Facilities
Carrels
The library houses more than 460 study carrels for student use. These carrels are generally equipped with a lockable cabinet, light, storage shelf, coat hook, two electrical outlets, and an Internet connection.
While all of the carrels have been assigned to law students, other patrons of the library may use unoccupied carrels for brief periods. For extended research sessions, non-student patrons should use one of the work tables located throughout the library. For complete carrel policy information, students should refer to documents received at orientation.
Computer Lab
A ten-station computer lab is located on the first floor of the library. This lab is designed to serve student computer needs and act as a computer training center. It is available to current law students, authorized law school personnel, and library staff only. Also available in the computer lab are fast-speed laser printers, a scanner, and dedicated LexisNexis and Westlaw printers.
The lab is available on a first-come, first served basis, except when it is being used for instructional purposes. At times of peak demand, the library reserves the right to establish special reservation policies.
Law School Computer Network
The law school's network allows students access to e-mail, Blackboard for course-related materials, LexisNexis, Westlaw, the online catalog, and other services. Students connect to the law school network via hardwired connections in carrels and classrooms, or via wireless access throughout the building. Students may connect to the network from their homes as well.
Robert R. Merhige, Jr. Special Collections Rare Books Room
The library's special collections include a number of rare volumes pertaining to the development of Anglo-American legal principles, and include most Virginia primary materials printed before 1866.
The library also houses the papers of University of Richmond alumnus and former adjunct law school professor Judge Robert R. Merhige, Jr. Merhige served in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, and presided over numerous prominent cases, including Richmond's school desegregation cases and the Dalkon shield products liability cases. The papers reflect his many professional and judicial activities from the 1940's through the 1990's.
Group Study Rooms
There are seven group study rooms located in the basement of the library. These rooms are designed primarily for group study and research by two or more law students, but an individual student may use a study room if it is not being used by a group. Two of the study rooms are equipped with video and audio equipment for patron use. The library may restrict use of study rooms to groups at appropriate times, such as examination periods. In order to use a study room, students must check out a key from the circulation desk.
Hours
Spring Semester Hours:Sunday: 9:00 a.m. - midnight
Monday-Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - midnight
Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Library hours and special closing announcements are also available on the library hours phone line, (804) 287-6552, and are posted in advance on the board by the library's entrance.
Library closing procedures commence approximately 15 minutes prior to closing time. All patrons should complete photocopying, return reserve materials, re-shelve books, and check out library materials 15 minutes prior to closing.