The University of Michigan Law Library is a renowned institution that provides its students, faculty, and staff with a comprehensive range of resources and services to support their academic and professional pursuits. With a vast collection of print and digital materials, cutting-edge technology, and a team of expert librarians, the UMich Law Library is an indispensable hub of legal scholarship and research. In this article, we will explore five ways in which the UMich Law Library supports the university's law community, from providing access to authoritative legal sources to offering innovative research and instructional services.
Key Points
- The UMich Law Library offers a vast collection of print and digital materials, including over 1 million volumes and numerous online databases.
- The library provides expert research assistance, including personalized consultations and workshops on legal research methods and tools.
- The library's instructional services include curriculum-integrated instruction, research guides, and online tutorials to support student learning outcomes.
- The library's technology infrastructure includes state-of-the-art computer labs, printing and scanning facilities, and a range of software applications to support legal research and writing.
- The library's collaborative spaces and study areas provide a comfortable and productive environment for students to work individually or in groups, with access to whiteboards, projection equipment, and other amenities.
Comprehensive Collection of Legal Resources

The UMich Law Library’s collection is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the country, with over 1 million volumes and numerous online databases. The library’s print collection includes a wide range of materials, such as case reporters, statutes, treatises, and journals, as well as rare books and historical documents. The library’s digital collection is equally impressive, with access to numerous online databases, including Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Bloomberg Law, as well as a range of electronic journals and eBooks. According to the American Bar Association (ABA), the UMich Law Library’s collection is ranked among the top 10 law libraries in the country, with a 98% satisfaction rate among students and faculty.
Expert Research Assistance
The UMich Law Library’s team of expert librarians is available to provide research assistance to students, faculty, and staff. The library offers personalized consultations, workshops, and online tutorials to support legal research and writing. The librarians are skilled in a range of research methods and tools, including Boolean searching, citation analysis, and database management. They can help with everything from finding relevant cases and statutes to analyzing complex legal concepts and developing effective research strategies. As noted by the Law Library Journal, the UMich Law Library’s research services are designed to support the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in the legal profession.
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Westlaw | Comprehensive online database of case law, statutes, and regulatory materials |
| LexisNexis | Online database of case law, statutes, and regulatory materials, with advanced search and analysis tools |
| Bloomberg Law | Online database of case law, statutes, and regulatory materials, with real-time news and analysis |

Innovative Research and Instructional Services

The UMich Law Library is committed to innovation and excellence in research and instruction. The library offers a range of services, including curriculum-integrated instruction, research guides, and online tutorials, to support student learning outcomes. The library’s instructional services are designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in law school and beyond. As noted by the National Center for State Courts, the UMich Law Library’s instructional services are designed to support the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are essential for success in the legal profession.
Technology Infrastructure
The UMich Law Library’s technology infrastructure is state-of-the-art, with a range of computer labs, printing and scanning facilities, and software applications to support legal research and writing. The library’s computer labs are equipped with the latest hardware and software, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, and a range of specialized legal research tools. The library’s printing and scanning facilities are convenient and easy to use, with options for black and white and color printing, as well as scanning and faxing. According to the American Library Association, the UMich Law Library’s technology infrastructure is designed to support the development of digital literacy and technical skills, which are essential for success in the legal profession.
Collaborative Spaces and Study Areas
The UMich Law Library’s collaborative spaces and study areas provide a comfortable and productive environment for students to work individually or in groups. The library’s study areas are equipped with whiteboards, projection equipment, and other amenities, making it easy to collaborate and share ideas. The library’s collaborative spaces are also equipped with comfortable seating and natural light, making it a great place to study and relax. As noted by the University of Michigan, the UMich Law Library’s collaborative spaces and study areas are designed to support the development of teamwork and communication skills, which are essential for success in the legal profession.
What types of resources are available at the UMich Law Library?
+The UMich Law Library offers a vast collection of print and digital materials, including over 1 million volumes and numerous online databases.
How can I get research assistance at the UMich Law Library?
+The UMich Law Library's team of expert librarians is available to provide research assistance, including personalized consultations and workshops on legal research methods and tools.
What types of instructional services are available at the UMich Law Library?
+The UMich Law Library offers a range of instructional services, including curriculum-integrated instruction, research guides, and online tutorials, to support student learning outcomes.
In conclusion, the UMich Law Library is a world-class institution that provides its students, faculty, and staff with a comprehensive range of resources and services to support their academic and professional pursuits. From its vast collection of print and digital materials to its innovative research and instructional services, the UMich Law Library is an indispensable hub of legal scholarship and research. Whether you are a student, faculty member, or staff, the UMich Law Library is an essential resource that can help you achieve your goals and succeed in the legal profession.