The University of Georgia Law Library, located in Athens, Georgia, is a comprehensive legal research facility that supports the educational and research needs of the University of Georgia School of Law. With a collection of over 600,000 volumes and volume equivalents, the law library is one of the largest in the southeastern United States. The library's mission is to provide access to a wide range of legal information resources, including books, journals, databases, and digital materials, to support the research and educational needs of law students, faculty, and staff.
History and Development
The University of Georgia Law Library was established in 1859, shortly after the founding of the University of Georgia School of Law. The library’s early collection consisted of a small number of legal treatises and textbooks, which were housed in a single room in the law school building. Over the years, the library’s collection grew rapidly, and by the early 20th century, it had become one of the largest law libraries in the southern United States. In the 1960s, the library moved to its current location in the Law School building, where it occupies over 50,000 square feet of space.
Collection and Resources
The University of Georgia Law Library’s collection includes a wide range of legal materials, including books, journals, databases, and digital resources. The library’s book collection includes over 400,000 volumes, covering all areas of law, including federal and state law, international law, and comparative law. The library also subscribes to over 1,000 legal journals and periodicals, providing access to the latest research and scholarship in the field of law. In addition to its print collection, the library provides access to a wide range of digital resources, including Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Bloomberg Law.
| Collection Category | Number of Items |
|---|---|
| Books | 400,000 |
| Journals and Periodicals | 1,000 |
| Databases | 50 |
| Digital Resources | 100 |
Services and Support
The University of Georgia Law Library provides a wide range of services and support to law students, faculty, and staff, including research assistance, instruction, and document delivery. The library’s research staff includes experienced law librarians and legal research specialists, who provide individualized research assistance and instruction on the use of legal databases and resources. The library also offers a range of instructional programs, including orientation sessions, research workshops, and advanced legal research courses.
Technology and Facilities
The University of Georgia Law Library is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and facilities, including a computer lab, study rooms, and collaborative workspaces. The library’s computer lab provides access to a range of legal databases and resources, including Westlaw and LexisNexis. The library also offers a range of study rooms and collaborative workspaces, which are equipped with whiteboards, flat-screen monitors, and other audio-visual equipment.
- Computer lab with 20 workstations
- 10 study rooms with whiteboards and flat-screen monitors
- Collaborative workspaces with comfortable seating and audio-visual equipment
- Wireless internet access throughout the library
What are the library's hours of operation?
+The library is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
How do I access the library's digital resources?
+The library's digital resources are available through the library's website, which can be accessed using a valid UGA law school login and password.
The University of Georgia Law Library is committed to providing exceptional service and support to the law school community, and is dedicated to maintaining a comprehensive and up-to-date collection of legal materials. With its rich history, extensive collection, and state-of-the-art facilities, the library is an indispensable resource for law students, faculty, and staff, and plays a critical role in supporting the research and educational needs of the law school.
