Research & Instructional Services
The Reference department is staffed by five librarians, all of whom have J.D. and M.L.S. degrees. Reference Librarians teach patrons how to use the library and assist them with their research needs.
Research Services
The Reference Librarians are experts in research methodology. They:
- Provide individual instruction on developing research strategies and on locating and using library resources;
- Obtain information from sources outside the library;
- Answer questions about how to access all types of resources;
- Consult on research projects such as law review notes or seminar papers;
- Publish general and subject-specific research guides; and
- Provide reference services for externs and alumni.
Instructional Services
The Reference Librarians are part of the Law School's instructional team and participate in the School's Legal Practice Program. They also teach an upper-level Foreign and International Research course.
Other instructional services the Reference Librarians provide include:
- Subject-specific in-class research instruction at the request of faculty;
- Advanced research training for new law journal members and summer interns;
- Training for faculty research assistants; and
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Individual research instruction as requested by students.
Westlaw and Lexis Training
Training in Westlaw and Lexis, the two major legal databases, is available throughout the school year to faculty and students. Representatives from Westlaw and Lexis teach beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes.
Faculty members can obtain individual or group instruction from the Westlaw and Lexis representatives as well as the reference librarians. For more information about Westlaw and Lexis training please contact Chris Byrne (757-221-1736), email [[cdbyrn]].