It seems there has been an influx of non-law visitors to the law library lately, and it is causing quite a stir! Not only because we are completely isolated and love seeing new faces, but, unfortunately, because the law library seems to be losing some of its decorum, for lack of a better word. It has been really great to realize that dorm-dwellers no longer have to make the big hike across campus in the dark to study at the Knight Library. Campus women have long considered this a safety issue. However, it is important to emphasize that the law library does have some major differences from the Knight Library.
It appears there are two rules of etiquette imposed on law students that non-law visitors have had difficulty following: cell phone usage in the library and serious use of personal study rooms. First, of course, everyone gets a call now and then, but the call needs to be taken outside of the library. Second, personal and group study rooms are primarily for law student use. In fact, they are labeled, “Law Students Have Priority for These Study Rooms.” Therefore, it is very disconcerting to see non-law visitors sleeping or goofing around in them. Law students have the right to kick non-law visitors out of the rooms, but that is very uncomfortable for both parties. If one of the rooms is available, please use it productively.
I apologize if this letter encourages law students’ reputation for being “exclusive;” that was not my intention! I only hope that by sharing the guidelines law students are expected to adhere to, that there will be less tension when non-law visitors choose to enjoy the law facilities.