Graduate Research Carrels at Hamilton Library

I. Eligibility

• Priority 1: UH Mānoa PhD candidates working on their approved dissertations.
• Priority 2: UH Mānoa Masters Plan A candidates working on their approved theses.
• Priority 3: UH Mānoa PhD students who have not advanced to candidacy.

NOTE: Masters Plan A students who have not advanced to candidacy and Masters Plan B students are not eligible to apply for a research carrel.

II. Application

• Applications are available online in form-fillable PDF or may be picked up at the Hamilton Library Administration Office, Room 112.
• Applications must contain a brief description of the research project, include a statement of need, and require confirmation by the applicant’s department chair or graduate chair that the applicant’s dissertation or thesis proposal has been approved.
• Applications will be accepted during the application period:
• Beginning on the 1st day of instruction of a semester/session.
• Ending on the 1st Friday of the semester/session.
• Turn in applications to the Hamilton Library Administration Office, Room 112.

III. Selection

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

IV. Assignment

• Research carrels are assigned for one semester/session at a time. If a project will extend beyond one semester/session, a new application must be submitted.
• Applicants will be notified of their carrel assignments by email.
• Research carrels will not be assigned to individuals with unpaid library fines.

V. Vacate

• Research carrels must be cleared and vacated for inspection no later than five (5) business days after the last day of instruction of each semester/session.
• The Library reserves the right to vacate research carrels users at any time. Research carrel users will be notified by email of any notice to vacate outside of the usual five (5) business days after the last day of instruction of a semester/session.
• Research carrel keys must be returned to the Hamilton Library Administration Office, Room 112 no later than five (5) business days after the last day of instruction of a semester/session or any other deadline to vacate.

VI. Lost or Outstanding Keys

• A $50.00 charge will be assessed for the cost of replacing any lost or stolen key.
• A $50.00 charge will be assessed against anyone who fails to return an assigned key within five (5) business days after the end of a semester/session or within five (5) business days after any other deadline to vacate.

VII. Maintenance

• Library janitors will empty trash.
• Building or maintenance problems should be reported to the Library Administration Office, Room 112 or library@hawaii.edu.

VIII. Damage

• If a research carrel or its furniture is damaged beyond normal wear during an occupant’s use, a clean-up or repair charge may be assessed at the discretion of the Library’s Fiscal Office.

IX. Personal Property

• The Library is not responsible for the security of any personal property.
• Any personal property found in a research carrel more than five (5) business days after the end of a semester/session or any other deadline to vacate will be considered abandoned and may be donated or disposed of by the Library.

X. Compliance

• Persons assigned to research carrels are responsible for compliance with all rules and regulations of the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa Library. The Library reserves the right to revoke carrel assignments for failure to comply with any Library rules and regulations or any research carrel policies and procedures.
• Failure to return a key within five (5) business days after the end of a semester/session or any other deadline to vacate and/or nonpayment of a lost or stolen 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 the account is settled to the satisfaction of the Library.

XI. Regulations

• All library materials used in a research carrel MUST BE CHARGED OUT either through the Circulation desk or the Reference Desk in cases of “special permission” loans. Research carrels may be inspected by Circulation staff. Any Library materials not properly charged out will be removed. Violators may have their carrel privileges revoked.
• Smoking, food, and beverages are prohibited in research carrels.
• 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.
• Carrels are for research only and may not be used as an office or visiting area.
• Research carrels are only for the use of persons to whom they are assigned. Research carrels and keys may not be subleased, and carrel keys may not be duplicated.
• 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 and cleared from the carrel at the end of an assigned period.
• Noise must be kept to a minimum as not to disturb others.
• Telephone, mail, and messenger services are not available.
• Bulletin boards are provided in each research carrel. Nothing else may be affixed to the walls, windows, ceiling or door. No window coverings are permitted.
• Research carrels are furnished with a study table, chair, bulletin board, and trash can, which may not be removed from the room. Additional furniture is not allowed without permission. Please do not move Library step stools into carrels.
• Violators may be evicted and future research carrel privileges denied.

(rev. 12/2015)