Reference Services

Law Library staff is available to help patrons locate and use library resources.  Law Library staff cannot give legal advice or do anything which might constitute the unauthorized practice of law.

Law Library staff may assist patrons in finding the materials they need to do their own research.  The staff may not interpret legal materials or advise patrons regarding their legal rights. The staff may not select legal forms for patrons or assist in filling out legal forms. The staff may help patrons develop search strategies, locate and use materials available in the library and online and refer patrons to other agencies or organizations for assistance.

Word Processing and Typewriters

The Law Library has computers designated for word processing use only.  These computers do not have access to the Internet.  Printing from these computers is 25 cents per page.  The Law Library has a typewriter that costs 25 cents for each 10 minutes of use.

Checkout Policy

Most books in the Law Library may be checked out by court and law firm personnel after 4 p.m. for overnight or weekend use. Checkouts should be returned to the reference desk no later than 9 a.m. the following working day. Audio CDs, DVDs and CD-ROMs may be checked out for a period of one week. A bar card may be required for identification.

Certain heavily-used materials may not be checked out under any circumstances. These titles are identified with an orange sticker on the spine.

Law Library staff may extend the checkout period, if necessary, provided no other library patron is waiting to use the materials.

Self Service Copies

Photocopies are 20 cents per copy. The copiers will accept silver change, $1 bills or copycards. Copycards may be purchased from the Law Library and are available in the following denominations: $5 for 25 copies, $10 for 50 copies, $19 for 100 copies, $45 for 250 copies and $85 for 500 copies.

Internet Access

The Law Library has several computer workstations with Internet access.  The primary purpose of these computers is to do legal research. Searching is free; printing is 25 cents per page.

Screen Reader Software

The Law Library has one computer workstation with JAWS screen reader software for use by patrons with visual impairments.

Fax Service

The Law Library's fax machine may be used to send or receive faxes. The charge to send or receive is $1 per page.

Computer Assisted Research - Westlaw and Lexis

The Law Library has public access subscriptions to Lexis, Westlaw, and Hein On-Line. Searching is free; printing is 25 cents per page.