The Florida State University College of Law Library is a comprehensive resource for law students, faculty, and staff, offering a wide range of materials, services, and study spaces to support legal research and education. To maximize the use of the FSU Law Library and improve research skills, it's essential to understand the library's layout, services, and available resources. Here are 12 tips for better research at the FSU Law Library.
Understanding the Library’s Layout and Resources
The FSU Law Library is located in the heart of the law school, providing easy access to a vast collection of legal materials, including books, journals, databases, and online resources. The library is divided into several sections, including the main collection, which houses a comprehensive selection of law books and journals, and the reserve room, which offers access to high-demand materials and study aids. To navigate the library effectively, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the layout and location of these resources.
Utilizing the Library’s Online Catalog
The FSU Law Library’s online catalog is a powerful tool for locating specific materials, including books, journals, and databases. The catalog allows users to search by keyword, title, author, and subject, making it easy to find relevant resources for research projects. To get the most out of the online catalog, it’s essential to understand how to use Boolean operators and other search features to refine your search results.
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Main Collection | Comprehensive selection of law books and journals |
| Reserve Room | High-demand materials and study aids |
| Online Catalog | Searchable database of library materials |
Accessing Electronic Resources and Databases
The FSU Law Library provides access to a wide range of electronic resources and databases, including LexisNexis, Westlaw, and Bloomberg Law. These databases offer comprehensive coverage of legal topics, including case law, statutes, and regulatory materials. To access these resources, users must have a valid FSU login and password.
Using Study Aids and Practice Materials
The FSU Law Library offers a variety of study aids and practice materials to support student learning and preparation for the bar exam. These resources include hornbooks, outlines, and practice questions, which can help students develop a deeper understanding of legal concepts and principles. To get the most out of these resources, it’s essential to use them in conjunction with other study materials and to practice applying legal principles to real-world scenarios.
- LexisNexis: Comprehensive coverage of case law, statutes, and regulatory materials
- Westlaw: Access to case law, statutes, and regulatory materials, as well as news and business information
- Bloomberg Law: Financial and business information, as well as legal news and analysis
Seeking Research Assistance and Support
The FSU Law Library offers a range of research assistance and support services, including reference librarians and research guides. Reference librarians are available to provide individualized research assistance and can help users navigate the library’s resources and services. Research guides provide detailed information on specific topics and can help users get started with their research.
Using Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery Services
The FSU Law Library offers interlibrary loan and document delivery services, which allow users to request materials from other libraries and have them delivered to the FSU Law Library. This service can be especially useful for users who need access to materials that are not available in the FSU Law Library’s collection.
- Reference Librarians: Individualized research assistance and support
- Research Guides: Detailed information on specific topics and research resources
- Interlibrary Loan: Request materials from other libraries and have them delivered to the FSU Law Library
What are the library’s hours of operation?
+The FSU Law Library is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
How do I access the library’s electronic resources and databases?
+To access the library’s electronic resources and databases, you must have a valid FSU login and password. You can access these resources from the library’s website or through the FSU Law Library’s online catalog.
What types of study aids and practice materials are available in the library?
+The FSU Law Library offers a variety of study aids and practice materials, including hornbooks, outlines, and practice questions. These resources can help students develop a deeper understanding of legal concepts and principles and prepare for the bar exam.
