Using the Law Library

Beyond providing access to materials like books, videos, and online content, Reference is one of the most fundamental things that we do at the Law Library. The Reference Desk is a physical place in the library (see picture below), but Reference is the service we provide. Reference services can include any of the following:

• Research assistance
• Research Methods and Advanced Legal Research help when permissible by the professor
• Topic brainstorming
• Bluebook help
• Finding case filings
• Directing you to other law school resources

The usual answer would be, "come see us at the reference desk!"  However, times have changed and so have our Reference Desk practices. The Reference Desk is currently not open for face-to-face questions. However, we are still providing reference services in the following ways:

• Chat Reference (see picture below) - Our chat reference is available at http://lawlibrary.gsu.edu and staffed during normal reference hours.  Ask any question you'd normally ask in person.
• Phone - We're happy to discuss research over the phone. You can set up a time for a consultation either through chat or email. Usually, we can take phone calls right away, and realize that sometimes it's faster to talk through issues.
• Email - Feel free to email your Research Methods Professor, Personal Librarian, or the Reference email address at lawreference@gsu.edu. 

Hours

The Reference Desk is typically staffed as described in the table below. See https://lawlibrary.gsu.edu/calendar/ for exact hours.

Meet Our Reference Librarians

Reference is staffed by professional librarians and occasionally by well trained Graduate Research Assistants.  All reference Librarians at Georgia State College of Law have both a Law and Library graduate degree, representing a wealth of legal research experience. They're also super nice!

Many of your reference questions can be answered by consulting the library's Research Guides. These guides are organized by subject, with each designed to provide an accessible introduction to a specific research topic.

In particular, first-year students will want to check out these guides:

• Introduction to Legal Research 
• Bluebooking Tips & Resources
• Secondary Sources
• Legal Writing