The Circulation Desk is staffed during all hours of library operation. Library staff members are available to answer questions and circulate library materials. Contact the Circulation Desk at: 713-313-7125.
Borrowing Privileges
The law library's collection is available to the public for in-library research. TSU faculty, staff, and students may borrow selected materials using their library account. Their library account will be created automatically based on their registration to the university. Public patrons must have a current TexShare card and picture ID to borrow circulating materials.
Circulating library materials can be loaned for a four-week period. All law library materials are due at the end of each semester, even if the normal four-week loan period has not expired. All loans should be initiated at least 15 minutes before posted closing times.
Unless an item is overdue or a hold has been placed on it, TMSL students, faculty and staff may renew items in person at the Circulation Desk, by telephone or online through their library account login on the catalog. Patrons are allowed up to 2 renewals per item a semester.
Recalls
Initial 28 day loans may be kept for the entire loan period. Recalls may be placed at any time after the initial loan period. Reserve materials may be recalled at any time. Renewals/ overdue items are subject to recall especially if a hold has been placed on the item. Recall options are at the discretion of the Circulation Librarian.
Returns
Library materials may be returned during regular business hours at the Circulation desk or in the after-hours drop box located in the front of the law school.
Patrons with overdue items are not permitted to borrow additional items from the Library until the overdue items are returned. A hold will be placed on the records of patrons who fail to return materials after an overdue notice has been sent. Patrons who lose materials will be held financially responsible.
If an item with a checkout time of 28 days is not returned by four weeks past the due date, the library will declare the materials lost and charge the user for the cost of the item, a processing fee, and the accrued overdue fine. For items with an hourly checkout time, such as reserve items, if the item is not returned by four days past the due date, the library will declare the materials lost and charge the user for the cost of the item, a processing fee, and the accrued overdue fine. In addition to fines accrued, any student with overdue items at the end of the semester will have a hold placed on their academic record.
If a library item cannot be found on the shelf, the missing item should be reported to the Circulation Desk. Library staff will check the online catalog to determine if the item is checked out. If there is no record that the material is in use, then the item’s status will be changed to Missing in the catalog. If a lost book is returned or replaced, the cost of the book and/ or the academic hold will be removed from the patron's record.
TexShare is a consortium of Texas libraries joining to share physical and electronic materials. The TexShare Card is a statewide library card that lets you borrow participating libraries’ physical materials. TMSL faculty, staff, and students can get a TexShare card by requesting one from our Circulation Desk. Patrons can access their databases by clicking on the TexShare Databases link on our Electronic Resources page.
If material is not available in the library's collection, the library can borrow it from another institution through the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Service. ILL is provided for TMSL faculty, students, and staff. Books, theses, dissertations and journal or newspaper articles not owned by TMSL or TexShare can be ordered through ILL. ILL request forms are available at the Circulation Desk. Completed ILL forms should be given to the library staff. An interlibrary loan usually requires ten days to two weeks for processing. For more information, please contact Patrina Epperson-Emmanuel, Circulation Librarian at 713-313-1011.
Questions concerning accessing library materials can be discussed with the Circulation Librarian, Room 114A, Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., or call (713) 313-1011.