Research Carrels

Policy and Procedures

1. Eligibility*

• Priority 1: UHM Ph.D. students working on their dissertations.
• Priority 2: Other UH affiliated researchers actively involved in a specific research activity at the UHM which requires intensive use of library materials.
• At the Associate University Librarian's discretion, others (e.g., visiting scholars) may be accommodated on special request.

2. Application

Applications in PDF or HTML form can be printed out or are available at the Hamilton Library Administrative Office (Room 112). They should be returned with the graduate student's department chair's signature.

3. Selection

Carrels are given out on a first come, first served basis, provided eligibility requirements are met. No waiting list will be kept. If demand exceeds availability, a lottery system may be implemented at the discretion of the Library Administration.

4. Assignment

Research carrels will not be assigned to individuals with unpaid Library bills.

• The Associate University Librarian makes the carrel assignments and applicants are notified.
• Research carrels are assigned for the shortest possible time needed to complete the Library research portion of the project. If the project will extend beyond one semester, a renewal application must be made prior to the new semester or summer session(s). Renewal is based on availability. If approved for renewal, carrel applicants should come to Room 111 to sign the room assignment card each semester.
• Carrels may be shared by two eligible persons, by mutual agreement. Both are issued keys and must be willing to share fiscal responsibility for any assessed damages.

5. Lost and Outstanding Keys

• If a key is lost, a $20.00 charge will be to cover costs of re-keying the carrel.
• Similarly, a $20.00 charge will be levied against those patrons who fail to return their key within five working days at the end of their assigned period.

6. Damage

Should the carrel or its furniture be damaged beyond normal wear during an occupant's use, a similar clean-up/repair charge may be assessed at the discretion of the Library's Fiscal Office.

7. Personal Effects

• The Library is not responsible for the security of personal effects (e.g. laptop computers)
• Personal effects found in a carrel after its return to the Library will be removed, held for thirty days, and then disposed of.

8. Maintenance

• The Library janitors will clean, and also empty trash.
• Building or maintenance problems should be reported to the Library Administrative Office.

9. Internet Connection

• A datajack for wired connection to the campus "wireless" network is provided in each research carrel in Hamilton Library on the third and fourth floors of the Phase 2 (mauka) end of the building.
• Occupant must have a network (ethernet) port in their laptop and supply their own ethernet cable. To connect, follow the wireless connection instructions when configuring setup. A valid UH user account is required to login.

10. Compliance

• Persons assigned carrels are responsible for compliance with the carrel regulations (see reverse) and all Library policies and regulations. The Library reserves the right to revoke assignments for the failure to comply.
• Failure to return the key within 5 working days of the end of the assigned period, non-payment of a lost key or damage charge, will result in the application of sanctions by the University as provided by the Rules and Regulations governing delinquent financial obligations. These sanctions include denial of registration, transcripts, or graduation unless and until your account is settled to the satisfaction of the Library.

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Regulations

1. All library materials used in a research carrel MUST BE CHARGED OUT either through the regular charge-out procedures at the Hamilton Circulation desk or the Reference desks in cases of "special permission" loans. Carrels will be inspected regularly by Circulation staff. Any Library materials not properly charged out will be removed because it is essential for other library users to be able to locate them. Violators will have their carrel privileges revoked. Overdue library books will also be removed.

2. Smoking, food, and beverages are prohibited in research carrels, as they are elsewhere in the Library.

3. Library hours must be observed; no one may remain in a carrel when the Library (or the floor on which the carrel is located) is closed to the public.

4. Carrels are for research and may not be used as office or visiting areas. Room assignments are confidential and will not be released to other patrons. Carrels are only for the use of the persons to whom they are assigned. Keys may not be subleased. Assistants helping an occupant with his/her research may use the carrel but will not be assigned duplicate keys.

5. Keys may not be duplicated.

6. In general, items related to bibliographic research such as books, paper, pencils, etc. may be kept in carrels. Other personal effects should be kept to a minimum. All personal effects should be removed form the carrel at the end of the assignment period.

7. Noise must be kept to a minimum so as not to disturb others.

8. Telephone, mail, and messenger services are not available.

9. Bulletin boards are provided in each closed study. Nothing may be affixed to the walls, windows, ceiling or door. No window coverings are permitted.

10. Study carrels are furnished. No furniture is to be moved from or into them without permission.