Information

In addition to the general facility policies of Nova Southeastern University, the following policies apply to all patrons of the Law Library.

The primary mission of the Panza Maurer Law Library is to serve faculty, students, and staff of the Law School and Nova Southeastern University.  The library also welcomes alumni, members of the Bar, and public patrons who wish to use the Library’s collection for conducting legal research. 

• In order to provide the necessary services, the library must provide an environment that is conducive to research and study, and the legitimate use of library materials and services. 

• To foster this environment, it is necessary that all patrons of the library follow the rules and be considerate of the rights of other patrons utilizing the library. Additionally, patrons should treat all library materials, equipment, and facilities with care as these must be shared and used by all patrons.

• Patrons should comply with all library staff directions and instructions.

• Patrons must comply with all posted signage, including limitations on seating, equipment usage, noise restrictions, temporary closures, and any other instructions or usage limitations.

• Any behavior or condition that disrupts the orderly use of the library, may damage or harm library materials, equipment, or furnishings, and that affects the ability of library staff to provide service is prohibited.

• Any conduct that disturbs other Library patrons or disrupts the library activities is prohibited.  This includes, but is not limited to, excessive noise (including loud conversations, noise created by audio equipment and electronic communication devices), verbal abuse, threats of violence, any type of harassment, and any other offensive behavior.

• Removing or attempting to remove library materials, equipment or property without checkout or other library authorization is prohibited.

• Damaging library materials by marking or removing pages or other destructive activities towards equipment or facilities are prohibited.

• Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for the child’s conduct, as well as for any damage or disturbance by the child.

• Only animals that assist patrons with disabilities are allowed in the library.

• Solicitation or selling of merchandise in the library is prohibited.

• In the period beginning two weeks prior to law school exams and continuing throughout the examination period, library study space becomes very limited and law students receive priority in seating and use of library study areas.

The following outlines the scope of assistance that the Law Librarians and staff can provide:

• All patrons of the law library are entitled to ask assistance of Law Librarians in the use of all resources when reference librarians are available.

• Law Librarians can provide information on legal aid and local bar attorney referral services.

• Law Librarians can help you find print or electronic materials on particular areas of law to assist you with your research (e.g. statute book, case reporter, Legal encyclopedia, etc.).

• Law Librarians can show you how to use the print or electronic materials.

• Law Librarians can explain how the court system works generally. However, they cannot give you specifics of how the court system operates. (For instance, they cannot tell you which court to file a case in or which documents need to be filed in a case, etc.)

• Law Librarians cannot tell you which forms, statutes, or cases are the correct ones. Additionally, Law Librarians cannot draft, edit or check documents for patrons.

• Law Librarians, Staff, and Student Workers are not permitted to provide any type of legal advice, to conduct legal research for patrons, or provide an opinion of any kind on the law or a case.