Circulation Services
Updated Sept. 30, 2009.
Most of the books and other material in the Gallagher Law Library may be checked out. University of Washington faculty, students, and staff must use their Husky card. Other users may register with the Law Library to check out books and use the Library's computers.
This page describes Circulation Desk procedures and services.
For related information, visit the pages on:
Registering as a Borrower
The Gallagher Law Library is open to the public. For more information, see the state regulations governing the use of the Law Library (WAC 478-168-010 to -096).
To register, bring a photo ID and proof of home address to the Circulation Desk. After completing the registration form, you will be issued an adhesive barcode to affix to another form or identification (a public library card, bar association card, etc.). You may choose to have library notices sent to you via email.
Your right to check out books may be suspended if the you owe overdue or replacement fees.
Checking Out Books & Other Library Material
To check out a book, videotape, or other item from the Library, bring it to the Circulation Desk and present your Husky card or Law Library barcode.
Note that the Circulation Desk closes 15 minutes before the Library closes. This earlier closure is necessary so that Circulation staff can clear and secure the Library. When the Circulation Desk is closed, users cannot check out library material, including books from Course Reserve, the Classified Stacks, the Compact Stacks, Good Reads, and the Reference Area.
Loan periods vary depending on the status of the borrower and the type of materials checked out.
| Material from Library Locations | UW Law Students | Other Users |
| Classified Stacks, L1 & L2 | Academic quarter | 2 weeks |
| Compact Stacks, L2 | Academic quarter | 2 weeks |
| Good Reads, L1 | Academic quarter | 2 weeks |
| Microfiche & Microfilm, L1 Reference Area | Academic quarter | 2 weeks |
| Course Reserve, L1 | 4 hours | 4 hours |
| Reference Area, L1 | 4 hours | Library use only |
Material found in other locations must be retrieved by a member of the Circulation staff and must be used in the Library.
If another user requests an item that you have checked out, the loan period is shortened (2 weeks maximum). You will be notified to return the item. You may, in turn, place a hold to check out the item again.
Returning Books
Books may be returned at the Circulation Desk or at one of four book return boxes. Two bookdrops are located in Gates Hall: one outside of the Library entrance on L1 and one in front of Room L143, the Garvey Schubert Barer Student Commons. Two book return boxes are located outside of William Gates Hall: one on the northeast entrance near Memorial Way and the other at the northwest corner of the building near 15th Ave. NE.
Extending Loans
Borrowed materials from the Classified Stacks and the Compact Stacks may be renewed twice if there are no holds and if the materials are less than 2 weeks overdue.
You may renew books by contacting Circulation in person, by phone (206/543-4086), or by using the "My Library Account" link found on the Library homepage, beneath the catalog search box.
You will need your barcode number to access your Library account and to renew books in person or by phone.
Materials from Course Reserve and the Reference Area cannot be renewed. These materials should be returned to the Circulation Desk; do not deposit them in one of the bookdrops unless the Library is closed.
Placing Holds
What can you do if someone else has checked out a book that you want?
You may place a "hold" on it. The first borrower's loan period is shortened and he or she is notified to return the item. When the book becomes available, Library staff will notify you. You have one week to pick up the book at the Circulation Desk. After that time, it will be returned to the shelves.
To place a hold, stop by the Circulation Desk or call (206) 543-4086. You may also place a hold directly by clicking on the "Request" button found near the top of the catalog page for the item. You need to have your barcode number to place a hold.
University of Washington faculty, students, and staff may also check Summit to see if another library has an available copy of the needed book.
Paying Overdue Fines
When a borrowed item has not been returned to the Library by its due date, Circulation staff notify the borrower first by phone or e-mail and then by letter. If a third notification is necessary, a processing fee of $15 will be charged in addition to the item's replacement cost. If the billed item is returned before the Library replaces it, the $15 processing fee must still be paid.
To ensure that you receive library notices, please ensure that the Library has your current phone number and email address.
Using My Library Account
"My Library Account" is a feature of the Law Library catalog that givers users access to their own library records. Log in with your name and barcode (the number on the back of your Husky Card, or the sticky barcode the Library supplies when registering patrons who are not UW-affiliated). New Husky Cards do not have barcodes printed on them; please visit the Circulation Desk to obtain your barcode number.
What can you do with My Library Account?
- Review a list of items that you have checked out and sort it by due date.
- Renew checked-out items (as long as no one else has placed a hold on it).
- Update your address, phone number, and email address.
- Review and cancel holds that you have placed on library items.
- Create and save catalog searches that you want to run periodically. If you check the "mark for email box" after creating a preferred search, you will automatically be notified when the Library acquires a new item matching your search.
- Review a list of the Library books that you have checked out ("my reading history"). This service helps you keep track of materials you have used. Note: You must affirmatively opt in to use this service and you can delete items from your reading history. Materials obtained via Summit and interlibrary loan are not recorded in this reading history.
Please visit the Circulation Desk (or call 206-543-4086) to inquire about these services!