Reference librarians primarily serve the College of Law's students, faculty, and staff. Reference librarians also help attorneys and the general public, as time permits. However, reference librarians are not allowed to do research for public users, and may not give them legal advice. Public users are responsible for their own research.

Legal research is complicated and time-intensive. Simple questions can require complex analysis. Researching law, applying law to specific facts, and advising clients must be done by a licensed attorney meeting all Iowa State Bar requirements for operating a legal practice. Our reference librarians are highly qualified legal professionals, but they are not practicing attorneys.

Reference Librarians will locate legal resources and demonstrate their use. However, reference librarians are not allowed to conduct public users' research, nor may reference librarians analyze or interpret information found in library resources. In addition, reference librarians may recommend resources for finding an attorney, but are not allowed to recommend specific attorneys to public users.