LIBRARY: Reference Services

Reference Desk | Access to the Library's Collection | Microform Collection
Government Documents | Access to Other Libraries | Research Guides

Reference Desk
The Reference Desk is normally staffed from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday - Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday and  11:00 am to 6 pm on Sunday. The Reference Desk is staffed by professional librarians. These librarians are available to provide help in the use of the Library and library facilities, including assistance in research and the location of library materials.  Reference questions are answered to the fullest extent possible.  However, the Library staff is unable to give legal advice or legal opinions.

Access to the Library's Collection
The Library's collection may be accessed through the INNOPAC Online Public Access Catalog (DOLLY). An in-depth explanation of DOLLY can be found elsewhere in this Guide.

Microform Collection
The Library has more than one-third of its collection in microform. (Consult the Microform Holdings List in this Guide.) Important publications on microform include:

1. Newspapers: American Lawyer, New York Law Journal, National Law Journal, Chicago Daily Law Bulletin     
2. Periodicals and other serial publications: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, Session Laws of the 50 States, first series of National Reporters, International Court of Justice Pleadings and Reports, Council of State Government Publications, Bar Association Journals, United Nations Treaty Series     
3. Government Documents: Congressional Record, Federal Register, Tax Court Reports, Attorney General Opinions, and Illinois documents, including Illinois House and Senate bills and floor debates

The Library provides microform reader-printers to enable patrons to make use of the Microform Collection. Copies can be made using copy photocopy cards.  The Reference staff will be happy to assist you in using this equipment.

Government Documents 
Since 1981 the Library has been a Selective Federal Documents Depository and has acquired many government publications. Many of these documents are in the Research Collection on the 6th floor while  others are in the general collection.  All are included in the INNOPAC Online Public Access Catalog. Assistance in accessing and using these documents may be obtained at the Reference Desk.  This collection and the government documents terminal are available to all library patrons including members of the general public.

Access to Other Libraries
Materials that are not in our Library's collection may be obtained from or used at other libraries. Through a cooperative arrangement students and faculty have access to other local law school libraries. Arrangements can also be made to use other library collections. For more information contact the Reference desk at 312-427-2737 ext. 729.

See Interlibrary Loan FAQ page.

Research Guides
The staff of the Reference Department has compiled a number of research guides and bibliographies designed to provide guidance in conducting research on specific topics or using specific materials. These may be obtained free of charge on the handout rack next to the Reference Desk.