The purpose of assigned library carrels is for research and study only. They are issued on a first come, first serve basis. Carrels on the third and fourth floors of the Ned R. McWherter Library are available for individual assignment to support study and research by faculty and graduate students of the University (please note Item V. Carrel Inspection). They are not to be used for office or conference space or for storage of materials. Applications for carrels are available from the Circulation desk and online. Questions should be forwarded to Sharon Tucker at stucker@memphis.edu or 901-678-8248. The use of study carrels is governed by the following policies.
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User Responsibilities
A carrel is to be used exclusively by the person to whom it has been assigned and cannot be loaned or transferred to another party.
Nothing is to be permanently posted or attached in any way to walls or furniture. The inside and outside of the carrel door glass should not be blocked by posters, papers, a filing cabinet, etc.
Personal equipment such as computers (desk models only, please), typewriters, calculators, study lamps, or desk clocks is permitted. All other electrical appliances and personal furniture are prohibited.
Smoking or tobacco products are not allowed in study carrels. (University Procedure #2A:04:04A)
Food is not allowed in library carrels. Only bottled beverages or travel mugs are allowed in carrels---no open cups, canned drinks, or drinks in plastic or paper cups.
Possession and/or use of illegal or controlled substances is strictly prohibited.
Personal items of value left in the carrel should be locked in the cabinets provided for this purpose. If study items (books, papers, pens, etc.) are always visible, the carrel is less likely to be vandalized.
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Library's Responsibilities
Assignment of study carrels is intended to accommodate the need for a place where faculty or students can work on a project or research on a regular basis during the period for which the carrel is assigned. Carrels not in regular use should be surrendered.
Library staff will not divulge carrel assignments. This is confidential information.
The Library will not be responsible for damage or loss of any personal property or other items left in the carrel. It is recommended that valuable property, i.e., laptops, cell phones, etc., not be left in the carrels under any circumstances.
Carrels may only be used during the libraries' operating hours. Carrels may not be used as a mailing address location. Mail addressed to a carrel will be returned to the sender. Messages will not be delivered to carrels, nor will assignees be paged.
Library staff will conduct periodic carrel inspections during which any prohibited items may be removed and held at the Circulation Desk.
Carrels will be equipped with a working data line. It will be the responsibility of the individual student/faculty to obtain the data cards or other resources needed to access the database.
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Library Material Policies
All circulating library materials in the library carrel must be properly checked out to the assigned occupant. All items will be subject to regular loan policies and overdue fines and fees.
Periodicals, Reference books, and other non-circulating materials should not be left in the study carrel.
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Location of Study Carrels
Research/study carrels for individual assignment are located on the third and fourth floors of the Ned R. McWherter Library.
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Carrel Inspections
Periodic inspections of carrels will be made by library staff. All library owned materials would be removed if not properly checked out or if overdue. Fines and fees will be assessed on overdue materials. Any prohibited materials will be removed and held at the Circulation desk.
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Carrel Keys
Carrel keys may not be duplicated or loaned to other individuals. Keys must be returned to the Circulation Desk at the end of the loan period. Replacement charges will be billed to the assigned occupant for any unreturned key(s).
Lost keys should be reported immediately to the Circulation Desk. Replacement keys will be made available after payment of required charges.
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Application Procedures
Faculty and graduate students of the University of Memphis may apply for an individual library carrel. An application/registration form may be picked up at and returned to the Circulation Desk. Applications are also available online.
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Priority of Assignment
Carrel assignments will be made according to the following priorities on a first-come, first-served basis:
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Faculty engaged in research
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Students in the writing stage of their doctoral dissertation or master's thesis
- Retired faculty engaged in a specific research project
- Visiting scholars who are engaged in research or teaching will be considered on a space available basis
- Others with special needs or unique circumstances
