The Law Library primarily serves the students, faculty, and staff of the law school. These persons have 24/7 access to the Law Library except when the University, Law School or Law Library are closed to all persons. These persons have priority access to the law library, its Group Study rooms, study spaces, and collections.
The Law Library is also open to other members of the OU community on a limited basis, generally Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, except when closed as noted above.
The Law Library is also open to members of the bench and bar, and general public. Generally, these hours will be Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Library staff cannot provide legal advice. Information on obtaining legal assistance can be found below.
OU Law students, faculty and staff serve the local community through the OU Legal Clinic. The clinic provides pro bono services for economically eligible clients primarily in Cleveland and McClain counties in both civil and criminal issues. Some exceptions can be made in the event a case proves to be of educational significance to students. The clinic can only take on a limited number of cases, and new cases are only added at specific times of the year. Contact the Legal Clinic at (405) 325-3702 for additional information.
Since the clinic cannot represent all persons needing legal assistance, other resources may be options for you:.
- If you need legal advice or assistance on a civil matter within Oklahoma, contact Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma at www.legalaidok.org (opens in a new window) or call 1 (888) 534-5243.
- If you need legal advice or assistance on a criminal matter within Oklahoma, contact the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System at www.state.ok.us/~oids/ (opens in a new window).
- To find an attorney in Oklahoma, reference the "Finding a Lawyer" page on the Oklahoma Bar Association website at www.okbar.org (opens in a new window).
Generally, the Law Library is intended to be a quiet space. There are numerous spaces in the Law Library for quiet study especially the Third Floor. However, it is expected that students may engage in livelier though constrained conversations in the CLC and group study rooms. Please respect the needs of those who wish to study quietly. Keep conversations and other unnecessary noise to a minimum.
Patrons may use their mobile devices in the Law Library for research and texting. Patrons should not talk on their cellphones in the law library but should leave the library for such conversations. Headphones and ear plugs are available at the Circulation Desk.
Study rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Multimedia Study Rooms and CLC Study Rooms may only be reserved by law students and law faculty. Reservations for Multimedia Study Rooms and CLC Study Rooms can be made on the College of Law intranet. Law students have priority for use of the study rooms over all other patrons. Groups have priority over individual students.
The intent of the Law Library fines and fees policy is to encourage the return of the items so that they are available for others’ use. The Law Library staff will waive fines as long as they have not been sent to the Bursar’s Office for collection and the materials have been returned to the library.
- 60 day check out (books) - $0.10/day, $10 maximum
- 7 day check out (bound periodicals) - $0.25/day, $10 maximum
- 4 hour check out (reserve materials) - $1/hour, $25 maximum
Overdue notices are emailed to the student's OU e-mail account as a reminder. If this is not the student's primary email address, the OU account can be forwarded to the primary account. Please see the computer lab attendant for assistance in this procedure. Failure to receive an overdue notice is not grounds for reduction or cancelation of fines.
The cost for replacement of a lost book, which includes a reacquisition/re-cataloging fee, is a minimum $80.00 per item plus a $10.00 nonrefundable replacement fee. If the item is returned within one year, the reacquisition/re-cataloging fee of $80.00 will be refunded. However, the replacement fee and overdue fines are not refundable.
All fines and lost book charges are sent to the Bursar's office for collection. If you do not pay the fines or fees, you will not be able to enroll in classes or obtain transcripts, grades or a diploma. If your enrollment is on hold due to library fines, please contact the billing department at (405) 325-1856.
Food and drink are permitted in all areas of the library, except the Chapman Reading Room and the computer labs. However, please use common sense when eating in the library and throw away trash. Please use lids on all drinks. For those wishing to consume larger meals, the Amicus Cafe (1st floor) is available to all patrons.
Use of tobacco products including cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and vaping devices is not permitted on university property beginning July 1, 2012. The policy applies to every person on any University of Oklahoma campus, including visitors, faculty, staff, volunteers, students, alumni, contractors, and service representatives. The policy includes all OU-owned, leased, rented, or maintained property including, but not limited to: buildings, facilities, sidewalks, roadways, parking lots, and grounds. The policy also includes all university-owned, leased, or rented vehicles.
Researchers may view materials held in the Rare Book Room upon request. A librarian will arrange a time for the researcher to view the material under supervision. Researchers may not photocopy materials although they may use their mobile devices make copies of materials.
Purpose
The primary purpose of the Donald E. Pray Law Library is to provide a working space for legal study and research. At its core is the Chapman Reading Room, which reflects the significance of the legal profession and legal work and provides a solemn space for students and researchers to conduct their work. In recognition of the role that special events, marketing opportunities, and distinguished guests play at the College of Law, the Law Library and the Chapman Reading Room is available to be reserved on a limited basis for certain occasions that maintain and combine the significance of the Law Library with the vibrancy of the College of Law.
Use and Reservation Policy
The Law Library’s primary and presumptive use is for all library patrons during regular library hours for study and research. The Law Library may be reserved for those special events or uses that exceptionally and significantly contribute to the College of Law or University’s mission subject to this policy. The following are illustrative of the types of events that may receive approval:
Important formal College of Law sponsored events, such as meals or receptions that are not accommodated by existing College of Law facilities in stature or quality; and,
Alumni dinners and events, seated meals for other distinguished guests, and limited marketing efforts to assist with fundraising campaigns for the College of Law.
Reservation Process
All reservation requests must be submitted in this form to the Law Library Director at least two weeks in advance of the proposed event describing the nature of the event, the hours the event is proposed to take place, the number of expected attendance, and any special accommodations. Requested events should be limited in time and scope to minimize the disruption of the primary use of the Law Library during the Fall and Spring semesters and any requests made to use the Law Library during the final four weeks of the Fall or Spring semesters will only be granted in the most extraordinary circumstances. The Law Library Director will review all requests and has the sole discretion in approving any requests.
The following policies also apply for any event that includes photography or filming in the Law Library:
(1) You must provide your own actors or models, audio/visual equipment, and support personnel;
(2) You will not film or photograph any patrons using the library without their written consent;
(3) You will not film artwork in the Law Library for commercial uses without prior approval from the rights holder of that artwork;
(4) Any filming for advertisements, promotional materials, or other commercial purposes must be approved of by the Law Library Director and OU Marketing and Communications; and,
(5) All filming or photography shall be done to minimize distraction and noise in the Law Library.
To request permission to film or take photos inside the Donald E. Pray Law Library, please click on link below and fill out the online form.
The Law Library follows the University of Oklahoma Copyright Policy.
In cases of exceptional or repeated violation of library policies, the Law Library reserves the right to revoke or refuse access to our facilities.