Cecily Zamora
Law libraries can be searched in person, over the phone, or via email. In-person hours vary, but the Library of Michigan, for example, is open Monday to Friday from 1 pm to 5 pm. Phone and email requests for this library are available from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Law librarians are not permitted to provide legal advice, but they can direct patrons to relevant law reference resources. The State Law Library, for example, holds multiple copies of every Michigan law book.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday–Friday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM |
| Location | On-site and online |
| Access | Restricted to individuals with valid GSU PantherCard |
| Contact | Email and phone |
| Services | Reference and research assistance, access to legal resources and law books |
| Limitations | Law librarians cannot provide legal advice or interpret laws/facts for patrons |
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What You'll Learn
Knowing the library's opening hours
Knowing the opening hours of a law library is essential for planning your visit and ensuring access to the resources you need. Law libraries, like other specialised libraries, often have specific operating hours that may differ from those of a typical public library. These hours can vary depending on various factors, such as the day of the week, the time of year, and even the type of user.
For example, the Georgia State University College of Law Library in Atlanta, Georgia, has different access hours for individuals with valid GSU PantherCards and those without. While the public hours for the law library are Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, individuals with special access, such as a GA bar card, may use the library for extended hours, including Saturdays. Similarly, the Law Library of Michigan has specific in-person hours from Monday to Friday, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, while also offering phone and email services during extended hours.
It is important to recognise that law libraries may also observe different hours during intersessions or special occasions. For instance, The Seattle Public Library, with multiple locations, has varied hours for different branches, and they are closed on certain days like Memorial Day. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the library's website or contact them directly to confirm their current hours before planning your visit.
Additionally, some law libraries may offer extended access to specific user groups, such as students or legal professionals, so it is worth inquiring about any special access provisions that may be in place. By being aware of the library's opening hours and any applicable access restrictions, you can ensure a productive visit to the law library and make the most of the available resources.
To summarise, knowing the opening hours of a law library is crucial for planning your research and visits efficiently. Law libraries often have unique operating hours, and staying informed about their schedules, including any variations during different times of the year or days of the week, will help you maximise your time and successfully access the legal resources you require.
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Understanding what resources are available
When it comes to understanding the resources available in a law library, it's important to know what materials and services are typically offered. Law libraries, such as the State Law Library in Michigan, often house an extensive collection of law books specific to the state or region. In this case, the library has multiple copies of every Michigan law book. While they may not accept book donations due to space constraints, they are usually open to reviewing lists of titles to fill any gaps in their collections.
Law libraries also provide access to various resources beyond books. Many offer in-person assistance during specified hours, where patrons can seek guidance from law librarians. It's important to note that while librarians can direct patrons to relevant law reference resources, they are generally not permitted to provide legal advice or interpret the law for patrons. Libraries often provide contact information for reference assistance, including phone numbers and email addresses.
Additionally, law libraries may offer online resources and services. Some libraries provide email addresses specifically for library queries, ensuring patrons can receive assistance without physically visiting the library. The websites of law libraries can be a valuable source of information, often featuring online catalogues, databases, and other digital resources. These online tools enable patrons to search for specific laws, regulations, and legal information.
It's worth noting that law libraries cater to a diverse range of patrons, from legal professionals and scholars to members of the public seeking legal information. As such, law libraries strive to maintain comprehensive and accessible collections, ensuring that patrons can find the legal resources they need. Patrons are typically encouraged to educate themselves on the laws applicable to their specific circumstances, and the library staff is available to provide directional assistance within the library.
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Knowing what materials the library collects
Knowing what materials a law library collects is essential for effective legal research. Here are some insights to help you understand the collections in law libraries:
Range of Collections
Law libraries typically maintain an extensive collection of legal resources, including books, journals, and microform holdings. These collections cater to diverse legal interests and areas of research.
Digital and Print Formats
Many law libraries offer access to materials in both print and digital formats. This allows users to choose the format that best suits their needs and preferences. The digital collections are particularly useful for remote legal research and accessing resources from anywhere in the world.
Specialised Collections
Some law libraries develop specialised collections to support specific areas of legal research. For example, the University of Minnesota Law School's library has a strong focus on the law of Minnesota, the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Western Europe. It also maintains a notable collection of Swedish legal materials.
Rare Books and Historical Documents
Certain law libraries, such as the University of Minnesota Law School's Stefan A. Riesenfeld Rare Books Research Center, house rare books and historical legal documents. These collections are invaluable for researchers delving into legal history or seeking insight into past legal practices.
Leisure Reading and Games
Beyond traditional legal texts, some law libraries provide leisure reading materials, games, and popular news magazines. These offerings create a well-rounded collection that caters to a variety of user interests and needs.
Federal Depository Collections
Law libraries, such as the University of Minnesota Law Library, may also serve as federal depositories, receiving and collecting law-related items from Congress, the Judiciary, and the Executive Branch, including the Department of Justice.
It is worth noting that law libraries have knowledgeable staff and reference librarians who can guide you in locating specific materials and navigating their collections. They can also provide information about the availability of resources and any access restrictions.
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How to request assistance
Many law libraries offer a variety of services to assist patrons in their legal queries. These services include:
- Research assistance: The Law Library of Congress, for instance, provides research assistance, photocopying, and computer use services. The library also lends certain materials to participating libraries, but not directly to individuals. Researchers are advised to consult their libraries to arrange for loans.
- Lawyer referral services: Many law libraries offer lawyer referral services to help community members find attorneys for their specific legal needs, such as family law, personal injury, or criminal law.
- Self-help resource centers: These centers offer free legal support to litigants who don't have an attorney. For example, the Civil Self-Help Center (CSHC) of the Sacramento County Public Law Library specializes in civil litigation matters.
- Legal aid agencies: Several law libraries also house legal aid agencies that provide free legal services to community members below a specific income level. These agencies specialize in areas such as family safety and government.
- Do-it-yourself clinics: The Katherine R. Everett Law Library at the University of North Carolina School of Law offers free do-it-yourself clinics that cover various legal topics, such as child custody actions and filing for divorce without a lawyer.
When visiting a law library, patrons can typically request assistance in person during specified hours. Some law libraries also offer assistance over the phone or via email. For example, the Library of Michigan provides in-person assistance from 1 PM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday, and phone and email assistance from 10 AM to 5 PM during the same days.
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Knowing what materials can be donated
First, it is important to recognise that law libraries, especially those associated with universities or states, may have limited space and specific requirements. For example, the State Law Library in Michigan has multiple copies of every Michigan law book and is unlikely to accept donations due to storage constraints. Therefore, it is advisable to contact the library beforehand to understand their needs and capacity.
Public libraries often accept donated books, and your local law school library may be a good starting point. They may pay a small amount for textbooks or accept them as gifts. Libraries typically have donation guidelines posted on their websites or may provide this information over the phone. Most public libraries in the United States accept gift books, with the understanding that they can decide whether to add them to their collection, sell them to raise funds, or discard them.
Some libraries, such as the Alameda County Law Library, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation, accept donations of law books in good condition. They provide donors with a letter of acknowledgment, including an itemised list of donated materials, which can be used for tax deduction claims. However, libraries cannot assign a monetary value to donations, and donors must assess the value themselves or seek professional appraisal.
If you are unable to find a law library that accepts donations, there are alternative options. Websites like LawBookExchange.com buy and sell law practitioner titles, eBay can connect you with decorators, photographers, or theatre groups interested in books, and BetterWorldBooks.com may accept donations. Additionally, services like Cash4Books allow you to sell old textbooks online by entering the book's ISBN.
Lastly, consider the condition and rarity of the materials you wish to donate. Most places that accept donated books will not take encyclopaedias or similar categories. However, rare or older items may be of interest to certain organisations or institutions. The Rare Books and Manuscripts Section of the Association of College and Research Libraries provides guidance on identifying and caring for such collections.
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Frequently asked questions
The in-person hours are Monday to Friday, 1 PM to 5 PM.
Phone and email requests are open Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM.
No, law librarians are not permitted to provide legal advice. They can, however, direct patrons to law reference resources in the collection.
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