LAW LIBRARY
Library Hours: 7:00 a.m - 11:00 p.m.
Reference Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Public Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Our librarians and staff are committed to assisting you in all aspects of legal research. Librarians can help you find print or online materials or help you with your legal research project. The librarians and staff in technical services, who acquire, catalog, and maintain our collection of print and electronic resources, are also committed to providing you with a current library. In the required course on legal research, students work with the librarians in learning the techniques of efficient legal research.
This library is a congressionally designated depository for U.S. Government documents. Public access to the government documents collection is guaranteed by public law (Title 44 United States Code). For more information, see the Collections page on Government Documents.
This website introduces you to the library staff and services. From the website, you can access several services, including the online catalog (GIL), research guides, a list of treatises by topic, and the Law Library Database List. Additionally, the Faculty Publications link highlights books, articles, and electronic publications authored by our faculty.
Library Map
We are on the 5th and 6th floors of the College of Law’s building at 85 Park Place NE.
Circulation and reference desk, core collection, study rooms, computers and scanners, plus cafe and terrace are on the 5th floor, while the 6th floor boasts a grand reading room, large outdoor terrace, scanner, and additional study rooms and space.
Level 5
Click image to enlarge
Level 6
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Policies
In addition to these policies, the Law Library is also subject to Georgia State’s university-wide policies.
Access
The Georgia State University Law Library is open to visitors during regular business hours.
Access to the Law Library outside of regular business hours is limited to:
- Currently enrolled Georgia State University students (with PantherCard Id) and their families
- Faculty and staff (with PantherCard ID) and their families
- Members of the bar with valid State Bar Card
- Librarians with valid employee ID
- Visitors from University System of Georgia schools , and ARCHE schools with a valid college ID
- Georgia State Alumni Association members with Alumni Association ID
- Employees of the State of Georgia with valid employee ID cards
- ABA accredited law school members with law school ID
Visitors that do not belong to one of these groups will be required to exit the library at the close of regular business hours.
Anyone with a PantherCard is required to show it to gain admittance. All other visitors must present a photo ID at the security guard station at the Law Library entrance, sign-in and state the reason for the visit. IDs may be held at the security station while visitors are in the Library, and visitors will be issued a visitor badge. After hours visitors including University System of Georgia, ARCHE affiliates, state bar members, Georgia State Alumni Association members, ABA accredited law school members, and State of Georgia employees, must leave an institutional ID with security for access outside of regular business hours. All visitors must sign out, collect IDs, and return visitors badges upon exiting the Law Library.
For further information about access to the Georgia State University Law Library, please contact Library Administration at 404-413-9140.
Exam Period Access
- Currently enrolled Georgia State University Law students (with PantherCard Id) and their families
- Faculty and staff (with PantherCard ID) and their families
- Members of the bar with valid State Bar Card
- Librarians with valid employee ID
- Georgia State Alumni Association members with Alumni Association ID
- Employees of the State of Georgia with valid employee ID cards
- ABA accredited law school members with law school ID
During that time, other researchers can use the Fulton County Law Library located at 185 Central Avenue, on the 7th floor of the Justice Center Tower. Their hours of Operation are from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Note: you may enter from 141 Pryor Street or 185 Central Avenue.
Researchers wishing to use government documents must request access to the library at least 24 hours prior to their visit. Access may be requested by calling 404-413-9100. Each approved visitor will be granted one hour of access.
Conduct
- A quiet and pleasant library environment conducive to research and scholarship and free of disruptive activity.
- Reasonable access to library materials.
To ensure Library patrons’ rights, the Law Library strictly enforces Federal, State, local, and University rules governing behavior in public spaces. In addition, the Law Library has established Library-specific policies to protect patrons’ rights within the Law Library. All patrons of the Law Library will refrain from the activities listed below:
- Creating a disturbance or behaving in any manner that interferes with normal use of the Law Library, or that affects the staff’s ability to provide service (including, but not limited to, rowdiness, noise, loitering, panhandling and offensive behavior).
- Having bodily hygiene so offensive as to constitute a nuisance to others.
- Bringing in personal belongings not essential to the research undertaking or placing personal belongings or Library materials so as to impede access. Bringing in large or inappropriate personal items, including, but not limited to, luggage, bicycles, skateboards, bedrolls, carts, frame backpacks, and large duffle bags.
- Leaving children unattended in the Law Library. Parents or guardians are responsible for their children’s behavior while in the Library. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent at all times. Unattended children under the age of 16 will be escorted to security.
- Removing or attempting to remove library materials or property without checking them out or without proper authorization.
- Mutilating library materials; removing or attempting to remove electronic theft detection devices; misuse of, defacing or destruction of library materials or property, including furniture or equipment, in any way.
- Concealing library materials in the Library for the exclusive use of an individual or group.
- Being in an unauthorized area of the Law Library or remaining in the Library after closing or when requested to leave during emergency situations.
- Selling, peddling and/or soliciting of merchandise or services, including legal representation, to patrons while in the Law Library.
- Conducting unauthorized surveys, photography, or audio/video recording within the Law Library. Authorization must be pre-approved by the appropriate Library administrator.
- Using restroom facilities for activity other than the intended purpose for the facilities.
- Violating the Food and Drink policy.
For violation of Federal, State, local policies for conduct in public spaces, or violation of the University Code of Conduct, Honor Code, or the Law Library Conduct Policy, whether a member of the Georgia State University community or not, appropriate action will be taken.
Public Computing Alcove
It will be considered a violation of this policy to use the public access stations for any of the following:
- participation in chat rooms;
- downloading/printing/viewing of non-educational, non-research related materials;
- downloading or uploading software or other materials to these public access stations;
- making any changes to the current settings of these stations;
- accessing electronic mail (GSU students wishing to access their email may do so at any of the other computer labs located on campus); AND
- monopolizing these public access stations. Individuals are allotted 30 minutes of research time and must allow others to access the stations after their time has expired.
Members of the Georgia State University community are also bound by all computing policies of the University, including the University Information Systems Use Policies.
All Law Library staff members have the authority and the responsibility to enforce this policy.
Checking a Book Out (Circulation)
Who can borrow from the Law Library?
- Current Georgia State Law students
- Current Georgia State Law Faculty and Staff
- Members of the University System of Georgia
- Georgia State University Alumni (with a donor card)
- Law firms (using Interlibrary Loan)
Circulation Period
- Three weeks (generally)
- The due date is stamped or written on a bookmark provided when the item is checked out.
- Georgia State University Faculty circulation period is due at the end of the academic year they originally circulated (June 15).
Overdue Materials / Fines
- 10¢/minute for study room keys, reserve items, and study aids
- 25¢/day for three week circulating items
- 50¢/day for recalled three week circulating items
- 50¢/day for one week circulating items
- 50¢/hour for reserve items
Fines may be paid by check or cashier check (we do not accept cash).
Patrons are blocked if they have either:
- $10.00 in fines for three week circulating items
- $50.00 in fines for one week circulating items
- three or more items overdue
Beginning the first full week the items are overdue, an overdue notice is sent to the patron. Two additional notices are sent at 14 day intervals if the items are still not returned.
If the items are not returned within one month of the due date, an invoice is sent to the patron. The invoice will list charges for the overdue fine, replacement cost of the item, and a $20.00 processing fee.
If the overdue item is not returned after the fourth and final notice or if the overdue charge has not been paid by the end of the quarter or semester in which the item was borrowed, the patron’s academic records will be blocked through the Registrar’s Office.
Georgia State University faculty do not pay fines for overdue Law Library items.
Renewals
- In person at the Law Library Circulation Desk
- By phone at 404-413-9100.
- Online at GIL.
- ILL materials can be renewed by contacting the front desk
Reserve Materials
Reserve items can be checked out for three hours at a time. Only two Reserve items may be checked out for a three hour period. The items can be renewed after a one hour waiting period.
Georgia State University students must use their student IDs to check out Reserve materials.
Other patrons must present a driver’s licenses or other valid form of identification.
Reserve books and audio tapes can be checked out for overnight use, two hours prior to closing. Items are due back the next day one hour after the Library opens.
Holds
Other items available to check-out
Chargers
- Universal Laptop Chargers
- MacBook Chargers
Multimedia
- DVDs
- Headphones
Studying
- Audio CDs
- Flash Cards
- Course Textbooks
- Book Stands
- Calculators
Games
- Apples to Apples
- Chess/Checkers Set
- Cribbage
- Dice
- Phase 10
- Playing Cards
- Scrabble
- UNO
Books from other Libraries (Interlibrary Loan)
Georgia State University College of Law Library Interlibrary Loan services are available only to our currently enrolled law students, faculty, and staff, as well as qualifying law firms (see below). Library accounts must be in good standing. Other library users should contact their primary academic, public, or corporate library for interlibrary loan services. The library staff reserves the right to refuse a request that is too costly to fulfill.
The amount of time an item is lent and any renewal periods will be at the discretion of the lending library.
Textbooks sold at the Georgia State University Bookstore will not be requested. If a textbook is out of stock, interlibrary loan staff will place an interlibrary loan request.
Patrons will be responsible for any charges related to the loss of or damage to borrowed items that occurs after taking possession of them.
Types of Interlibrary Loans
- Interlibrary Loan: The Law Library ILL staff requests articles for COL faculty, students, and staff when those items are not available at any GSU library and books that aren’t available from a GSU library or other libraries within the University System of Georgia.
- GIL Express: COL faculty, students, and staff request books (but not articles) directly from other campus libraries within the University System of Georgia. Law Library patrons should search GIL, GSU libraries’ online catalog, before making an ILL or GIL Express request
Georgia State Law Students, Faculty, & Staff
Use the Interlibrary Loan Request form
Law Firms
Georgia State University College of Law Library provides interlibrary lending services to law firms. Law firms may request materials via the OCLC Interlibrary Loan Service or, if the firm's librarian has applied for and established ILL privileges, by merely visiting the library and requesting the materials in person.
If a law firm’s library does not subscribe to OCLC, a librarian at that law firm must apply to the Law Library for ILL privileges. Contact us for an application form.
Once a law firm has been approved as an ILL borrower from the Law Library, the firm’s librarian or their agent may request materials. If anyone other than the firm's librarian is requesting materials, that person's name will be entered into the firm's borrowing record for tracking purposes. The loan period is 21 days. Items may be renewed once for an additional 21 days. Law firms may renew books by telephone if both of the following conditions are met: 1. the law firm's account is in good standing, and 2. the book has not previously been renewed (i.e., only one renewal per book allowed).
If an item is not returned by the due date, the Law Library will charge a fee of $0.25 per day until the item is returned.
A law firm will lose borrowing privileges in any of the following situations:
- The librarian or information manager leaves the law firm and is not replaced, or
- The law firm loses a borrowed item, or
- The law firm accrues fines in excess of $30
To reinstate borrowing privileges, the law firm must:
- Provide a new replacement, or
- Pay the cost of the lost item plus a processing fee ($20), or
- Pay the overdue fine
Lending and Duplication Services by the Law Library
The Georgia State University College of Law Library only accepts Interlibrary Loan requests from other libraries. Requests are accepted via the OCLC interlibrary loan system, or a mailed or faxed ALA-compliant request form. When a request is faxed, please call the Law Library to alert staff that a faxed interlibrary loan request should be expected. If prior arrangements are made, local law libraries may obtain permission from the Head of Public Services for self-service, on-site interlibrary loan borrowing.
At this time, no fee is charged for interlibrary loan services; however, lengthy or multiple requests may incur a necessary time delay.
Most materials will be shipped library rate. Materials will be delivered by ARCHE truck to most four-year colleges and universities in Georgia. Requests for materials to be shipped by other means may require payment by the borrowing library. Materials will not be delivered directly to the patron but will only be sent to the requesting library. The Law Library does not provide document delivery.
The turnaround time on an interlibrary loan request is dependent upon the volume of requests and staffing levels, but the Law Library strives to process all interlibrary loan requests within two business days.
The following items are not lent by the Law Library:
- Volumes or issues of periodicals
- Audio/visual materials
- Rare books
- Books on reserve
- Books in the reference sections
- Books in the student computer lab
- All or part of multi-volume sets
- Microforms/fiche
- Items designated in the Library catalog as non-circulating
The Law Library is willing to make rare exceptions. Such exceptions will have special lending conditions.
Materials from the Law Library collection are loaned for a period of four weeks. Upon approval by a Law Library staff member, returnable materials may be renewed once.
Study Room Reservations
- Students in groups of two or more may reserve study rooms on a first come/first served basis. Students must make their own reservations using the online booking system. All members of the group should be listed in the reservation.
- If a group is unable to use a reservation, the student making the reservation is responsible for canceling the reservation in advance of the scheduled reservation time, to assure that the space is available for other students’ use.
- Once a room is reserved, two members of the group are required to check out the room key from the Circulation Desk. If a group study room has been reserved, at least two people in the group must be present within the first 10 minutes of the reservation hour. A group that is more than 10 minutes late forfeits their reservation.
- The maximum reservation period for a group study room is three (3) hours per day per campus ID.
- Failure to timely return the key at the end of the reservation period will result in a fine accruing at the rate of 10 cents per minute.
- Reservations may be made up to one week in advance of the reservation date.
Cooperation and courtesy are appreciated. Patrons who intentionally and repeatedly violate this policy risk being banned from reserving a group study room for one semester.
Food & Drink
Due to the mask requirement, food and drinks are not allowed in the library so that masks stay in place. Please eat in designated areas of the building or outside on a library terrace.
Food and drink are not allowed in the computer lab.
Government Documents
A helpful resource may be the “How to Research a Legal Problem: A Guide for Non-Lawyers” produced by the American Association of Law Librarians. This guide is intended to help a person with a legal problem find legal rules that can resolve or prevent conflict. It is most useful to work through the steps and sources in the order given.
For depository library users:
Access to the depository documents is available during the hours indicated as “Public Hours.”
We recommend that depository library users call the reference desk (404-413-9102) to arrange a reference interview prior to coming to the library for the first time. Walk-in users will be accommodated, as reference staff is available.
Government documents users are encouraged to search our online catalog or call the reference desk to verify that the Law Library has the needed materials before coming to the library.
Our library is a selective depository, we receive approximately 3% of the materials distributed by the U.S. Government Publishing Office as part of the Federal Depository Library Program. We select primarily materials that support the curricula of the College of Law, which means that we receive documents that are legislative, regulatory, or judicial in nature.
Helpful resources:
- FDsys.gov: The website of the Government Publishing Office. Available resources include the Code of Federal Regulations, the Federal Register, and the United States Code.
- USA.gov: The website organized to provide government information to the public, including information about government agencies and officials; benefits grants, and loans; housing and community; jobs and unemployment; money and consumer issues; travel and immigration; and other topics and services.
- Catalog of U.S. Government Publications (https://catalog.gpo.gov/F?RN=703683078): The Catalog is a finding tool for federal publications.
- A-Z Index of U.S. Government Agencies (https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/a): The Index is a list of government agencies and officials, including a brief description of each agency’s purpose and contact information
Chat Reference
The Chat Reference Service is designed to assist library users with brief research questions, such as how to find information on a particular topic using the library’s online catalog or electronic resources. The Chat Reference Service is best suited to questions that may be answered using electronic resources. More complex questions, such as those requiring in-depth knowledge of a subject or resource, may require the librarian to suggest an alternative method of communication, such as an in-person reference appointment.
The Chat Reference Service will help users identify and use appropriate resources to answer questions. Members of the Georgia State University community may use the Chat Reference Service to receive instructions about accessing electronic databases or renewing books through GIL; however the Service will not renew, recall, or retrieve books or library materials based or provide document delivery services on chat requests. Verification of incomplete citations, requests for legal, medical, financial, or tax advice, and similar requests will not be answered by the Chat Reference Service.
The Georgia State University College of Law Library respects the privacy of users, but cannot guarantee the confidentiality of files, electronic mail, or other information transmitted or stored electronically. We will collect data on each transaction, as well as save each chat log, for evaluation of use, timing of use, to improve the quality of service or for educational or research purposes.
Disability Services
Access
For disabled parking, contact the library Circulation Desk (404-413-9100) in advance of your visit to arrange to use the B Lot (under the Urban Life building) and take the elevator to the first floor (College of Law). The Library complies with Georgia State University guidelines established for ADA access to facilities, including entry and egress routes, restrooms, drinking fountains, furnishings, and signage.
Assistive Technology
Due to the sponsorship of the Office of Disability Services, the Library is able to provide an Assistive Technology Room, including a computer operating Zoomtext and JAWS software, a CCTV, a scanner, and a Braille printer. Library staff are familiar and able to assist with basic operation of the ADA-enhanced equipment. Students seeking in-depth training are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services. College of Law students, faculty, and staff have priority for the use of the Assistive Technology room when access is in question.
Services
Patrons requiring assistance retrieving items from the collection or using photocopiers are encouraged to contact the Circulation Desk (404-413-9100) to pre-arrange these services. Patrons requesting orientation, research consultation, or referrals to campus and off-campus resources are encouraged to contact the Reference Desk (404-413-9102) to pre-arrange these services. If your disability is not apparent, please identify yourself as having a disability when you seek assistance.
If you have a question about disability accommodations or would like to request an additional accommodation, please contact the Associate Director for Public Services at 404-413-9142. We will review your request and make any accommodation that we reasonably can, given our budget and staff.
Social Media
Blog Comments
Thanks for being a member of Georgia State University College of Law Library’s online community. The Law Library welcomes your contributions to its WordPress Blog (e.g. comments, links, etc.). Your views and opinions are what make the Law Library such an amazing place! However, please note that community-contributed content on the Blog is the opinion of the specific author and does not represent the views, opinions, or policies of the Law Library, the College of Law, or Georgia State University.
The Law Library abides by WordPress’s Terms of Service, to the extent permitted by applicable law, and the Law Library asks its contributors to do the same. The Law Library reserves the right, but is not obligated, to remove comments that contain commercial solicitations; are factually erroneous/libelous; are wildly off-topic; that cannot be translated into English by Google Translate or other free online translation software; or that otherwise violate applicable law.
Additionally, for current Georgia State University faculty, staff, and students, please remember that your use of the Law Library’s Blog is be subject to the University’s Student Code of Conduct and Administrative Policies and Procedures and Information Systems Use Policies, as may be applicable.
Georgia State University College of Law Library thanks you in advance for your contributions to the Law Library’s Blog, and for your help in creating a safe and energetic place for supporters of the Law Library to interact.
Facebook Comments
Thanks for being a member of Georgia State University College of Law Library’s online community. The Law Library welcomes your contributions to its Facebook Page (e.g. comments, photo tagging, wall posts, etc.). Your views and opinions are what make the Law Library such an amazing place! However, please note that community-contributed content on the Page is the opinion of the specific author and does not represent the views, opinions, or policies of the Law Library, the College of Law, or Georgia State University.
The Law Library abides by Facebook’s Statement of Rights and Responsibilities, to the extent permitted by applicable law, and the University asks its Facebook Fans to do the same. In particular, please do not “post unauthorized commercial solicitations (such as spam)”; “bully, intimidate, or harass any user”; “post content that is hateful, threatening, pornographic, or that contains nudity or graphic or gratuitous violence”; or “do anything unlawful, misleading, malicious, or discriminatory” on the Law Library’s Facebook Page.
Georgia State University reserves the right, but is not obligated, to remove comments that contain commercial solicitations; are factually erroneous/libelous; are wildly off-topic; that cannot be translated into English by Google Translate or other free online translation software; or that otherwise violate Facebook’s Statement of Rights and Responsibilities. Facebook encourages all users to utilize the “Report” links when they find abusive content.
Additionally, for current University faculty, staff, and students, please remember that your use of the Law Library’s Facebook Page may be subject to the University’s Student Code of Conduct and Administrative Policies and Procedures and Information Systems Use Policies, as may be applicable.
Georgia State University College of Law Library thanks you in advance for your contributions to the Law Library’s Facebook Page, and for your help in creating a safe and energetic place for supporters of the Law Library to interact.
Disclaimer
Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacture, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the State of Georgia or any state entity that supplies information online. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the State of Georgia and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
Legal Databases
Featured Databases
Bloomberg
HeinOnline
LexisNexis
ProQuest
Study Aids
WestLaw
Book a Study Room
A group that is more than 10 minutes late forfeits their reservation. rooms can be checked out for up to 3 hours per day per Campus ID. reservations can be made in person or online up to one week in advance of the reservation date.
Research Guides
Featured Guides
Bar Exam Resources
Bluebooking Tips and Resources
Career Resources
Georgia Legal Research
Free Legal Research Sources
Introduction to Legal Research
Library Team
Nancy Johnson Fund for Law Library Excellence
CONTACT
Circulation: 404-413-9100
Reference: 404-413-9102
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 4037
Atlanta, GA 30302-4037
Physical Address
85 Park Place NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Directions