POLICIES
CELL PHONE USAGE
As a courtesy to other Library patrons, we request that cell phones be turned off or set to vibrate only. If you must make or take a call, please complete your call outside of the Library.
CIRCULATION
The collection of the State Law Library is non-circulating to the public. No books or other materials may be checked to local attorneys or governmental entities except with the permission of the State Law Librarian.
Members of the public are encouraged and welcome to use any Library materials in-house and may make copies following the copyright and photocopying guidelines below.
COMPUTER USAGE
The Law Library has three public access computers available for patron use. These provide access to the Library online catalog, HeinOnline, LexisNexis Advance, Westlaw Public Access, and Wolters Kluwer VitalLaw databases.
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 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
Food is not allowed in the Library in order to maintain a clean, safe library and minimize the risk of damage to library books, equipment and property. We allow beverage consumption in the law library as long as beverages are in containers with tops, lids, or caps. Empty containers should be properly discarded and tables or carrels tidied after use. Immediately report any beverage spills to Library staff.
INMATE REQUESTS
The State Law Library supplements the library collections of correctional facilities in the state of West Virginia and its political subdivisions by providing inmates with case and statutory law, secondary legal materials, and periodical articles limited to the most current five years.
This free service does not extend to inmates in the custody of the federal government, other state or foreign governments. Individuals in such institutions may request fee-based document delivery by mail addressed to the West Virginia State Law Library.
Please note: doing extensive legal research, suggesting legal strategies, and giving legal advice is beyond the scope of our service. Inmate requests are filled at the discretion of the State Law Library staff and may be limited by time constraints and priorities set by the Court.
PHOTOCOPYING
If you are employed by a law firm or state government organization, you may establish a billing account allowing you to make photocopies for which you will be billed by mail at the first of the month following the month copies were made. State agency employees should use their agency code. Public patrons may obtain the photocopier code from Library staff. All copies cost twenty cents per page. In-person patrons must pay in cash 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. Library staff must log in each individual who wishes to use WiFi. Please see a staff person at the Library's front desk for access.
