The Law Library



Journal Staff

Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ is intended to answer general questions about recurring issues in writing and editing for either of the journals. If we didn’t cover something or you have a more specific question, please don’t hesitate to ask for help.

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 Catalog Help.

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

Check out our popular locations guide.

How do I borrow Law Library materials?

Journal staff should identify themselves at the Circulation Desk when checking out materials. Journal staff receive longer check out periods and can check out some materials that are non-circulating (e.g. reporters). Journal staff are responsible for turning in the materials on time and in good condition. If you are using the materials for non-journal purposes (e.g. your own study or other research), please check them out in your own name.

How do I borrow books at the Lemieux Library?

Check out materials at the Lemieux Library under your own name. 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 the Law Library 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.

Do I need to find a print copy of all my sources or can I use an online version?

Consult with your journal editors about the policy on source and cite checking. Be aware that there are many materials that are simply not published in print. For example, many government documents are migrating to electronic format only. While we will do everything we can to assist you in finding a print source, sometimes we cannot locate a print copy. An alternative option may be electronic databases which contain images of materials (e.g. Hein Online, Westlaw Reporter Images, GPO Access, LLMC Digital, and so on).

Where do I make photocopies?

Journal staff make photocopies in the journal offices. Materials should be checked out before removing them from the Law Library for photocopying. When photocopying material, be sure to indicate the title, author, source, date and page number of the reference on the photocopy for your files. To make copies on the Law Library microform reader printers, notify the Law Library Circulation Desk of the number of copies made and indicate that the copies are on behalf of a journal. To make copies of materials at the Lemieux Library, ask for the copy card at the Law Library Circulation Desk.

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 “Starting Points,” to assist in finding resources.

How do I go about selecting my paper topic?

Current awareness sources like topical newsletters (e.g. BNA reports) and legal newspapers (e.g. National Law Journal) are very useful. The UW Gallagher Law Library’s research guide, Writing for and Publishing in Law Reviews, contains a section on finding interesting topics. You may also wish to consult two helpful books: Scholarly Writing for Law Students, Reserve KF250.F34 2005; Academic Legal Writing, Reserve KF250.V65 2005. If you need additional assistance, contact your journal editor or set up an appointment with a librarian.

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 writing for and publishing in law reviews and cite checking?

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 my research?

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

Who is the primary librarian liaison for the journals?

The librarian on duty at the reference desk is always ready to assist with research questions. If you need more in depth help, Barbara Swatt is the primary contact librarian for the Law Review. Kelly Kunsch is the primary contact librarian for SJSJ.

How can I set up a research consultation with one of the reference librarians?

Contact the reference librarians directly to set up an individual research consultation:

Tina Ching Room 201G 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 307C wilsons3@seattleu.edu 206.398.4222

How can I contact a member of the library staff?

Consult our Web-based Law Library staff directory.

How can I get additional training on Westlaw & Lexis?

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

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.

Additional Information