Raynor Memorial Libraries
Research Carrel Policy

Carrels provide quiet space within Memorial Library for advanced research.  Since the renovation of Memorial Library, the carrel policy has been revised.  To allow for carrel users to meet the new requirements, those who currently have carrels may continue to use them through September 2004; new carrel assignments will be made effective October 1, 2004.

The number of research carrels in Memorial Library is limited and, therefore, use of the carrels is restricted to faculty and graduate students of the University.  Because the number of carrels available represents less than 5% of the total faculty and graduate student population, a priority system has been developed to provide this scarce resource to those Marquette researchers who have the greatest need.  One third of the carrels are reserved for faculty engaged in active research.

Application

An application for a research carrel maybe obtained at Raynor Circulation Services or on the Libraries’ Web site http://www.marquette.edu/library/information/research_carrel.pdf (PDF requires Adobe Acrobat Reader

Completed applications should be returned to Circulation.  Applications will be reviewed and the Dean of Libraries will send a letter to all applicants informing them of the status of their application.

• Assignments will be made in this priority order:
  1. Faculty on sabbatical who are remaining at the University to pursue research.
  2. Doctoral students who are writing their dissertation while they remain on campus.*
  3. Faculty with research requiring extensive use of library resources.
  4. Masters candidates who are writing their thesis while they remain on campus.*
  5. Other faculty and graduate students on a first come, first served basis for active research.

  * An application from a graduate student writing a dissertation or thesis must be accompanied by a letter from the director of his or her graduate program, confirming that the student is writing his or her dissertation or thesis during the semester for which the carrel will be provided.

• To allow for more effective use of the carrels, carrels will be assigned one semester at a time.  Carrels will be available for the following three periods:  fall semester, spring semester and the summer session.  Graduate students may renew a carrel twice.  Faculty engaged in long-term research projects may be permitted additional renewals with a maximum of three years.

Library Materials

Library materials kept in carrels must be checked out.  Library staff monitor carrels and possession of unchecked-out library materials may result in confiscation of materials and loss of privileges.

Furniture and maintenance

Carrels are furnished with a chair, desk, shelves, and wastebasket.  Library furniture from other areas of the building may not be moved into the carrels.  Heaters, heating elements, and microwaves are not allowed in carrels.  Smoking and eating are not permitted in the carrels, and beverages may be carried only in secure containers.  Carrels may not be used for purposes other than active research, such as storage of materials.

Security

Carrels should be locked at all times when not in use.  Marquette University Libraries assume no responsibility for the loss of, or damage to, personal possessions kept in carrels.  For security reasons, occupants of carrels should not obscure the windows in their carrel with paper or other materials.

Questions about the Research Carrel policy should be addressed to Joan Sommer, Head of Access Services (288-3606), or Joan.Sommer@marquette.edu