Frequently Asked Questions

-Where is the Mason Law Library located?

-What can I check out from the library?

-I’m not a UDC law student, can I come to your library?

-Can I bring food or drinks into the library?

-Can you watch my stuff?

-Can I access the internet?

-How do I find a book?

-Why can’t I access the research databases?

-You don’t have a book I need, can you get it for me?

-Can I place a hold on a book?

-Can I make copies?

-Can I check out a locker?

-What is the Clinic Library and how do I access it?

-Do you have a lost and found?

-Do you want me to reshelve my books?

-Where are the restrooms?

-I’m expecting an important call, can I use my cell phone in the library?

-Where is the Mason Law Library located?

The Mason Law Library is on the flagship campus, on the B Level of Building 39, facing Connecticut Avenue, N.W. and a small grove of ornamental cherry trees at the corner of Van Ness Street, N.W. The Van Ness Metro Station at Connecticut Avenue, N.W., borders the campus. Parking is available on the streets nearby and in the underground UDC Parking Garage, entrance on Van Ness Street. N.W. The address of the Law Library is 4200 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008; telephone 202-274-7310.

 

-What can I check out from the library?

Most print resources are for library use only. For more information about what we have in our library go to our Collection page. For more information about library services go to our Services page.

-I’m not a UDC law student, can I come to your library?

Generally yes, but all non-UDC-DCSL patrons must sign in a the Circulation Desk and leave a photo id with Circulation staff. However, the library reserves the right to close the library to all non-UDC-DCSL students when needed.

-Can I bring food or drinks into the library?

You may bring in drinks that are in library-approved spill proof containers. All other drinks or food are not allowed.

-Can you watch my stuff?

No. You are responsible for the security of your personal items while in the library. If you are a UDC law student, you may check out a locker from the Circulation Desk for 8 hours.

-Can I access the internet?

All patrons can access the internet from 3 computers located across from the circulation desk, however, these computers do not have print capability. UDC-DCSL students may access the internet wirelessly. Please see the Laptops page for more information.

-How do I find a book?

The best way to locate a book in our library is to use our online catalog. If you are having trouble using the catalog, please contact a librarian.

-Why can’t I access the research databases?

Some research databases are available for use by public patrons while at the library, including Westlaw via a Public Access terminal across from the Circulation Desk. If you are a UDC-DCSL student, staff or faculty member and you cannot access a database, please contact Brittany Kolonay.

-You don’t have a book I need, can you get it for me?

The library offers interlibrary loan service to the UDC law students and faculty. To request an item, contact William Thomas or Gail Mathapo. UDC students, faculty and staff may make an interlibrary loan request through the Learning Resources Division. All other patrons should contact their local public libraries.

-Can I place a hold on a book?

Only UDC-DCSL students and faculty may place holds on books. Books may not be recalled from faculty or staff, but they may be recalled from other borrowers after two weeks. Provide the circulation staff with the call number, title and author of the book you wish to place on hold.

-Can I make copies?

Yes. The library has one copier located near the Circulation Desk. In order to use the copiers, patrons will have to put money on their UDC Id at the machine in Circulation Area. The library will soon be adding another copier that allows all patrons to make copies.

-Can I check out a locker?

UDC law students can check out lockers from the Circulation Desk with their UDC Id. Lockers may be checked out for 8 hours.

-What is the Clinic Library and how do I access it?

The Clinic Library is on the lower level of Building 52 and is for UDC-DCSL students and faculty only. It includes a small collection of research materials and comfortable chairs, tables, and carrels for research and study.

-Do you have a lost and found?

Yes. The Mason Law Library keeps lost materials found in the library at the Circulation Desk. These materials are discarded at the end of the semester.

-Do you want me to reshelve my books?

You may leave your books on the tables, carrels or book trucks you find around the library.

-Where are the restrooms?

Restrooms are located in the hallway leading to the law library on the B level of Building 39 and also in the main reading area of the library.

-I’m expecting an important call, can I use my cell phone in the library?

You are welcome to bring your cell phones to the library, however, we ask that you keep the ringer on silent and leave the library if you need to make or take a call. There is also a public telephone beside the elevators outside the library.