professorships in the Law School.
Academic Freedom Statement
The William A. Wise Law Library supports the principles of academic freedom as essential to its mission and values within the academic law community. We affirm that academic freedom is fundamental to advancing legal research, education, and knowledge creation, extending this commitment to all community members, including students, faculty, librarians, staff, and the public. We recognize that academic freedom is indispensable to librarians, as they are the custodians of knowledge and play a crucial role in ensuring that diverse, sometimes controversial perspectives are accessible to all. Our commitment to intellectual freedom safeguards the rights of faculty and students to teach, study, and engage freely with a range of ideas and viewpoints, free from censorship or undue restraint.
The Wise Law Library strives to acquire and maintain collections that reflect varied perspectives on law, society, and rights. We affirm the rights of our patrons to read, view, and engage with library resources. No material will be excluded based solely on its language, subject matter, or the views and identities of its creators. This ensures that all members of our community can exercise their academic rights and responsibilities in an environment of open inquiry and respect.
Purpose & Scope
The William A. Wise Law Library provides public computer access to support legal research and academic inquiry. This policy establishes guidelines for the use of public computer terminals to ensure fair access, appropriate use, and compliance with law library and university policies.
Eligibility & Access
Public computer terminals are available for use by non-university affiliated users (public patrons) and university-affiliated users.
- Access for non-university affiliated users (public patrons) is limited to Public Access Hours as outlined in the Law Library Access Policy.
- Public computer terminals are intended for research-related use.
- Availability may be limited to demand, staffing, and operational needs.
Appropriate Use
Public computer terminals are designed for legal, academic, and professional research activities, including:
- Accessing legal databases, government websites, and publicly accessible library-provided electronic resources.
- Viewing court dockets, statutes, regulations, and legal scholarship.
Use of the public computer terminals should not interfere with law library staff’s ability to support library services.
Time Limits and Availability
To ensure fair access:
- Public computer terminal use is limited to thirty (30) minutes per session when other users are waiting.
- If no other users are waiting, users may continue until the terminal is needed by another user.
- Computer terminals are available on a first come, first served basis with priority given to legal research over other research needs.
- Users may not leave a session unattended for more than five (5) minutes. Unattended sessions may be ended by law library staff to make the computer terminal available to other users.
- Users are expected to relinquish the computer terminal when requested by law library staff.
Uses that Interfere with Access or Purpose
Uses that fall outside of the intended purpose of public computer terminal access include but are not limited to:
- Activities unrelated to research, such as gaming, streaming entertainment, or personal browsing.
- Conducting commercial or business operations.
- Viewing, downloading, or displaying material that is illegal, obscene, or disruptive to the law library environment.
- Attempting to bypass security controls, alter system settings, or install software.
Privacy & Assumption of Risk
Users access library computers and associated software at their own risk and are responsible for safeguarding their information when using law library computer terminals and networks.
- The law library is not responsible for equipment malfunction, loss of data, loss of data transmission (secure or otherwise), damage to personal storage devices, or data saved on public computer terminals or on personal devices.
- Files saved locally on public computer terminals will be deleted when the session ends. Users must save work on personal storage devices or cloud services.
- The University of Colorado Boulder’s wireless network is not secure. The law library assumes no responsibility for the user’s equipment or any alterations or loss of configurations, security, or data (captured or otherwise) resulting from connection to the university’s wireless network. Users concerned about data privacy should use a third-party VPN to encrypt traffic.
Compliance
- Users must follow all library policies, university IT policies, and applicable laws when using public computers.
- Library staff may monitor computer usage to ensure compliance.
Enforcement
- Violation of this policy may result in termination of the session.
- University-affiliated users found in repeated violation of this policy may be subject to appropriate University of Colorado Boulder disciplinary actions, including temporary or permanent loss of law library privileges.
- Non-university affiliated users found in repeated violation of this policy may be subject to law library sanctions, including temporary or permanent loss of law library privileges.
Policy Updates & Questions
This policy is subject to periodic review and updates. Any changes will be posted on the law library’s website. For questions regarding public computer access, please contact the Associate Director of Public Services.
Policy last revised 2/27/2026
Purpose & Scope
The purpose of this policy is to outline the guidelines and procedures for Interlibrary Loan (ILL) services provided by the William A. Wise Law Library. This policy establishes the guidelines for access and use of Interlibrary Loan (ILL) services to ensure the effective and timely availability of resources for University of Colorado Law School students, faculty, and staff.
Eligibility & Usage
- ILL services are available only to current students, faculty, and staff affiliated with University of Colorado Law School.
- Other Boulder affiliated individuals should contact the Interlibrary Loan department at University Libraries.
- Public patrons should contact the interlibrary loan department at their local public library.
Guidelines for Borrowing
- Law School-affiliated patrons must verify the availability of requested materials in the University Libraries catalog before placing an ILL request. Materials already held by any library on the Boulder campus will not be ordered through ILL.
- Law School-affiliated users are encouraged to request scans of articles, book chapters, or specific pages whenever possible. These items are typically delivered more quickly and do not have due dates.
- The library cannot guarantee the timely procurement of new releases or current editions of legal casebooks due to their limited availability.
- ILL requests for personal purposes will not be fulfilled. Students seeking materials for non-academic use should contact the Interlibrary Loan department at their local public library.
Lending Guidelines
- The law library can lend many materials to other domestic libraries upon request.
- Loaned items circulate for four weeks and may be renewed once for an additional two weeks unless requested by a law library patron.
- The law library can also provide scans of many articles and chapters through ILL.
- Borrowing libraries are responsible for the safety of borrowed materials from the time the material leaves the law library until it is returned.
- If damage or loss occurs, the borrowing library must meet all costs of repair or replacement as specified by the law library.
- The law library does not lend non-circulating materials such as periodicals, looseleafs, reference books, reserve materials, or media resources.
- Interlibrary loan requests may be made electronically through OCLC or via email.
Interlibrary Loan Lending Charges
Loans | |
| Borrower | Cost |
| AMBC & NLEX | Free |
| All Others (domestic only) | $20.00 per item |
Copies | ||
| Borrower | # of Pages | Cost |
| AMBC & NLEX | 1-50 | Free |
| AMBC & NLEX | 51+ | $0.50 per page over 50 |
| All Others | 1-10 | $15.00 per item |
| All Others | 11+ | $15.00 per item + $0.50 per page over 10 |
Rush / Special Handling Fee | |
| All Borrowers | $20.00 per item |
Rush/Special Handling Fee
All borrowers incur a $20.00 rush/special handling fee.
Note: express shipping may be available at borrower's expense. A current account number must be provided with the request.
Invoices sent with requested materials will incur a $10 service fee. Payment is due no later than 30 days after the invoice date. Overdue accounts may result in the suspension of borrowing privileges.
Contact Information
For assistance with Interlibrary Loan services please contact a Research Librarian using the Contact Us information on our home page.
Policy last revised February 2025
Purpose & Scope
The William A. Wise Law Library provides legal reference services to assist patrons in locating and using legal research materials. This policy defines the scope of assistance available to public users and clarifies the limitations of library services to ensure compliance with ethical and legal standards.
Scope of Legal Reference Services
Library staff can assist patrons by:
- Helping locate legal research materials, including statutes, case law, regulations, and secondary sources.
- Providing guidance on how to use legal research databases, print resources, and library catalogs.
- Explaining how to access self-help legal materials, court rules, and government websites.
- Demonstrating how to use legal citation formats and research strategies.
- Referring patrons to relevant legal research guides and public resources.
Limitations of Library Assistance
- Provide legal advice – Staff cannot interpret laws, suggest legal arguments, or advise on legal strategies.
- Analyze legal issues – Staff cannot assess the validity of cases, statutes, or legal documents.
- Assist in completing legal forms or applications – Patrons must fill out legal documents independently.
- Draft legal documents – Staff cannot assist in writing legal motions, contracts, wills, or other documents.
- Make attorney referrals – The library does not provide recommendations for private attorneys or law firms. However, staff may direct patrons to bar associations, legal aid organizations, and public interest law groups that offer legal assistance.
Legal Disclaimer
Library staff do not provide legal advice. Any assistance provided is strictly for research purposes. Patrons are responsible for interpreting and applying the law to their own situations. For legal advice or representation, patrons should consult a licensed attorney.
Additional Resources
For patrons seeking legal assistance, the library can provide contact information for:
- Local bar associations offering lawyer referral services.
- Legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services.
- Court self-help centers and government agencies that offer legal information.
Policy Updates & Questions
This policy is subject to periodic review and updates. Any changes will be posted on the library website. For questions regarding the law library’s reference services, please contact the Associate Director of Public Services.
Revised 3/5/2025
The William A. Wise Law Library has designated noise zones to accommodate patrons' needs for silent study, group collaboration, and the necessary work of the library. Law library users are expected to adhere to the acceptable noise levels for each floor. During exam periods, all floors of the library will be quiet floors (see Red Zone below) to accommodate the need for more individual study space.
Generally, cell phone conversations are NOT permitted in the law library. However, library patrons may engage in brief, quiet cell phone conversations in the sitting area outside the library’s second floor entrance or in the vestibule outside the library’s garden-level entrance.
Law Library Noise Zones
Green Zone: Garden Level – Moderate Conversational Noise
The law library’s garden level (basement) includes spaces for collaboration and individual study. Users of the collaborative spaces are expected to keep conversations to a moderate noise level to avoid disturbing others using the space for individual study.
Events, classes, and meetings are held throughout the semester on this floor, which will impact its noise level. Please visit the first floor for a quiet study environment during these times.
Yellow Zone: Second Floor – Low Conversational Noise
The law library’s circulation and reference desks are located on this floor, so users can expect to hear a low level of conversational noise necessary to assist patrons.
Study groups are strongly encouraged to meet in one of the law library’s group study rooms. Please reserve a study room online in advance of group study sessions.
Red Zone: First Floor – Quiet Floor
The law library’s first floor is for quiet individual study. Conversations and cell phone usage are strictly prohibited.
Red Zone: First Floor - Staircase
The law library’s staircase is a no noise area as conversations are amplified by the architecture of the stairwell.
Law School Final Exams
During the law school final exam periods in December and May, all floors in the law library become Red Zones for quiet individual study. Cell phone usage is strictly prohibited.
Reporting Noise Complaints
Library patrons are encouraged to address loud or disruptive behavior by politely asking the individual(s) to stop. If the behavior persists, please report it to the main circulation desk on the second floor or lawlibnoisecomplaint@colorado.edu. Library staff will address the matter promptly and fairly.
Individuals who fail to comply with requests to stop disruptive behavior will be asked to leave the library and may lose library privileges.
Revised 3/5/2025
Purpose & Scope
The William A. Wise Law Library is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all patrons. This policy outlines security measures and expectations for library users to prevent theft, loss, or damage to personal belongings and library property.
Personal Belongings & Responsibility
- Library users are responsible for their personal belongings at all times.
- Do not leave belongings unattended, even for a short period of time. Theft or loss can occur quickly, and the library is not responsible for unattended items.
- Unattended items may be removed by library staff or security personnel. Items left behind may be turned over to campus security or lost and found.
- The library is not liable for stolen, lost, or damaged personal property. Patrons should take appropriate precautions to secure their valuables.
Theft Prevention Measures
- Security personnel or library staff may conduct periodic walkthroughs to ensure compliance with this policy.
- Report suspicious behavior immediately to library staff or campus police. If you witness theft or other security concerns, do not confront individuals yourself. Contact campus police and library staff.
Library Property & Security Gates
- All library materials must be properly checked out before being removed from the premises. Unauthorized removal of books or materials may be treated as theft.
- Security gates are in place at library exits to help protect library materials.
- Library users must cooperate with library staff if the security gate alarm sounds when exiting.
- Patrons should return to the circulation desk upon request to verify materials and resolve any issues.
- Failure to cooperate with library staff regarding security gate alarms may result in loss of library privileges and may be referred to campus police.
- Tampering with or disabling security systems is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.
Lost & Found
- Items found in the law library will be held at the lost and found, located at the second-floor circulation desk, for a limited time before disposal.
- The library is not responsible for lost or misplaced items. Patrons should check with the library lost and found or the Dean’s Suite lost and found if they believe they have lost an item.
Policy Enforcement & Consequences
- Library staff and security personnel may take appropriate action against patrons who repeatedly leave items unattended or violate theft prevention measures.
- Suspicious behavior, attempted theft, or tampering with security systems may result in disciplinary action under university policies and may be reported to law enforcement.
Policy Updates & Questions
This policy is subject to periodic review and updates. Any changes will be posted on the library website. For questions regarding the law library’s Security & Theft Prevention Policy, please contact the Associate Director of Public Services.
Revised 3/5/2025
The following statement sets forth policies and procedures for using group study rooms at the William A. Wise Law Library.
Policy
- Study rooms are for law student use only.
- Study rooms are for group use only; individual use is not permitted except in the case outlined below.
- Single person reservations for up to one (1) hour may be permitted for interviews.
- Study rooms cannot be used without a reservation.
- Study room reservations must be made online on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Each group may reserve a study room for up to two (2) hours per day, with a one-time, two-hour renewal if no other groups are waiting.
- If a group is more than fifteen (15) minutes late for their reservation, the booking will be canceled, and the room will be made available to others.
- Abuse of study room privileges or violation of this policy may result in the suspension or revocation of study room access.
Procedures
- Study room reservations must be made online in advance.
- Study room doors must remain unlocked while occupied.
- Remote controls for study room monitors can be checked out at the circulation desk.
- Users are responsible for their personal belongings; do not leave valuables unattended. The library is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Any items left behind at closing will be taken to the library’s lost and found at the second-floor circulation desk.
By using the study rooms, users agree to abide by this policy. Failure to comply may result in loss of study room privileges.
Revised 3/2025
Is there an item you would like the Wise Law Library to consider purchasing? Please fill out our .