Policies

Accessibility and Building Access Policy

Accessibility

ACLL seeks to make its resources accessible to all users including those with disabilities. The Accessibility Committee is tasked with making regular assessments guided by the existing management agreement in place, as well as relevant local, state, and federal laws. If you have any accessibility concerns for the committee, please email acll@carnegielibrary.org.

  • Library website accessibility - Periodically, ACLL reviews its website accessibility to follow W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) design standards.
  • Information resources - Accessibility of the library's electronic and print resources is part of the library's selection process.
  • Building access - For accessible entrance, elevators, and restrooms, please see the City-County Building website. For any area that is not fully accessible, staff assistance is available upon request. Contact the Circulation Desk.
  • Assistance with library services and equipment - Please get in touch with the Circulation Desk for assistance with location and retrieving items in the library's collections, etc.
  • Individual research assistance - To meet with a librarian, stop by the Circulation Desk or contact acll@carnegielibrary.org to schedule an appointment.
  • Assistive technology needs - Users who need assistive hardware, software, or equipment to use the ACLL and its resources should contact the Circulation Desk for more information on available hardware, software and equipment.

Building Access

ACLL provides information resources, educational opportunities, and individualized services embodied in its Mission Statement. Located in a public building, the Pennsylvania fire safety code applies.

 

Emergency Closing

ACLL recognizes that inclement weather or other conditions may prevent the library from opening or may cause it to close early. Please check the website or call the library to confirm a closure.

Appropriate Library Behavior

Library users are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful of others and that is in keeping with the library’s purpose. Those who engage in behavior that infringes on the rights of others pose a danger to themselves or others — or violate library policies and may be asked to leave the building. Staff will call security officers to handle the situation if the staff member believes it is advisable. 

Expectations of Library Users

  • Interact courteously with other library users and staff.
  • Comply with library policies, particularly with regard to acceptable use of computers, and food and drink.
  • Respect library resources — e. g. refrain from writing in or otherwise damaging library materials; return materials on time.
  • Respect intellectual property including copyright.
  • Keep all valuables and personal property with you at all times. The library is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • Use cell phones in designated locations, such as the stairwell or outside.
  • Supervise children at all times.
  • Engage in activities associated with the use of the library for legal research.
  • Maintain an acceptable standard of personal hygiene. Creating a hazardous or physically offensive condition, such as infested clothing or personal effects is unacceptable.
  • Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times.

Unacceptable Behavior

  • Destruction or theft of library materials or property
  • Use of alcohol or illegal drugs
  • Lewd, indecent, disruptive, or boisterous behavior
  • Threatening, harassing, or intimidating language or behavior
  • Smoking and use of tobacco products
  • Sleeping in the building
  • Bringing weapons into the building
  • Bathing or shaving in restrooms
  • Solicitation of any type
  • Bringing pets or animals, other than authorized service animals, into the building

As a small, specialized library, the Allegheny County Law Library has limited resources that must be preserved for those needing to access the law. If you are not doing legal research we reserve the right to ask you to leave.

COVID Policies

The Allegheny County Law Library follows the applicable local and state rules related to COVID-19, Visitors are expected to comply at all times with any posted health and safety rules. If you have any questions, please contact the library.

Borrowers’ Privileges and Services

Any visitor can consult print material in the library for free. Library membership is required to borrow circulating materials.

Ten (10) books may be checked out at a time. Materials generally circulate for 14 days.