by Marie Summerlin Hamm
Assistant Director for Collection Development
Just walk into the Law Library and the many improvements made over the summer months are immediately apparent. Quiet carrel clusters, private study tables, and an open reading area . . . the results are impressive. There was not much space to spare at the end of last semester so the question returning students keep asking is HOW? Did we toss tons of tomes to make room for better study space? Are you kidding? We’re lawyers, yes, but we’re also librarians! We love those dusty old books. Basically, to make the new layout possible, a number of changes were made to the flow of the collection.
Two changes, in particular, will be immediately noticeable to our veteran researchers. First, all state materials are now located adjacent to the new reference and reading area. Virginia materials are located at the beginning and all other state materials (including North Carolina) follow in “alpha” order. Second, the periodicals collection has been entirely reorganized. The periodicals are now arranged by “call number” rather than alphabetical order. You’ll need to use the Online Catalog to find the location of a particular title. Note that not all periodicals are located on the third floor! Full runs of the official law review of each ABA accredited school and recent journal issues (2000 forward) are available in the third floor stacks. Older journals are now housed in our closed stack area on the 4th floor. This change is really what made the new carrel arrangement possible. Not only does it free up more space, it also give students an incentive to explore HeinOnline. This amazing database puts the majority of the periodicals collection at your fingertips by providing searchable full-text PLUS PDF images (something Westlaw and Lexis DOES NOT offer). If you’re not familiar with HeinOnline, just stop by the reference desk for a demo or visit the HeinOnline YouTube page.
Other notable changes include the relocation of the microform collection to the alcove just outside the Research Service offices (which are still in the same place!) and the changes in the orientation of the shelving in the Law General Collection. Maps are posted throughout the facility. If you need help finding anything, just ask—we’re still getting use to the new arrangement too!
It’s Not Just About the Books! Check Out the Website “Remodel”
The Law Library’s webpage benefited from a remodel as well! Check out the new “look and feel.” Note that information about library hours is now available on the top navigation bar. On the database pages, we’ve streamlined the flow so that it’s easier to access the resource you need. If you have questions or would like to offer suggestions about changes to the website, contact Associate Director Margaret Christiansen margchr@regent.edu or Assistant Director Marie Hamm mariham@regent.edu.
