Library rules
1. The Library is open from 8.00am –6.00pm Monday to Friday. The Library is closed on weekends, Public Holidays and during the long vacation.
2. The Association's Library is primarily for barristers who hold a current practicing certificate and other members of the Bar Association. Solicitor members should, in the first instance, seek assistance from the Law Society Library. If the Law Society cannot assist, then the member or the firm's library may request the item from the Bar Library. If a solicitor member of the Bar Association wishes to use the library, they are welcome to visit the library and undertake their own research.
3. Users of the Library are expected to be considerate of the comfort and convenience of others. In particular:
>> Library users may not deface, damage or destroy books or other library material
>> Library users may not in any way interfere with the personal belongings of other library users
>> Library users shall behave in a courteous and professional manner at all times.
4. No book shall be lent to or borrowed by any person who is not a financial member of the Association.
5. Members may borrow any item in the collection with the exception of reference items, looseleaf services and other rare or popular materials.
6. Reference materials, looseleaf services and other items marked NOT FOR LOAN may not be borrowed from the Library.
7. Computer terminals and other electronic facilities are for legal research purposes only. The terminals are not to be used for private purposes. The use of these facilities is subject to relevant Australian and NSW legislation, including the Copyright Act 1968, Telecommunications Act 1997, Library rules as well as licensing agreements. Users of electronic facilities must abide by these rules.
8. Members are to leave books or materials taken from the shelves on the study desks or on the returns trolleys in the library. Library staff will return the material to the shelves for you.
9. Members can reserve items currently on loan. Reserved items are put aside for collection and members notified. Reserved items are kept for one week only.
10. Borrowers must ensure that each item borrowed is checked out through the loans system by a member of the library staff.
11. Items may be borrowed for one week (not the duration of a case). If requested by another borrower, the item is subject to recall after three days.
12. Loans may be twice extended, on request to the library staff.
13. Books should be taken to the loans desk to be checked out. Please show your NSW Bar Association photo ID card or tell the staff your name and chambers.
14. All books lent are returnable immediately at the request of the library staff; i.e. Books should be kept in chambers not taken home, interstate or overseas.
15. It is the responsibility of the borrower to ensure that the library receives loan items returned. All items returned via the DX or mail are done at the borrower's own risk.
16. Borrowers shall be held responsible for loss of or damage to, any book on loan in their name.
17. Replacement costs will be charged for any item not received by the library. Further, a $50 processing charge will be levied to replace damaged or lost items. Should these penalties not be paid, the Library will suspend the borrower’s right to borrow until payment in full has been made.
Persons conducting themselves contrary to the guidelines above or any other way which is not a proper use of the Library, or which interferes with the comfort, convenience or use of the Library by others, may be asked to leave the Library and denied Library privileges.
Library charges
| All charges inclusive of GST | |
| Photocopies/printouts | 22c per page |
| Faxes | 44c per page ($1.10 interstate) |
| No charge | |
| Photocopies from external law libraries* | 33c per page |
| Loans from external law libraries* | No charge |
| Photocopies and loans from other libraries | Charges as per ILRS Code |
| *External law libraries include Supreme Court Library and Law Society Library | |
Photocopying
A photocopying account is needed to operate the photocopiers and printers. Accounts can be set up for individual members or a floor/chamber and consists of a membership number and password.
To open an account or top up an existing account, visit Reception at the Bar Association or phone (02) 9232 4055.
Application form >>
Top up form >>