Reference Services

 

What Kind of Help Does the Law Library provide?

  • We can tell you where resources are located in the Library.
  • We can show you how to use the resources.
  • We can suggest resources for you to use.
  • We can refer you to other law libraries that have the resources you are looking for.
  • We can help you understand legal citations.
  • We can help UDC-DCSL students obtain passwords for subscription database services.
    • For Lexis and Westlaw passwords, see the Head of Public Services.
    • For all other subscription database passwords, see the Electronic Services Librarian.
  • We can help you use the Westlaw Public Access service for online legal research.
    • The service is free to the public.
    • No printing or email service is available.
    • The service is available on a catalog terminal in Circulation.

 

How Does Legal Reference Differ from Legal Advice?

  • Law librarians help you to use the law library.
  • Law librarians help you find resources relating to your legal issue.
  • Law librarians cannot give you legal advice or an answer to a legal question.
  • Law librarians cannot do your research for you.
  • Law librarians can help you find legal aid resources where lawyers may be able to give you legal advice.

 

How Can I Get Help with Legal Research Assignments?

  • Law librarians can show you how to use the research materials.
  • Law librarians can suggest resources that might help you.
  • Law librarians can help you figure out citation form.
  • Law librarians can explain which resources are good for certain kinds of research, e.g., the uses of legal encyclopedias, treatises, hornbooks, legal periodicals, digests, reporters, statutes, and legal research databases.
  • Law librarians can help you find other libraries where the research materials are available.
  • Law librarians cannot do your assignments or make copies for you.

 

How Can I Find Resources for Learning Legal Research?

  • Learning to do legal research is a complex process.
  • Law librarians can show you resources in the law library for learning to do legal research.
  • Law librarians can answer your questions related to learning legal research.

 

How Can I Make Use of the University’s Learning Resources Division and Other Local Libraries?

  • Borrowing materials from UDC’s Learning Resources Division (LRD) is accomplished by getting a LRD bar code ID put on your UDC ID card.
  • All books borrowed via Aladin must be picked up and returned to the Learning Resources Division in Building 41.
  • UDC-DCSL law students may show their UDC ID cards for access at local law school libraries. It is often best to call in advance for information about access. See Local Law Libraries under Reference Guides.
  • The Law Library at the Law Library of Congress is open to the public. For information, see http://www.loc.gov/law/index.php.

 

How can I borrow materials from other libraries?

  • Interlibrary loan is available to UDC-DCSL faculty and students for materials held in other libraries.
  • The Circulation Librarian, Gail Mathapo, can assist you with inter-library loan requests. You may email her at gmathapo@udc.edu or telephone her at (202) 274-7357. You will be notified when your materials arrive.