REFERENCE

Service

While the needs of the University of Iowa law students, faculty, and staff are first priority, the Reference Librarians also assist students, faculty and staff campus-wide, as well as members of Iowa government, attorneys and members of the general public.

Reference Librarians may:

help patrons locate Law Library resources
instruct patrons in the use of library materials and electronic resources
suggest appropriate resources and research strategies
look up readily available information, such as legal citation verifications, addresses, or telephone numbers
assist patrons with locating resources not found in the law library collection
refer patrons to other libraries or institutions for materials

Reference Librarians are not allowed to:

conduct legal research on patron's behalf
interpret the law
provide legal advice
read statutes, cases, court rules, or definitions over the phone
confirm that resources currently are on the shelf and available to use

For more information regarding reference services, see the Policy on Legal Research and Legal Advice.

Desk

The Reference Desk, located on the second or main floor of the Law Library, is staffed by a team of professional law librarians who assist patrons with their research needs. A Reference Librarian is available most, but not all, of the hours the Law Library is open.

Telephone

Patrons may request reference assistance by telephone at 319-335-9005. However, individuals requesting assistance in person receive priority. Telephone assistance is limited by the Policy on Legal Research and Legal Advice and by the availability of staff.

E-Mail

The Reference Librarians offer e-mail service to enable members of the University of Iowa community to ask simple, direct questions (e.g. book or legal citation verifications, addresses, or telephone numbers). E-mail service is only available to members of the University of Iowa community. E-mail requests from non-University patrons are not answered. Therefore, patrons who are not members of the University of Iowa community should contact Reference Services by telephone or mail.

Contact

Reference Services
The University of Iowa
Law Library
220 Boyd Law Building
Iowa City, IA 52242
Telephone: 319-335-9005
Fax: 319-335-9039
E-Mail: lawlib-ref@uiowa.edu