RULES FOR THE TAYLOR COUNTY LAW LIBRARY

MISSION STATEMENT: The establishment of a County Law Library is provided for by law, Vernon's Texas Codes Annotated, Local Government Code §323.021. The objective of the Taylor County Law Library is to provide a reference-only (the public cannot check out publications) research facility, which is supplied by major primary and secondary legal texts. Our goal is to support the practice and understanding of the law to county and court personnel and the public by providing access to the most relevant federal and state resources.

DISCLAIMER NOTICE: Due to the constantly changing nature of the law and the fact that the Law Library's reliance on information compiled and provided by outside sources, we do not make any warranties or guarantees concerning the accuracy, reliability, relevance, currency, or completeness of this information obtained at this site.

Though the Taylor County Law Library cannot dispense legal advice, you are encouraged to state your problem so that the librarian can direct you to the correct area to start your research and show you how to use the library's resources.

Rule 1: The business hours for the Taylor County Law Library are 9:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. and 1:00-3:00 P.M. Monday through Friday unless otherwise posted.

Rule 2: The Taylor County Law Library only accepts cash.

Rule 3: Use of the Taylor County Law Library, its computers, and digital resources is free of charge. However, printing, copying, or purchasing pre-assembled Pro Se packets is not. To print or copy is $0.10 per page. The pre-prepared Pro Se packets range in price from $0.10 - $14.00, depending upon which package is purchased.

Rule 4: Only Taylor County Attorneys can check out Taylor County Law Library Texts and MUST return them by the close of business of that work week.

Rule 5: The Taylor County Law Librarian or any other Taylor County employee reserves the right to request the following: Confirmation of identification by request of a valid government­ issued photo I.D. for notary services.

 Rule 6: No child under 18 may enter the Taylor County Law Library unsupervised unless the minor in question is performing legal research for themselves. Any child accompanying a parent conducting legal research must sit quietly with that parent. A patron shall receive one (1) verbal warning before expulsion for failure to abide by this rule.

Rule 7: The Taylor County Law Library is not a waiting room, cooling/heating center, or childcare facility. It is a place to perform legal research. Loitering is not permitted. A patron shall receive one (1) verbal warning before expulsion for failure to abide by this rule.

Rule 8: Food is not allowed. However, those conducting legal research may bring a bottled or otherwise sealable beverage to drink. The beverage may sit on a different surface than Taylor County Resources, and the librarian will instruct patrons of appropriate locations to set their drinks. A patron shall receive one (1) verbal warning before expulsion for failure to abide by this rule.

Rule 9: Texas Government Code 81.101 and 81.102, as well as Texas Penal Code 38.123, prohibit any individual, not a member of the Texas State Bar from providing legal advice or services, meaning it is highly illegal for the Taylor County Law Librarian or any other Taylor County employee who is not a member of the Texas State Bar to provide patrons with legal advice. The Law Librarian cannot legally tell you what packet you need, help you fill out any forms other than to notarize them, or perform legal research on your behalf. They may only show you how to use research materials. A patron shall receive one (1) verbal warning before expulsion for failing to abide by this rule and asking the librarian to break the law by performing any of the abovementioned tasks.

Rule 10: Computer use is limited to 20 minutes unless otherwise coordinated with the Taylor County Law Librarian. Taylor County does not allow the insertion of devices into County computers or copy machines. Performing legal research is the only permitted task on County computers. Modifying computer settings is not allowed. A patron shall receive one (1) verbal warning before expulsion for failure to abide by this rule.

Rule 11: Cell phones are allowed, but no photos of library materials are permitted, and the ringer must be on silent mode. Should a patron receive a phone call, they must step into the hallway to take it. A patron shall receive one (1) verbal warning before expulsion for failure to abide by this rule.

Rule 12: Patrons must maintain a tidy workspace. A patron shall receive one (1) verbal warning before expulsion for failure to abide by this rule.

Rule 13: Disturbing other patrons or the librarian is not permitted. A patron shall receive one (1) verbal warning before expulsion.

Rule 14: The librarian reserves the right to deny access to the conference room for any reason. A patron shall receive one (1) verbal warning before expulsion for failure to abide by this rule.

Rule 15: The librarian reserves the right to refuse to notarize any document.