STUDENT RESOURCES
Welcome! The law library seeks to meet the educational and legal research needs of its law students. Our reference librarians, who have master’s degrees in library science and Juris Doctor degrees, are available to consult if you have questions about any aspect of legal research or using the library. Please visit the reference desk in person or contact a librarian by phone at 817-212-3805 or by email. We look forward to working with you in the coming years.
Researching
In addition to our vast print collection, the law library has acquired and licensed a multitude of databases to meet researchers’ needs. We will help ensure that you have the opportunity to become proficient in using these resources. We can also borrow materials from other libraries for you through interlibrary loan.
Online catalog
Law databases
Research guides
WestlawNext
Lexis Advance
Interlibrary loan
If the library does not have an item in its collection, a student may ask the library to request the item from another institution. Borrowed items can take anywhere from four days to three months to arrive. The law library will contact the patron when the item arrives. The patron may pick it up at the circulation desk. Use the ILL form to make a request.
Circulation information
How do I know if I can check out an item?
- Any item that has a "Date Due" sticker on the inside cover may be checked out.
- Items with a "For Reference" sticker on the inside cover may only be used in the law library.
- Law reviews, legal journals and other periodicals may only be used in the law library.
- Print reserve items may be checked out for use in the law library only.
- Multimedia reserve items such as audiotapes, videos and DVDs may be checked out and taken out of the law library for 24 hours.
Circulation loan periods and renewals
Loan periods for students vary depending on the item being circulated. When renewals are allowed, the borrower may renew the loaned item by logging in to the library’s online catalog. Once logged in, go to “My Account.” If the item is already overdue, the item must be physically brought to the library to be checked out again. No telephone renewals will be accepted. Reserve items may not be renewed.
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Books and serials
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2 weeks
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Reserve materials (print)
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2 hours
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Reserve materials (audiotapes, videos and DVDs)
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24 hours
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Bound and unbound periodicals
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No
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Reference materials
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No
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Three-ring and compression binders
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No
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Works of three volumes or more
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No
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Item checkout limit
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8 items total; 4 may be Reserve items
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Renewals
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1
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Overdue and lost items
When an item is overdue from the law library:
- The patron’s circulation privileges will be suspended.
- The library will notify the patron regarding the missing title.
- If an item is overdue for two weeks, it will be considered lost and the patron will be responsible for replacement costs.
Circulation privileges will be reinstated when:
- The item is returned.
- If the replacement item has been ordered, the patron is still responsible for paying the cost of the replacement. Circulation privileges will be reinstated when the replacement cost has been paid.
Replacement cost for lost items:
- Print item: the cost of the item, plus a $25.00 processing fee
- Out of print item: $100.00, plus a $25.00 processing fee
- Videotape or DVD produced by a professor for class use: $25.00, plus a $25.00 processing fee
Studying and exams
The law library is a comfortable, attractive and inviting place to prepare for class and exams. It is also home to an extensive collection of legal resources to help you succeed in law school.
Study carrels and tables
Tables and study carrels are located throughout the library and available on a first-come, first-served basis. All of the seating provides electrical outlets for laptops and other electronic devices.
Study rooms
There are nine group study rooms in the library for use by two or more law students for group study for a maximum of two hours. If a study room has only one occupant, the individual must yield the room if a group requests that the single occupant do so. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis unless the library reserves them for an authorized academic purpose.
Course reserves
All required and recommended books for current courses, in addition to any other items requested by the professor, are available in our Reserves Collection at the circulation desk. These items can be checked out for up to two hours for use in the library.
CALI (Computer Assisted Legal Instruction)
Other services
Wireless Access
The law school’s secured wireless network can be accessed throughout the library. Choose the tamulink-wpa network and log in with your netID credentials.
Printing
Printing is available in the library’s computer lab for 10¢ per page. The pay-for-print system is called PaperCut and you fund your online account using your credit/debit card. Instructions are posted in the computer lab. If you need assistance using the system, please visit the reference desk or contact the IT department at 817-212-3845. Lexis offers free printing on their printer located in the computer lab or in the student lounge. Although Westlaw does not offer free printing, you can email or download your documents free of charge.
Copying and scanning
Copies cost 10¢ per page. The copiers also offer free scanning, which delivers documents in PDF format to your official law school email account only.
Popular Reading Collection
In response to students’ requests for reading material to help them relax and recharge, we have created the Popular Reading Collection, which is located in the Reading Room. We also subscribe to various magazines and newspapers, also located in the Reading Room.