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  1. 6.1 Introduction
  2. 6.2 Policies
    1. 6.2.1 Library Hours
    2. 6.2.2 Library Access
    3. 6.2.3 Code of Conduct
    4. 6.2.4 Food and Beverages
    5. 6.2.5 Noise and Other Distractions
    6. 6.2.6 Lost and Found
  3. 6.3 Spaces for Study and More
    1. 6.3.1 Study Rooms
    2. 6.3.2 Study Carrels
    3. 6.3.3 Study & Collaboration Lab
    4. 6.3.4 Other Study Spaces
    5. 6.3.5 Lactation & Meditation Rooms
  4. 6.4 Library Collections
  5. 6.5 Library Services
  6. 6.6 Technology in the Law Library
    1.  
    2. Table of Contents

6.1 Introduction

The essential mission of the University of Wisconsin Law Library is to foster research and learning at the Law School, specifically, and the University, generally. Its collections, hours, and services are geared to the unique needs of the Law School community.  

Information about the library, including library hours, maps, collections,  services, and study room reservations is available on the Law Library website. The Law Library welcomes comments and suggestions. 

6.2 Policies

A selection of Law Library policies appears below.  A full list of policies is available on the library’s website.  

6.2.1 Library Hours

Hours are posted outside the main door of the library and our hours page. Hours are increased during the weeks before final exams. Please check for revisions because library hours are subject to change.  

6.2.2 Library Access and Limited Access Periods

The Law Library serves as a resource for law students, faculty, and staff, while also welcoming other university community members and the general public. Law students may also access other UW–Madison campus libraries.  

To provide adequate study space for law students, access to the Law Library is limited prior to and during the exam period to law students, faculty, and staff, and to individuals needing to do legal research or use library materials, including our federal documents collection. See the full policy on the Law Library’s website. 

6.2.3 Code of Conduct

The UW-Madison libraries endeavor to provide safe, respectful, and inclusive environments for collaborative and individual study and learning. In order to provide these environments, individuals who enter the Law Library agree to abide by the UW-Madison Libraries Code of Conduct. 

6.2.4 Food and Beverages

Law Library users deserve a clean and quiet atmosphere in which to study. Therefore, food is not permitted anywhere in the library. Insects and rodents attracted by food pose a danger to the library collection. Noisy food consumption serves as a distraction to study and research.

Beverages in covered containers are allowed, but not near library computers or other equipment.

6.2.5 Noise and Other Distractions

Please respect those around you by keeping noise and other distractions to a minimum. Most areas of the library maintain a quiet atmosphere for focused study and research. Talking in normal tones is allowed in study rooms and in the Study and Collaboration Lab on the second floor.

If you notice any distractions or inappropriate behavior in the library, please tell us so that we may promptly address the situation. Contacting us via chat at the UW Law Library website or in person at the Reference or Circulation Desk or 

6.2.6 Lost and Found

The library maintains the Law School's lost and found service at the Circulation Desk. Please see a library staff member for assistance.

6.3 Spaces for Study and More

The Law Library offers many options for study spaces, including, but not limited to:  

6.3.1 Study Rooms 

The Law Library has twelve study rooms available for Law students to reserve for private and group study, virtual interviews, and small-group collaborations. Study rooms can be reserved for two-hour blocks on the Law Library website. See the study rooms page for more information. 

6.3.2 Study Carrels

Students enrolled in the graduate LLM-LI, LLM, and SJD programs can reserve individual study carrels for ongoing research to the extent that carrels are available. Graduate law students can apply for a reserved carrel in the Law School's Graduate Programs office.  The carrels are found on the library’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors. 

6.3.3 Study & Collaboration Lab 

This Study and Collaboration Lab (2387) is ideal for group study and collaboration. Quiet conversation is welcome. It is located on the second floor of the library and is for law students, faculty and staff, or other authorized users.  It is not reservable.  

6.3.4 Other Study Spaces

  • To learn more about other seating options in the library, such as the best place for quiet study, natural light, quiet conversation, or adjustable height desks, see Where can I find? 

6.3.5 Lactation & Meditation Rooms

In addition to study spaces, the library houses the Law School’s Lactation Room (2374) and Meditation Room (3374).  Contact the Associate Dean for Student Affairs for access to the Lactation Room.  The Meditation Room is available when the library is open and is not reservable.
 

6.4 Library Collections

The Law Library supports the research and learning of our law school community.  The Law Library’s collection includes a full range of law-related primary and secondary sources. We offer a variety of materials in print and online including:  

  • Legal materials including statutes, casebooks, study aids and other research materials are available through the library catalog.  Browse our newest materials on the New Books shelf on the 5th floor or see our Selected Recent Acquisitions list. 

  • Course Reserves for texts and articles set aside by law faculty for course reading. 

  • Wellness Resources including newly published books on wellness, light boxes, board games, portable standing desks and sound spas to name a few. 

  • A digital repository of alumni photos, faculty scholarship, oral histories and other unique collections available digitally. 

The library welcomes collection purchase recommendations from law students. 

6.5 Library Services

The Law Library offers a full range of services to support student research. Read more about student support or learn how to contact a librarian on the library website. 

Over six million resources are available to law students from the Law Library and UW-Madison campus libraries. 

Students may also request print or electronic materials from other universities via Interlibrary Loan via the UW-Madison library catalog. For assistance, ask for help at the Reference or Circulation Desks or email docdel@law.wisc.edu. 

A valid Wiscard is required to check out materials. See our Circulation Policies for more information. 

6.6 Technology in the Law Library

Laptops and mobile devices may be used anywhere in the Law Library.  See our FAQ for instructions on configuring your device to access the wireless network.

For quick research or printing, public computers are located throughout the Law Library. For more information, see our Public Workstation Use policy. 

Several printers, scanners, and photocopiers are available in the Law Library. Scanning is free but there is a small charge for copying and printing which you can pay using your WisCard. 

Portable charging batteries (called power banks) and cords are available to check out at the Circulation Desk.

See our FAQ for more information about technology available in and from the Law Library.

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