Library Use Policy

This policy applies to all people who visit and/or use the facilities of the Joann Garbacik Law Library, henceforth, referred to as the Denton County Law Library or the Library. All users must abide by this policy. Failure to do so may result in ejection from the Library, suspension of privileges, or arrest.

Inappropriate Behavior

Any library patron who exhibits behavior that is loud, aggressive, inappropriate to a library setting, or that otherwise creates a disturbance will be asked to leave the library. These disturbances include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Abuse or misuse of the Library’s furnishings, equipment or materials
  • Abusive or foul language
  • Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Bringing in multiple personal belongings  (i.e. Luggage, sleeping bags, bedrolls, blankets, carts).  Luggage and any carry-in item must be no larger than 24” x 16”
  • Bringing in pets (other than certified assistance animals) is not permitted
  • Constituting a nuisance to other patrons or library staff by reason of evidence of lack of personal cleanliness
  • Disturbing other users in any manner, including asking others for legal advice or assistance
  • Engaging in any activity prohibited by law
  • Harassment, sexual harassment, intimidation, stalking or prolonged staring at patrons and/or staff
  • Internet/Computer policy violations
  • Moving furniture
  • Physical obstruction of aisles and traffic corridors
  • Sleeping or napping
  • Soliciting
  • Theft or damage of Library property
  • Use of any tobacco product
  • Using radios, personal music players, cell phones, etc.

Phone Usage

As a courtesy to other Library patrons, please turn cell phones off, to silent or vibrate. If you must make and/or take a call, please do so quietly and in a considerate manner. Patrons are not permitted to use Library phones.

Computer Usage

Computers are for public and attorney use for legal research purposes only. There is no time limit for computer use, but you may be asked to relinquish your computer if high demand is evident. We ask that you be considerate of other patrons. All monitors must be facing forward while in use. Patrons engaged in activities not associated with legal research may be asked to leave.

Copyright Law

Copyright law of the United States (Title 17 U.S. Code) governs the making of copies of copyrighted materials. Any person copying such material is liable for any infringements.

Food & Drink

No food is allowed in the Library. Drinks are allowed, but must be in a sealed, covered, or spill-proof container. No drinks are allowed near the computers.

Unattended Children

Children under the age of 10 must be within the immediate supervision of an adult at all times.

Circulation of Materials

  • Library materials may be checked-out by members of the Denton County legal community and members of the Denton County Bar Association under the conditions determined by the law librarian.
  • Any item checked-out to a patron shall be returned on or before the due date, but may be recalled at any time.
  • Certain classes of materials, marked as reference books, are not available to be checked-out and must not be removed from the Library.
  • If materials are not returned within one month after the due date, the borrower may be assessed for and shall pay the replacement cost of the borrowed materials.
  • Lawyers are responsible for any materials checked-out in their name. This responsibility ends only when the materials are returned.
  • The Library shall have discretionary power to lend, or refuse to lend any item at any time to any person.
  • Materials must not be removed from the Library unless the proper check-out procedures have been followed.
  • No lawyer may transfer any of the Library’s materials to another person. The patron whose name is on the check-out record shall be regarded as the borrower and be responsible for the return of the materials in a timely manner.
  • Patrons may not borrow in anyone’s name but their own.

Miscellaneous

  • Any bags, boxes, briefcases, etc. left unattended for any extended period of time during the day may be reported to and removed by Court security. The Library will not be responsible for any lost or stolen personal items.
  • Clients must leave the Library immediately when requested to do so by staff.
  • The Library reserves the right to inspect any bag, briefcase, or any other container capable of holding library material.
  • Patrons may place a "Do Not Reshelf" note on library materials for later use, which Library staff will observe for 24 hours.
  • Permission in advance is required to conduct tours of the Library or to use the facilities for classes.
  • Users may not place any kind of sign on a computer that indicates the computer is reserved or in use.