Allegheny County Law Library - Building Access and Usage Policies : Accessibility

Accessibility

ACLL seeks to make its resources accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. ACLL and DCLI have a Accessibility Committee in place tasked with making regular assessments of accessibility according the Management Contract in place, and the rules of the State of Pennsylvania.

• Library website accessibility -  ACLL is in the process of updating its website to follow W3C [World Wide Web Consortium] design standards.
• Electronic resources - Accessibility is considered in the library's selection of information resources.
• Building access - Accessible entrance, elevators and restrooms.  For any area that is not fully accessible, staff assistance is available upon request. Contact the Circulation Desk.
• Assistance with library services and equipment -  Contact the Circulation Desk for assistance with locating 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@duq.edu 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 information on available hardware, software or other equipment.

Building Access & Emergency Closing

ACLL provides information resources, educational opportunities, and individualized services embodying its Mission Statement. Located into 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. The Library will close for weather-related emergency conditions whenever the City of Pittsburgh closes during the weekdays.

In the event of severe weather conditions call the Library and/or listen to radio station KDKA for announcements regarding closing. Media notification is made each day the facilities are to be closed.

Allegheny County Law Library

Strategic Framework 2022-2027

Mission statement: 

The mission of the Allegheny County Law Library (ACLL or Library), the only public law library in the County, is to be a vibrant legal information center for its User Community. The ACLL Community consists of all Allegheny County residents, members if the legal profession – The Bar –, and the judiciary – The Bench – irrespective of age, ability, or physical location. ACLL will continue to provide a welcoming environment for legal research and learning; a collection of legal information resources designed to meet the needs of the Community; and innovative and user-centered services. ACLL offers both free access to legal information and fee-based tailored services.

The three main avenues to achieve this mission require in the next five years: 

A. Public and Professional awareness of the ACLL informational role within the Community. 

B. Continuing education and cross-training of the staff.   

C. Assuring healthy finances to digitize ACLL services as needed by its User Community.

The annual organizational plan will further detail the ways in which:

1. The Library empowers the User Community to access legal resources and services.  
2. The Library advances legal knowledge within the User Community by providing customized excellent services.
3. The Library strengthens the User Community through targeted legal information literacy resources and legal education programs.

Values

ACLL is committed to organizational excellence, and its staff approach their work with a mindset of continuous improvement with the adoption of the latest advances in information technologies.

ACLL’s work is characterized by integrity, respect, care, transparency, and efficiency.

UNIFYING THEMES

Budget Sustainability

ACLL’s budget needs to reflect the escalating costs of legal research information resources. ACLL administers its fiscal resources carefully by making informed choices, systematically reviewing expenditures for cost savings, and projecting future costs and needs.

Assessment
ACLL shall prioritize developing data-driven methods of assessing its services to guide decision-making and to better articulate its value. Furthermore, ACLL will survey and assess the satisfaction of the Bench and the legal profession with the legal information services ACLL provides to the Community.  

Partnerships

• ACLL’ resources and services require flexible partnerships with others, including its technology partners, Duquesne University Center for Legal Information, the other public libraries within the community, as well as various professional organizations, ADD PLEASE.

Professionalism

• The ACLL librarians and staff members are Duquesne University faculty and staff, and as such will pursue continuing legal information education, and professionalism skills training to ensure that they have the most up-to-date expertise and skills to provide innovative and progressive services for the faculty and students.

PRIORITIES

Appropriate Library Behavior Policy

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, poses danger to themselves or others, or violates university or library policies may be asked to leave the building. Staff will call Public Safety officers to handle the situation if the staff member believes it is advisable to do so. 

Expectations of Library Users

• Interact courteously with other library users and staff.
• Comply with library policies, particularly with regard to acceptable use of computers, quiet study areas, and food and drink.
• Respect library resources— e. g. print only when necessary; 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 law 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