The Law Library



Research Assistants

Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ is intended to answer general questions about library services for new research assistants. If we didn’t cover something or you have a more specific question, please don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Should I borrow materials in my name or the faculty member’s name?

Generally, if you are using the materials for research preparation, you should borrow the materials in your own name. You will be responsible for materials checked out in your own name, including returning materials on time (overdue notices will go directly to you) and in good condition and paying any fines you have incurred. If the faculty member has requested that you borrow materials on his or her behalf and he or she will be using the materials, then you should borrow the materials under the faculty member’s name. The faculty member will be responsible for materials checked out in his or her name, including returning materials on time (overdue notices will go directly to the faculty member) and paying any fines incurred.

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 our Catalog Help page.

How do I borrow Law Library materials on behalf of a faculty member?

Research Assistants may check out materials on behalf of faculty members, by bringing materials to the Law Library Circulation Desk, letting us know that you are an RA and providing us with the name of the faculty member. The material will be checked out in the faculty member’s name, and he or she is responsible for the return of the materials.

How do I borrow books at the Lemieux Library?

You will need a letter printed on School of Law letterhead, signed by the faculty member, which states as follows: “Please allow my research assistant, [name], to check out books and materials on my behalf at the Lemieux Library.” Take the letter to the Lemieux Library Circulation Desk where it will be placed on file. When checking out materials, indicate that you are an RA and you are borrowing the material on behalf of a faculty member who has a permission letter on file. The Lemieux Library Catalog is available online.

How do I obtain material from the University of Washington Libraries?

If it is a book, request it through Summit. Because UW charges $15 or more per article for document delivery, RAs should plan on copying articles on site at the UW libraries. Purchase a copy card from a UW Copy Center (Odegaard Undergraduate Library, Health Sciences Library, or Foster Business Library) that sells cards and provides a receipt. (Do not purchase the card from a dispensing machine as receipts are not provided!) Submit the receipt to the Law School Business Office for reimbursement.

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 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.

How do I make print outs of materials so that they are not charged to my student print account?

Coordinate with your faculty member’s secretary on printing materials.

Where do I make photocopies?

Research assistants should use the photocopy machines in the faculty offices to copy material. Contact your faculty member’s secretary about photocopying procedures. Please remember to check out the material before removing it from the Law Library for photocopying. In the event that faculty offices are closed, contact the Law Library Circulation Desk for other options. To make copies on the Law Library microform printers, notify the Law Library Circulation desk of the number of copies made and for which faculty member. To make copies of materials at the Lemieux Library, ask for a faculty 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 “LawLibGuides,” to assist in finding resources.

Where can I get help with my research?

You can 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.

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 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

Who is my faculty member’s personal librarian liaison?

Each faculty member has a library liaison, a professional librarian who serves as the faculty member’s primary contact person in the Library. Library liaisons are responsible for working with faculty on their instructional and other scholarly needs. Please see our liaison list.

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

Additional Information