Reference Services

The Law Library’s team of reference librarians serves the UIC Law community by providing dynamic guidance, outreach, and instruction on the information resources central to the education and research mission of UIC Law. Reference librarians respond to patrons’ research needs and collect and curate materials in anticipation of the changing legal information environment.

Reference Assistance

The reference desk on the Law Library’s 6th floor is staffed by professional librarians who are available to assist with research and the location of library materials. Reference questions are answered to the fullest extent possible. However, the library staff cannot give legal advice or offer legal opinions.

Reference librarians are available in person during normal reference hours, by phone at (312) 427-2737, ext. 729, by email at law-library@uic.edu, by appointment, or via chat. The chat platform is available via the “Chat with a Librarian” button in the lower right-hand corner of the Law Library’s website. Note that initial questions posted to the chat platform go to reference librarians at UIC’s main library (Daley).

Research Guides and Video Tutorials

The reference department has created a number of electronic research guides and bibliographies that provide research guidance on specific topics or specific library resources. These guides are accessible via the Research Guides page.

The Law Library also offers video tutorials on legal research and on the use of specific databases. The tutorials include tips and updates on current trends in legal research. These videos are accessible via the Research Tutorials page.

Research Appointments

Reference librarians are available by appointment to meet with law students in one-on-one sessions (or in small groups) to discuss research strategies, recommend relevant resources, and review specific legal research topics, such as legislative history or administrative law.

Materials at Other Libraries

Materials that are not part of the Law Library’s collection may often be borrowed from or used at other libraries. Students and faculty have access to other law school libraries through a cooperative arrangement among local, state, and out-of-state law libraries. Visit the Interlibrary Loan FAQ page or contact the reference desk for more information at (312) 427-2737, ext. 729.

Government Documents

Since 1981, the Law Library has been a participant in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) and has acquired many government publications. These documents are primarily in the research collection on the 6th floor, while others are included in the general collection. Reference librarians can assist with finding and using these documents.