The Law Library



Independent Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ is intended to answer general questions about library services and resources to assist students who are completing independent study paper assignments. If we didn’t cover something or you have a more specific question, please don’t hesitate to ask for help.

How am I assigned a “Research Librarian”?

Librarian assignments are determined by the Head of Reference Services based on the librarian's subject specialty, the faculty member supervising the independent study and librarian workload. Students who are pursing independent studies should contact Stephanie Wilson, Head of Reference Services (Library Administration - Room 307C, 206.398.4222, wilsons3@seattleu.edu).

When do I set up a consultation with my “Research Librarian”?

Your designated research librarian should sign your independent study form. At that point, you should set up a mutually convenient date and time to meet with your research librarian for a more formal research consultation.

How do I contact my “Research Librarian”?

 

Tina Ching Room 307C chingt@seattleu.edu 206.398.4129
Kerry Fitz-Gerald Room 201I fitzgk@seattleu.edu 206.398.4223
Kelly Kunsch Room 201K kunsch@seattleu.edu 206.398.4090
Bob Menanteaux Room 201H arobertm@seattleu.edu 206.398.4160
Barbara Swatt Engstrom Room 201J engstromb@seattleu.edu 206.398.4318
Stephanie Wilson Room 201G wilsons3@seattleu.edu 206.398.4222

How do I find materials in the Law Library collection?

Search the Law Library Catalog. For tips on how to search the catalog, check out the Catalog Help page.

How can I get more familiar with the Law Library locations?

Check out our Law Library Locations guide.

How do I borrow Law Library materials?

Take materials to the Circulation Desk and show them your Seattle University ID card.

How do I borrow books at the Lemieux Library?

Check out materials at the Lemieux Library Circulation Desk and show them your Seattle University ID card. Be sure to turn in materials on time and in good condition as fines do accrue. The Lemieux Library Catalog is available online.

How do I borrow books on Summit?

For information about Summit, please check out our Summit page.

How do I borrow books on interlibrary loan (ILL)?

For more information on ILL, please check out our Interlibrary Loan page.

How do I find articles in magazines, journals, and newsletters?

First, check to see if the journal is available on Lexis or Westlaw. (For Lexis, use the “Find a Source” tab; for Westlaw, use the “Find a Database Wizard” on the left of the Welcome screen.) For law related titles, also try Hein Online, which is available through our database listing. For non law titles, check the Lemieux homepage. Finally, if no online version is available, check our catalog and the Lemieux catalog for hard copies of the journal. If you do not find what you need by searching the databases or catalogs above, fill out an ILL request form online or pick one up at the Law Library Circulation Desk and return it to the Circulation Desk.

What other databases are available?

The Law Library subscribes to many specialized databases. Please note specific access instructions, availability (on site only – wired vs. wireless network) and usage restrictions. Lemieux Library hosts a variety of non-legal databases. Contact the reference desk or one of the reference librarians if you need training or assistance.

What is a good starting point for my research?

The Law Library website is a good starting point for research. The site includes our online catalog, database listings, and suggested internet links. The librarians have also authored a number of topical research guides, called “LawLibGuides,” to assist in finding resources.

How do I go about selecting my paper topic?

Your faculty advisor will discuss possible paper topics with you. If you need additional assistance in developing or refining a paper topic, set up an appointment with your assigned research librarian. You may wish to consult two helpful books: Scholarly Writing for Law Students, Reserve KF250.F34 2005; Academic Legal Writing, Reserve KF250.V65 2005. Additionally, the UW Gallagher Law Library’s research guide, Writing for and Publishing in Law Reviews, contains a section on finding interesting topics.

How do I find out which articles have already been written on my topic?

The following databases will be helpful in determining whether your topic has been previously published in the legal journal literature:

Current Index to Legal Periodicals (CILP); Westlaw = CILP
Hein Online
Index to Foreign Legal Periodicals (IFLP)
Index to Legal Periodicals (ILP); Westlaw = ILP; Lexis = LAWREV; ILP
LegalTrac; Westlaw = LRI; Lexis = LAWREV; LGLIND
Lexis full text law journals = LAWREV; ALLREV
Westlaw full text law journals = JLR

How do I locate working papers on my paper topic or submit my research paper to a working paper series?

In the legal arena, there are two main working paper repositories: 1) Social Science Research Network’s Legal Scholarship Network; 2) Bepress Legal Repository. Both Web sites provide searchable working paper archives and instructions on working paper submissions.

Where can I get more information on publishing my research paper in a law review?

The UW Gallagher Law Library has two research guides which may be of help: 1) Writing For and Publishing in Law Reviews covers sources for law review addresses, law review rankings, and more; 2) Cite Checking & Library Research covers resources for assisting with citation format, retrieving cited sources online, internet sources and so on.

Where can I get help with research?

Send us a question via our e-mail reference service at: lawreference@seattleu.edu.
Visit us or call the reference desk at 206.398.4225

How can I contact a member of the library staff?

Consult our Web-based Law Library staff directory.

How can I get passwords for, and training on, Westlaw/TWEN & Lexis?

Contact Tina Ching (x4129, chingt@seattleu.edu) for passwords. Contact the vendor representatives directly to schedule training:

Westlaw/TWEN: Zachary Gose
Web: lawschool.westlaw.com

LexisNexis: Aaron Meyers
206.323.9537
Web: lexisnexis.com/lawschool

Additional Information