Circulation of Library Materials

Many materials may be checked out of the Library for either three days or three weeks. Email or call 651-296-2775 concerning the loan period for each type of material or concerning the possibility of borrowing from another library. Loan deposits may be required.

Attorneys may borrow materials other than briefs without a deposit. For attorneys in greater Minnesota, we will send three-week-loan items via UPS and bill for the cost. The borrower is responsible for mailing back the item. Email or call 651-296-2775 with your request, and be sure to include your attorney registration number, address, and phone number.

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Online Legal Research

Patrons have online access through the public computers within the Library to primary legal materials, journals, newspapers and statistics through HeinOnline, LexisNexis, Westlaw, and other online services. The Library provides public wireless access to the Internet.

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Electronic Resource Policy (within the Library)

Internet usage within the Library is for legal research.

Library patrons should respect the privacy and sensibilities of others. Access to material that under federal or state law is reasonably believed to be obscene or child pornography is prohibited. A person violating this restriction may be removed from the Library.

The Library may impose time limits on usage of the public computers so that all patrons can have access to electronic resources.

The Library cannot guarantee that the user's equipment will work with the wireless network, and library staff cannot help configure wireless software.

The Library welcomes written comments about this policy.

[Revised May 25, 2006]

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Photocopy, Scanning and Fax Services

Photocopying Within the Library: Several coin and card-operated copy machines are available for patron use in the Library. Copies are 20 cents per page. Copy cards can be purchased at the Circulation Desk.
Photocopy Service: The staff of the Library will photocopy and mail materials. The cost is 25 cents per page ($3.00 minimum), plus first-class postage, up to 50 pages per day.
Scanning Service: The staff will scan and email materials for patrons. The cost is 25 cents per page ($3.00 minimum), with a 20 page maximum per day.
Fax Service: The staff will fax materials for patrons. The cost is $2 per page ($3.00 minimum), with a 20 page maximum per day.

To request photocopying, scanning, or faxing service, contact us by email or by phone at (651) 296-2775. Exact citations are required. Turnaround is usually within 24 hours when the library is open. (Library Hours)

Please note: Because of their size, the Law Library does not include briefs in its photocopy service. Also, materials may be protected by copyright law (Title 17 U.S. Code).

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Reference Assistance

Library staff are available to answer basic questions, locate materials and assist with legal research. Some questions are best researched in the law library, and library staff may ask you to come into the law library to pursue your research here. Library staff cannot provide legal advice or interpretation of legal materials.

Priority of Service:

Our first priority is to assist patrons within the library, followed by phone and e-mail reference. Since e-mail is not always reliable or timely, we suggest reaching us in person or by phone if you are working under a strict time deadline.

How to Contact Us:

In person at 25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
By phone at (651) 297-7651
By e-mail at askalibrarian@courts.state.mn.us.

Another option is to contact your local public law library.

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Rules of Conduct (within the Library)

Patrons using the library should be engaged in activities associated with the use of the library.
Patrons shall respect the rights of other patrons and library employees.
Patrons shall not harass or annoy others or behave in a manner which reasonably can be expected to disturb other persons.
Patrons shall not interfere with the use of the library by other patrons or interfere with library employees' performance of their duties.
Patrons shall not enter Staff Only areas without authorization.

Any person who violates the library rules shall be asked to leave the library.

[February 14, 1997; revised November 4, 2003]

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Tours and Orientations

If you would like a tour or an orientation of our Library and collections, email or call us at 651-297-7651.

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Minnesota State Law Library: Public Services for Patrons
http://www.lawlibrary.state.mn.us/service.html
Phone: (651) 296-2775; Fax: (651) 296-6740

Last Update: June 8, 2007