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Legal Research Resources for the Public: Overview

Welcome to the University of Michigan Law School Library

Although the law library cannot provide legal advice, you are welcome to use the law library for your own legal research. Many of the resources of the MLaw Library are open to community patrons. This guide will help public patrons understand how to use the Library, how to get started in their legal research, and where to go for help in legal matters.

COVID-19 Notice: The University of Michigan Law Library buildings are closed to all but Michigan Law students, faculty, and staff until further notice. If you have questions, please contact askalawlibrarian@umich.edu.

What Librarians Can Do For You

Library Staff Can:

  • Help you locate specific resources or categories in the catalog.
  • Instruct you on how to use the law library resources for your research.
  • Direct you to a list of legal assistance organizations that may be relevant to your research.

Library Staff Cannot:

  • Give legal advice or opinions.
  • Do legal research for you.
  • Tell you which forms you may need or where to file them.
  • Check out library materials to a member of the public.

For questions about using the library as a member of the public, give us a call at (734) 764-9324.

Need Help?

This guide was created and updated by Michigan Law Reference Librarians.

  Email us at askalawlibrarian@umich.edu. Emails are answered by Librarians between 8AM and 6PM, Monday-Friday

  Consult with us. Members of the Michigan Law Community may schedule an appointment to meet with a Reference Librarian during business hours.