About the Library
The Hastings Law Library serves as a central focus of the law school campus. The library was completely redesigned and renovated from June 2005 through August 2007. The result is a dramatic facility that serves as a place for study and research, offering both traditional and technologically advanced legal research tools.
The recent renovation successfully converted an out-dated but functional library building into a bright, appealing, modern library space that meets all of the student and faculty study and research needs. The renovation focused on functionality, interior design, and safety concerns. The building received a full seismic retrofit -- creating an accessible, comfortable and safe learning environment. An overview of the renovation project is presented as one of the SmithGroup case studies. The renovation design was a 2008 Library Interior Design Competition award winner as judged by the Library Administration and Management Association (LAMA) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
The Library's collection of over 650,000 volumes includes an extensive collection of federal, international, and California documents. The Hastings Online Catalog, can be used to find books, scholarly law journals, and videos in the library's collection.
Students can use the Library's numerous computers to access LEXIS and WESTLAW online legal research services, CALI (Computer Assisted Legal Instruction) materials, other legal research resources, and the vast array of Internet resources. Students also may use computers, printers, scanners and other computer equipment in the 4th floor computer lab.
An experienced library staff is dedicated to supporting the research needs of the Hastings faculty and students. The librarians answer questions at the Reference Desk, publish useful research guides, and provide individual research assistance as well as classroom presentations on the use of legal research tools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
GENERAL LIBRARY QUESTIONS:
What are the library hours?
• As a general rule, the library is open to Hastings students & faculty from Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M.-11:00 P.M. On Saturday, the library is open 9:00 A.M.-10:00 P.M., and on Sunday from 9:00 A.M.-11:00 P.M. However, hours vary because of holidays and breaks, so click here for more complete information about library hours. The access policy for lawyers and the general public is described here.
Where is the library located?
• We are located at 200 McAllister Street (at Hyde Street) on the 4th, 5th & 6th floors. Click here for directions and more information about the library location.
Are there any library maps to help me find what I'm looking for?
• We have posted library maps online for all three floors, plus a helpful finding aid showing nearly all of the books 1L's will need for their LW&R assignments.
What is on the 4th floor?
• The 4th Floor Reading Room / The Research Alcove / Six student study rooms / The student Computer Lab / Magazines & Newspapers / The Reference Desk / The Circulation Desk / The Micrographics Room / The 4th Stacks (which includes most of the materials needed for LW&R).
What is on the 5th floor?
• The 5th Stacks (which includes books from call numbers AC 1 through KF 5999) / Six student study rooms / The reserved shelving area for Hastings journal team edits / Library staff offices.
What is on the 6th floor?
• The 6th Stacks (which includes KF 6000 through ZA 6000) / US hearings / Court records and briefs / The serial set / US government documents / Classroom 640 (The Rusty Dobbs Seminar Room) / Six study rooms / Faculty offices / Special collections.
How do I get to the 5th and 6th floors?
• The main entrance to the library is on the 4th floor; once you are inside the library, there are stairs to the 5th floor and an internal elevator to the 5th and 6th floors.
What is in the Gold Reading Room?
• The Gold Reading Room is a nice study space for Hastings students. It is located on the 3rd floor of the 198 McAllister building. It currently includes a small collection of California and Federal case reporters. The Gold Reading Room is used for on campus interviews (OCI). The Gold Reading Room study rooms can be reserved by Hastings students during finals.
Can I use my cell phone in the library?
• No. Cell phone usage is not permitted in the library. Please turn cell phones off when entering the library. Thank you for not using your cell phones in the library.
How do I get a job in the library?
• You can ask for an application at the circulation desk. Be sure to check the postings on the library employment webpage or on the library bulletin board. Most of the student assistants working in the library are second and third year students.
Why are library users asked to reshelve their books?
• If everyone would reshelve the books they use, it would be a tremendous help to the library and our patrons. The library functions better for everyone when books get reshelved as quickly as possible. If you don't reshelve the books you use, then they will sit on a bookcart until one of our wonderful student workers has the time to reshelve them. Thanks for your assistance.
What can you tell me about the library renovation?
• The entire 200 McAllister building was closed while it was being renovated from June 2005 until August 2007. During this time, the library was completely redesigned and renovated. The result is a dramatic facility that serves as a place for study and research, offering both traditional and technologically advanced legal research tools. The renovation focused on functionality, interior design, and safety concerns. The building received a full seismic retrofit -- creating an accessible, comfortable and safe learning environment. An overview of the renovation project is presented as one of the SmithGroup case studies. The renovation design was a 2008 Library Interior Design Competition award winner as judged by the Library Administration and Management Association (LAMA) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
Where can I find information about the history of the library and the law school?
• The library has a collection of U.C. Hastings Archives; The college maintains a Hastings History webpage; Prof. Thomas Garden Barnes' book Hastings College of Law: The First Century is an excellent source of history covering 1878-1978.
How do I make a gift to the library?
• Monetary donations to improve the library or to fund a collection should be directed to the Hastings Alumni Center (415/ 565-4621 or http://www.uchastings.edu/giving). Donations of books should be directed to Marlene Bubrick, Technical Services Librarian.
LIBRARY SERVICES:
Can members of the public use the library?
• The general public can use the Hastings Law Library from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. All library visitors are required to show a state-issued ID and sign-in at the 1st floor Security Desk. Visiting library patrons will be issued a visitor's pass good for that day, if they can state a valid reason for entering the library. Visitor passes must be worn at all times while in Hastings buildings. The Security Desk cannot issue visitor passes to members of the general public for evening and weekend access. Members of the California Bar, Hastings alumni, and law students from other law schools are allowed to use the library whenever it is open (including evening and weekend hours). For more details on public access, visit our public access webpage.
Can members of the public borrow library materials?
• Individual attorneys who are active members of the California Bar or Hastings alumni may apply for borrowing privileges. Law firm librarians may also apply on behalf of their firms. Application forms for individual and corporate borrowing privileges and Unaffiliated Borrowing Rules are available in .pdf format and may be downloaded here. Application forms and Unaffiliated Borrowing Rules are also available at the Circulation Desk. Applications for borrowing privileges require a refundable deposit of $100 for Hastings alumni, $200 for State Bar members, or $400 for qualified law firms. Applications take 10 working days to process.
Can I reserve a room to study in the library?
• Yes, Hastings students may reserve library discussion rooms, but only during final exams. See the Library's Study Room Policy. During the rest of the year, the group study rooms located in the the Library and the Gold Reading Room are available on a first-come, first-served basis. During exam time, discussion rooms may be reserved for study groups through the Student Information Center (SIC) on the 1st floor of the 200 McAllister building. The SIC office also reserves any other rooms that are made available for student study. The study rooms are for the exclusive use of Hastings students.
When is the reference desk open?
• During the academic year, the reference desk on the 4th floor is open Monday through Friday 8:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. and Saturday 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. The reference desk has reduced hours over summer and holiday breaks. Typically, our reference hours during the Summer are Monday through Friday 9:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Does the library have legal and tax forms?
• Yes we do. However, all of our forms are in books and users must photocopy each form as needed. See the library research guides for more information about California Legal Forms and Federal Legal Forms. You can find California tax forms and Federal tax forms on the Internet.
As a Hastings student, can I borrow books from other U.C. libraries?
• Yes. The library cooperates in several interlibrary loan networks. Students and faculty members who need books or journal articles not held by the library, nor accessible by online databases, may request to have the needed materials borrowed from other libraries. More information about interlibrary loan for Hastings faculty, students, and journals is available at the interlibrary loan website. Hastings students can also get a courtesy borrowing card good for one year at U.C. Berkeley. Students can get a U.C. borrowing card by showing their Hastings I.D. at Doe Library during normal business hours. (See rules and procedures here.) The U.C. Berkeley borrowing card does not permit borrowing from the U.C. Berkeley Law School Library.
How do I borrow books using interlibrary loan?
• Hastings students and faculty can borrow books from other libraries though the Hastings Interlibrary Loan department. All details about borrowing are available at the interlibrary loan webpage. Most requests are submitted online, but if you have a problem with an interlibrary loan request, please contact the Library Reference Desk.
How do I make photocopies?
• To make photocopies in the library you will need to set up an account with the Hastings Business Center. They are located on the 1st floor of the 200 McAllister building and can be contacted at 415/565-4882. This Basic Guide to Student Printing will answer most of your questions. Additional information about printing and copying is available at the UC Hastings Business Center website.
Where can I trade in my old NewCal copy card?
• The previous NewCal copy cards can be traded in at the UC Hastings Business Center during normal business hours.
Where do I find material that my professor has placed on course reserve?
• Materials placed on course reserve may be borrowed from the 4th Floor circulation desk for use in the library only. In general, course reserve materials are available for 2-hour check-out in the library, but a limited number of course reserve items are available for 24-hour use.
How do I borrow books from the law library?
• Your Hastings I.D. card must be presented to check-out books and course reserve items. You can view your library account online to see what items you currently have checked-out. Attorneys and librarians with a non-affiliated user borrowing card may borrow a limited number of titles from the collection.
Can I borrow books from U.C. Berkeley Law Library?
• Hastings students can only borrow books from U.C. Berkeley Law Library by going through the Hastings interlibrary loan department. Interlibrary loan books can be requested online.
Where are the old Hastings exams?
• All available final examinations from previous semesters are accessible online. Exams are password protected. Hastings students & faculty must login to access the exams off-campus.
Does the library have course textbooks?
• As a general rule, no. However, sometimes professors place course materials on reserve at the circulation desk. In addition, some superseded editions of casebooks are available in the library. To see if the library has a particular textbook, simply search the catalog by title or author.
Does the library have study aids?
• Yes. Click here to see a list of study aids and their location in the library. Most of the study guides are kept behind the circulation desk. Second copies and older editions of some study guides are available in the 4th & 5th floor stacks. To search for a particular study guide search the library catalog.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
Can I access the library catalog from home?
• Yes, the library catalog is accessible through the Internet.
How do I complete my journal team edit?
• Each journal has a reserved section of shelf space on the 5th floor of the library for members to use for cite checking and source checking assignments. These reserved shelves are located on the North end of the 5th floor. Journals have established their own guidelines regarding how these shelves are to be used. Journal members working on cite-checking have priority use of the tables near the journal shelving. More information is available on the library's Journal Research Webpage, including Team Edit Procedures and Preemption Check Guide.
How do I do a preemption check?
• Each journal has specific requirements for completing a preemption report. Click here for the library guide to doing a preemption check. If you have questions, ask for assistance at the library reference desk.
How do I do a legislative history?
• See the library research guides for doing either a federal legislative history or a California legislative history.
Where do I get help doing legal research?
• Students are encouraged to consult with a reference librarian for advice in planning their library research, for learning what library services may be useful to them, locating periodical articles and books on particular subjects, helping to identify unfamiliar citations and references, and using the variety of research tools and computer services available in the library. Students can also submit online reference questions. Additionally, the reference staff publishes a number of research guides (California Law, Federal Law, Foreign & Int'l Law, State & Local Law, Topical Research Guides) to assist patrons with legal and library research. The library has also created an online reference collection with links to commonly-used legal reference materials such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, and treatises.
Can you suggest any books to read before I start law school, or that might help me as a first-year student?
• The library has several books that may be of interest to first-year students. Click here to see a short list.
Where can I get help finding the books I need for LW&R?
• Go to the Photographic Field Guide to the Law Library. Adam Engelhart, a recent Hastings Alumnus, created a nice webpage with pictures of all of the "principal legal reference works for 1Ls in the Hastings library, along with short descriptions and Bluebook citation rules." Also use the Library's LW&R finding aid which includes the locations for most of the books used by Hastings LW&R students. And of course you can always ask for assistance at the Reference Desk.
Can you recommend a good legal dictionary?
•
The preeminent law dictionary for American Law is Black's Law Dictionary. It is available in the Library at the Circulation Desk and the Reference Desk, in the 4th Floor Reading Room at KF156 .B53 2004, in the Computer Lab, and on dictionary stands throughout the Library. The first edition of Black's was published in 1891; the most recent edition is the 8th edition published in 2004.
The 8th edition of Black's is also available on Westlaw.
There are some very basic law dictionaries available for free online:
- Commonly Used Terms (Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts)
- Everybody's Legal Glossary (Nolo Press)
- Merriam Webster's Dictionary of Law, 1996 (Findlaw)
- People's Law Dictionary (Law.com)
- Law Dictionary--Glossary of Legal Terms (LawyerIntl.com)
- One-L Dictionary (Harvard Law Library)
- Glossary of Terms Used in Legal Research (West Publishing)
- Wex Legal Dictionary and Encyclopedia (Cornell's Legal Information Institute)
For a list of other online legal reference materials, consult the online reference collection page.
Where can I get help picking a paper topic?
•
Here are two books that might be helpful when you start thinking about writing your law review note or seminar paper: Scholarly Writing for Law Students: Seminar Papers, Law Review Notes, and Law Review Competition Papers, by Elizabeth Fajans and Mary R. Falk (3rd ed. 2005) [See description on publisher's website] and Academic Legal Writing: Law Review Articles, Student Notes, Seminar Papers, and Getting on Law Review, by Eugene Volokh (2d ed. 2005) [See author's website]. They both include information about choosing a topic, writing & editing your paper, and getting your paper published.
- To see a list of recent cases organized by topic (including but not limited to: Antitrust, Bankruptcy, Commercial Law, Criminal Justice, Education, Environmental Law, Family Law, Health, Intellectual Property, Labor & Employment, Products Liability, Real Property or Tax), look in the Westlaw Directory under Legal Periodicals & Current Awareness | Westlaw Highlights & Bulletins | Westlaw Topical Highlights.
- If you're interested in recent cases by jurisdiction, the following states have summaries of recent federal and state judicial, legislative, and administrative activities: California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas. The state bulletins are found in the Westlaw Directory under Legal Periodicals & Current Awareness | Westlaw Highlights & Bulletins | Westlaw State Bulletins.
- Find Circuit Splits: You can read the arguments in each circuit and then decide how the circuit split should be resolved. Find these at Split Circuits - A blog dedicated to tracking developments concerning splits among the federal circuit courts, written by Professor A. Benjamin Spencer from the University of Richmond School of Law.
- Look at subject specific current awareness resources such as BNA's International Trade Reporter and Family Law Reporter. These resources list hot topics of current interest to practitioners and academics.
- The Lexis Hot Topics webpage is a good place to read about interesting new laws and proposed legislation. Another great source for current topics are newsletters. One way to access them on Lexis is to go to News & Business > News > By Industry & Topic > Legal where you can select categories such as: Banking Law, Bankruptcy Law, Corporate Law, Employment and Labor Law, Entertainment Law, Environmental Law, Health Care Law, Insurance Law, International Law, Litigation, School Law, Securities Law and more.
Why would I ever need to use a journal index?
• Searching journal indexes can be a very efficient way to find an article on a particular topic. While legal researchers often start their research searching full-text cases or journals using Lexis or Westlaw, the available law journal indexes can be the easiest way to find good articles about your topic. For assistance refer to the library's journal index guide or contact the library reference desk.
How do I find a case if all I know is the name of the parties?
• Digests have a "Table of Cases" volume that lists cases by the names of the parties. West's California Digests are located in 4th Floor Stacks in roes 34 & 35. The Federal Practice Digests are located the 4th Stacks in rows 13 & 14.. The Library's Quick Course in Using a Digest is an easy-to-use introduction to finding cases with the digest volumes available in the library.
How do I find cases for a particular topic?
• Digests have subject indexes that will lead you to good cases within the digest's jurisdiction. The Library's Quick Course in Using a Digest is an easy-to-use introduction to finding cases with the digest volumes available in the library.
Where are the law reviews?
• The library has recently published volumes of law reviews behind the Circulation Desk. Most recent law review articles are also available to students on Lexis (password required) and Westlaw (password required). Most of our older volumes of law reviews are on the 5th floor in call numbers K1 - K29. To view articles from older volumes of most law reviews select "Hein-On-Line" from the library's subscription database webpage.
Where is the ALR?
• American Law Reports (ALR) is located in the 4th floor stacks in rows 14 & 15.
Where is the Decennial Digest?
• West's Decennial Digest is located in the 4th floor stacks in rows 26 & 27.
Where are the Shepard's volumes?
• Shepard's Federal and California citations are located in the 4th floor stacks in call number order. The California Shepard's volumes are in row 35. The Federal Shepard's citations are located in rows 8 & 27. The Pacific Reporter Shepard's volumes are located in row 22.
How do I Shepardize?
• You can do a citation check using Lexis (Shepard's) or Westlaw (KeyCite), or you can consult the Shepard's books in the library. Although many students dread the idea of Shepardizing with the books, it is really a fairly straight-forward process once you have collected all of the volumes you need and once you understand the various symbols and abbreviations. For assistance on Shepardizing with books, consult a reference librarian. There is also a DVD called "Your Introduction to Shepardizing" available at the Reference Desk which shows easy steps for Shepardizing. Even though it is from 1988, many students still find it very useful. It is 22 minutes long.
What is a hornbook?
• A hornbook is a scholarly one-volume treatise that contains a fundamental explanation of one area of law. In 14th century Europe, students used wooden paddles to learn basic texts. The hornbooks were covered with a very thin layer of horn as a means of preservation. West Publishing company publishes a "Hornbook Series," a collection of treatises on particular areas of law. Today any one volume legal treatise is commonly referred to as a hornbook.
Where are the hornbooks?
• Hornbooks are located at the circulation desk. You can find call numbers for most of the hornbooks on the study aids webpage.
Where can I find depublished California cases?
• They are included in the Official Advance Sheets of the Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal; the library has all of these volumes in the 4th Floor Reading Room near the reference desk. The librarians at USF Law Library have created a useful guide to California's depublished cases.
Where can I find law school rankings?
• You can find law school rankings at the reference desk, or online at U.S. News & World Report. An interesting discussion of the validity of law school rankings is included on the Law School Admission Council website in a letter endorsed by more than 170 of the country's 185 law school deans. A wide array of detailed information about every accredited law school can be found in The Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools, published by the Law School Admission Council and the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association.
COMPUTER QUESTIONS:
Where is the computer lab?
• The computer lab is in the library on the 4th floor. It is sometimes called the LRC (Learning Resources Center). The lab is only for Hastings students and is not open to the general public.
What is the LRC?
• The LRC is the computer lab. The computer lab used to be called the Learning Resources Center (LRC).
Can I connect to the wireless network in the library?
• Yes, we have wireless (802.11b/g WiFi) access in most student study areas in the College, including the Law Library. More information on the wireless network is available on the IT webpage and the computer lab webpage.
I need a place to plug in my laptop; can you tell me where the "hidden" power outlets are located?
• Most study tables have power connections available for students who wish to use their laptop computers in the library. Power outlets also can be found in the study rooms and in the window seating at the columns. Additional power outlets are located in the 4th Floor Reading Room by the McAllister Street window. They are located between the window and the back edge of the counter (see photos below).
What is the Hastings Online Catalog?
• The Hastings Online Catalog (previously known as "HOPAC") allows users to search the Hastings library catalog to find books, journals, videos, and other items held by the Hastings library. The Catalog indicates if a particular title is in the collection, on order, checked out, or placed on course reserve. The Catalog records also show the most recent issue received of serial titles such as law reviews. Click on "Advanced Search" to see suggested search tips. are available on how to access and use the Catalog.
Can I access the library catalog from home?
• Yes, the library catalog is accessible through the Internet.
Where are the Lexis and Westlaw labs?
• The law school used to have separate Lexis and Westlaw labs in the library. Currently, all Lexis and Westlaw guides, printers, and printouts can be found in the 4th floor computer lab. The computer lab is open during regular library hours. Only Hastings students have access to the computer lab.
How can I get my Lexis and Westlaw passwords?
• First year students receive their Lexis and Westlaw IDs at the first day of law school orientation and are trained in computer assisted legal research during the first semester. LL.M. students receive Lexis and Westlaw passwords during their first semester.
What can I do if I forget my Lexis or Westlaw password?
• If you've lost your Lexis password, contact Lexis or the Hastings Lexis representative (Debbie Myers). If you've lost your Westlaw password contact Westlaw or the Hastings Westlaw representative (Mark Cygnet). Or simply ask for help at the Hastings reference desk.
Where can get I get help with printing in the computer lab?
• This guide provides a good overview of printing basics for students. If you need additional assistance, there is a Computer Lab Assistant in the 4th floor computer lab whenever the computer lab is open.
Last updated August 19, 2009
Prepared by
FCIL Librarian