Supporting the Mission
As a law student, you will find yourself spending a considerable amount of time in the Libraries; and the level of resources, services, and comfort the library provides are a major factor in your choice of school.
The Libraries' collections and study facilities reflect the mission of making materials available in multiple formats to students and faculty in support of the curriculum, scholarship, and research. Access to a significant digital collection of study materials and research resources makes the collection available to students 24/7.
Librarian Assistance
Experienced librarians, many of whom have both law and library science degrees, staff the reference desks 59 hours per week. The reference desks support legal research by answering questions, recommending research materials and strategies, and instructing patrons on the use of individual print and electronic sources. Additionally, students receive introductory training in the classroom on many of our resources.
Staff
Cooley Law Library has a professional and courteous staff looking forward to helping you become successful in your law school career and beyond.
Seating
Cooley Law Libraries provide study areas for a large numbers of students. Spacious table and study carrels provide individual study space. Multiple group study rooms equipped with whiteboards are also available at both locations.
Carrels
Many students prefer more private study space than a table provides. The Cooley Libraries provide large study carrels to Cooley students that provide extra lighting and electrical outlets.
Hours of Operation
We are regularly open a total of 86 hours a week, seven days and weekday evenings until 10:00 p.m. Go to the hours page for a schedule at all locations. Electronic resources are available remotely at any time of day.
Acquisitions
Cooley Law Libraries have a wealth of print and electronic resources, and a commitment to continued improvement of information resources. Students benefit by having an experienced staff and an abundance of resources available in which to learn and practice the law. The Library subscribes to a number of digital resources that other schools do not.
CoolCat—Online Catalog
CoolCat is the Cooley Law Libraries' internet-based online catalog, providing author, title, keyword, and subject access to the library's collection. The catalog is available here. Links to electronic materials are also included in the catalog as are course reserves.
Computing Facilities
The Cooley Law Libraries are wireless zones allowing the ability to access Cooley's network from a laptop. The network provides access to word processing, computer-assisted legal research, tutorial programs, and major legal databases such as Lexis, Westlaw, Bloomberg Law, CALI, and several digital book platforms.
Interlibrary Loan
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a cooperative arrangement between libraries to make available to researchers material that is not owned by their "home" libraries. Cooley Law Libraries provide Interlibrary Loan services at no cost.
Circulation Desk
The circulation desk houses course reserve items (items that faculty members have placed there for the convenience of students) and general reserves (items in high demand). It also administers group study room sign-up, picking up interlibrary loan materials, and much more.
Tours
Tours of the Library are given to prospective students by Cooley Admissions staff. Librarians always welcome individual tours as well.
Contact Us
For anything you don't see on this page, please visit our contact page if you have questions.