The reference desk is staffed by seven librarians, all of whom have their J.D. and M.L.S. degrees. Reference Librarians instruct patrons in the use of the library and assist them with their research needs.

Research Services

The Reference Librarians are experts in research methodology. They:

» Provide individual instruction on developing research strategies and on locating and using library resources;

» Obtain information from sources outside the library;

» Answer your questions on how to access print and electronic resources;

» Consult on research sources to use for writing projects such as law review notes or seminar papers;

» Publish general and subject-specific research guides; and

» Provide reference services for students and alumni working for public or private-sector organizations.

Instructional Services

The Reference Librarians are part of the Law School's instructional team and participate in the School's Legal Skills Program. They also teach Advanced Research Techniques courses.

Other instructional services the Reference Librarians provide include:

» Subject-specific in-class research instruction at the request of faculty;

» Advanced research training for new law journal members;

» Training for faculty research assistants; and

» Individual research instruction as requested by students.

Librarians and the Unauthorized Practice of Law

The library staff will not perform legal research for patrons not affiliated with the law school or offer any information that may be construed as providing legal advice, including the use and drafting of legal forms or documents. Such legal research and advice can constitute the unauthorized practice of law, contravening both ethical and legal rules. Whether a particular question constitutes a request for legal advice is in the discretion of the staff member.

Library staff may provide answers to specific questions over the phone if the patron has a citation and the answers are read verbatim and without interpretation. Library staff may also suggest materials that might help a patron understand the nature of their problem, and may explain how to locate and use materials in our collection. Library patrons needing additional assistance in understanding the nature of their legal problem are advised to consult an attorney or a legal aid or lawyer referral service.


Use of Online Information Resources by People Not Affiliated with William & Mary

Certain contracts preclude us from furnishing access to online information sources to individuals not directly affiliated with this institution. Such restrictions on use will be honored. A staff member may, however, use online services for quick reference queries if, in the staff member's judgment, online information services offer the most effective and efficient means of addressing the patron's question.

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