The Berkeley Law Library, located at the University of California, Berkeley, is a comprehensive law library that serves the students, faculty, and staff of the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law. The library is a vital resource for the law school community, providing access to a vast collection of legal materials, including books, journals, databases, and digital resources.
History of the Berkeley Law Library
The Berkeley Law Library was established in 1894, when the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law was founded. The library’s first home was in the Bacon Hall building, where it occupied a single room. Over the years, the library has grown and expanded to meet the increasing needs of the law school community. In 1951, the library moved to its current location in the Boalt Hall building, which was specifically designed to house the law library and provide state-of-the-art facilities for law students and faculty.
Collection and Resources
The Berkeley Law Library’s collection includes over 600,000 volumes of legal materials, including books, journals, and digital resources. The library’s collection is particularly strong in the areas of international law, intellectual property law, and environmental law. The library also provides access to a wide range of electronic resources, including databases, e-books, and online journals. Some of the notable databases and resources available at the library include Westlaw, LexisNexis, and HeinOnline, a comprehensive database of law journals and other legal materials.
| Collection Category | Number of Volumes |
|---|---|
| Books | 400,000 |
| Journals | 10,000 |
| Digital Resources | 200,000 |
Services and Support
The Berkeley Law Library provides a range of services and support to the law school community, including research assistance, circulation services, and interlibrary loan services. The library’s reference librarians are available to provide research assistance and guidance on using the library’s resources. The library also offers a range of instructional programs and workshops on topics such as legal research, citation management, and database searching.
Study Spaces and Facilities
The Berkeley Law Library provides a range of study spaces and facilities to support the academic success of law students. The library has over 200 study seats, including individual carrels, group study rooms, and quiet study areas. The library also has a range of technology facilities, including computers, printers, and scanners. The library’s California Room is a dedicated study space for students studying for the California bar exam, and provides access to a range of study materials and resources.
- Study seats: 200+
- Group study rooms: 10
- Quiet study areas: 5
- Technology facilities: computers, printers, scanners
Digital Initiatives and Innovation
The Berkeley Law Library is at the forefront of digital innovation in law librarianship. The library has developed a range of digital initiatives and projects, including the Berkeley Law Repository, a digital archive of law school publications and scholarship. The library has also partnered with other institutions to develop new digital resources and tools, such as the Law Journal Library, a comprehensive database of law journals.
Open Access and Scholarly Communication
The Berkeley Law Library is committed to promoting open access and scholarly communication in the legal academy. The library has developed a range of initiatives and programs to support open access publishing, including the Berkeley Law Open Access Policy, which encourages law faculty to make their scholarship available online. The library also provides guidance and support on issues related to copyright and author rights.
| Digital Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| Berkeley Law Repository | Digital archive of law school publications and scholarship |
| Law Journal Library | Comprehensive database of law journals |
| Berkeley Law Open Access Policy | Policy encouraging law faculty to make their scholarship available online |
What are the hours of operation for the Berkeley Law Library?
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The Berkeley Law Library is open Monday through Thursday from 8am to 10pm, Friday from 8am to 6pm, Saturday from 10am to 6pm, and Sunday from 10am to 10pm.
How do I access the Berkeley Law Library’s digital resources?
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The Berkeley Law Library’s digital resources are available through the library’s website and can be accessed using a valid UC Berkeley ID and password.
Can I borrow books from the Berkeley Law Library if I am not a UC Berkeley student or faculty member?
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Yes, the Berkeley Law Library offers borrowing privileges to members of the public through its Law Library Access Program. For more information, please contact the library’s circulation desk.
