The Yale Law Library, located in New Haven, Connecticut, is one of the world's premier law libraries, serving the Yale Law School community and beyond. As a hub for legal research and scholarship, it provides an extensive collection of print and digital resources, innovative services, and expert support to facilitate research and learning. With a rich history dating back to 1824, the library has evolved to meet the changing needs of legal education and research, offering a unique and supportive environment for students, faculty, and scholars.
Introduction to Yale Law Library’s Resources
The Yale Law Library boasts an impressive collection of over 800,000 volumes, including rare books, manuscripts, and archival materials. The library’s holdings encompass a broad range of topics, from jurisprudence and legal theory to international law and human rights. The library also provides access to numerous digital resources, such as online databases, e-journals, and legal research platforms, including Westlaw, LexisNexis, and HeinOnline. Additionally, the library offers a robust interlibrary loan service, enabling users to request materials from other institutions and access a vast network of global resources.
Expert Research Support and Services
The Yale Law Library is staffed by experienced reference librarians and research specialists who provide individualized support and guidance to users. The library offers a range of services, including research consultations, instructional sessions, and workshops on topics such as legal research methods, database searching, and citation management. The library also features a digital scholarship program, which supports the development of innovative digital projects and initiatives in the legal academy.
| Library Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Rare Book Room | A climate-controlled space housing the library's rare and valuable materials, including early editions of legal classics and historical manuscripts. |
| Legal Databases | A comprehensive suite of online databases, including Bloomberg Law, LexisNexis, and Westlaw, providing access to primary and secondary legal sources. |
| Research Guides | Librarian-created guides providing an overview of key resources, search strategies, and best practices for researching specific topics in law. |
Special Collections and Archives
The Yale Law Library is home to several unique and significant special collections, including the Harlan Collection, which features rare books and manuscripts on constitutional law and judicial history. The library also maintains an extensive archive of legal papers, comprising the personal and professional papers of prominent lawyers, judges, and legal scholars. These collections provide a rich resource for researchers and scholars, offering insights into the development of law and the legal profession.
International and Comparative Law Resources
The Yale Law Library has a strong focus on international and comparative law, with a comprehensive collection of resources on public international law, private international law, and comparative law. The library provides access to a range of international law databases, including the United Nations Treaty Collection and the International Court of Justice database. Additionally, the library offers a foreign and international law research guide, which provides an overview of key resources and research strategies for studying international and comparative law.
The library's commitment to access and inclusivity is reflected in its efforts to provide accessible materials and services for users with disabilities. The library also offers a range of study spaces and facilities, including quiet reading rooms, group study areas, and a 24-hour study space during exam periods.
What are the library’s hours of operation?
+The Yale Law Library is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. However, hours may vary during exam periods and holidays.
Can I access the library’s resources remotely?
+Yes, the Yale Law Library provides remote access to many of its resources, including online databases and e-journals, for current students, faculty, and staff. To access these resources, users must log in with their Yale ID and password.
How do I request materials from other libraries?
+To request materials from other libraries, users can submit an interlibrary loan request through the library’s online catalog or by contacting the interlibrary loan department directly. Requests are typically processed within 24-48 hours, and materials are usually available for pickup within 3-5 business days.
