Widener Carrel Policy

All carrel and hold shelf holders agree to abide by the following rules and regulations. Violation of these rules may result in loss of carrel and/or hold shelf privileges. Note to patrons issued a Hold Shelf: all guidelines that apply to carrels apply to hold shelves. For general library policies, consult the HCL Policies page.

  • Carrel ID cards: Plastic cards are issued with the carrel assignment. They are for your use only for charging materials at the Widener Circulation desk to your study carrel and must be returned upon expiration of your carrel assignment.
  • Charging Items: All materials at a carrel must be properly charged to that carrel. Uncharged materials will be removed on a regular basis. Storing uncharged library books in the locked cabinet is a violation and may result in loss of the carrel. Personal books may be left at a carrel.
  • Widener Items Only: Only Widener and Pusey materials charged to a specific carrel may be kept at that carrel. Books from any other library, including books received via interlibrary loan, will be removed and returned to those libraries unless stored in the carrel locker. Because they are a security risk, materials charged to a personal ID will be removed unless stored in the carrel locker.
  • Recalls: All materials are subject to recall and removal by library staff. Therefore, materials must be easily accessible and may not be kept in the carrel locker or cabinet.
  • Shared Carrel: Due to high demand, carrels are shared with up to 3 other patrons. Please do not remove or interfere with materials left by others.
  • 60 Book Limit: Due to obvious space limitations, carrel holders may check out no more than 60 books to a carrel at one time.
  • Cabinet: Carrel holders are given a combination to the locked cabinet at their carrel. This is shared among three individuals assigned to each carrel, so do not leave valuables at, or in, your carrel or locked cabinet. Widener Library is not responsible for lost or missing items left at/in carrels. In concern for the security of your work, please maintain copies of all personal documentation.
  • Personal Items: Do not leave personal items unattended.
  • Inspections: Widener Library reserves the right to inspect locked cabinets routinely and will remove uncharged material. Carrels are also inspected routinely.
  • Neatness: Use trash receptacles and remove unwanted or unsightly materials. Use bulletin boards at each carrel: do not post anything to library walls.
  • Eating, drinking, smoking, photography, cell phones. Usage of these is prohibited in the stacks. Food may be taken to the café on the ground floor and designated cell phone use areas are located in the outside vestibule of the main entrance, the café or the corridor to the Mass Ave Entrance on the ground floor, including the public telephone alcove.
  • Talking: Noise levels must be held to a minimum. Conferences should not be held at carrels.