Using the Library
Please see below for useful information on who may use the Library, guidance on accessibility and rules of conduct for readers.
Accessibility
The library at Lincoln’s Inn has disabled access and stocks resources for blind and visually impaired readers.
Disabled access
Access to the Library via a lift is available for wheelchair users and readers with poor mobility. The lift is accessed via the Library extension on the North Lawn. Click here for a map showing the entrance to the Library extension. Access via this route is controlled by an entry phone which connects with the Library Enquiry Desk.
Height-adjustable table
The Library has a height-adjustable table designed for wheelchair users, so they can study in comfort.
Hearing induction loop
The Enquiry Desk is fitted with a hearing induction loop.
Resources for blind and visually impaired readers
The Library has a dedicated pc with the following features. For more information, please ask at the Enquiry Desk or call us on 020 7242 4371.
- JAWS software – Screen reader software for use with databases. Headphones are available at the Enquiry Desk – please ask staff.
- Zoomtext – Screen magnifying software for visually impaired users
- Adjustable screen – The pc screen for visually impaired readers is mounted on an adjustable bracket, so users can position the screen effectively.
For further information regarding access please contact the Enquiry Desk on 020 7242 4371.
Who may use the Library
Barristers and their clerks, Bar students and members of the four Inns of Court are welcome to use the Library.
Members of the other Inns of Court are entitled to use the Library as an extension of their right to use their own Inn’s library. A member who has been banned from their own Inn’s library as a result of disciplinary action is no longer permitted to use Lincoln’s Inn Library.
If you are not automatically entitled to use the Library and have a particular reason for wanting to use the Library’s collections, please apply to the Librarian in advance.
Solicitors may use the Library, by appointment only, as a last resort for material not held in other London law libraries. The legal collections are not available to litigants in person or the general public.
Outside scholars are welcome to use the Library’s rare books and manuscripts and the Inn’s archives by appointment. Application should be made by post or email to the Librarian or, in the case of the Inn’s archives, to the Archivist, attaching a letter of introduction from university or appropriate institution.
The Library is happy to answer genealogical and other enquiries from the public about past members of the Inn. Such enquiries should be by letter or e-mail. Personal visits in connection with such enquiries are not generally necessary and should only be made by prior arrangement.
Rules of conduct for readers – breaches of the Library rules could lead to offenders being banned from all the Inn libraries
Conduct
· Abide by the Inn’s code of conduct
· Respect other readers and the Inn’s staff
· Respect other people’s personal space
· Do not make inappropriate comments or ask intrusive personal questions
· Be considerate of the requirements of other readers and help maintain a quiet environment suitable for study
Food and drink
· You must not bring any food into the Library
· You may bring drinks into the Library if they are in a container with a non-spill cap
Photography
· Do not take any photographs in the Library
In exceptional circumstances, permission to take a photograph may be permitted, but only at the discretion of Library staff
Mobile phone use
· Do not speak on your phone in the Library
· Keep the ring tone on silent
· If you must take a phone call, we ask you to step outside the Library
Complying with copyright and online licences
· Familiarise yourself with and abide by the terms of licence conditions when using electronic databases
· You may only make copies from library material as allowed by current UK copyright legislation
Security
· Do not leave bags or valuables unattended in the Library
Rare books, manuscripts and archive use
· If you would like to use a rare book or manuscript (shown on our Catalogue as “Strong Room”):
· Please apply in advance to the Librarian or Archivist
· Rare books and manuscripts must be returned to the Enquiry Desk by 6.45pm, and archive items to be returned to the Archivist by 4.30pm
· You will be asked to sit at the designated table near the enquiry desk
· You may only make notes with pencil
· For security purposes we will only provide one book or manuscript at a time
· Material is made available at the discretion of Library staff. Please be aware that certain items may be judged too fragile to handle
· You may apply for permission to photograph rare books, manuscripts or archives for the purposes of research or private study
· Application should be made on this form. Please note that permission to photograph is made at the discretion of Library staff
