Library Access

NYLS ALUMNI PRIVILEGES IN THE MENDIK LIBRARY

RESEARCH COLLECTIONS: Alumni have access to the Library’s book, microform and media collections during regular business hours. As all collections are for research, they do not circulate outside the Library to individual Alumni. Loans from the collections may be made only on a library-to-library basis, under established interlibrary loan procedures.

REFERENCE: The Library’s Reference Desk is staffed by professional librarians seven days a week. They can direct Alumni to Library resources and assist with research strategies.

COMPUTER FACILITIES: Alumni may use PC workstations in the Library’s computer labs for word processing and other applications, and to access the Internet (Level L2). NYLS students have priority in Library computer labs, but Alumni are encouraged to use their designated Research Workstations, which are described below.

LEXISNEXIS ASPIRE: Recent graduates who are pursuing public interest work either as a continuing profession or while searching for employment may be eligible for this program, which provides access to Federal and state cases, codes & regulations, law reviews, Shepard's® and Matthew Bender® treatises.

WESTLAW: Alumni have access to a generous selection of Westlaw databases, including cases, statutes, and secondary sources, at the designated Alumni Research workstations in the Library. These workstations also offer word processing and other applications, and permit network printing and downloading of Westlaw documents.  Alumni wishing to use these workstations should inquire at the Reference Desk.

OTHER COMPUTER DATABASES: Alumni also have access to a growing number of other commercial research databases to which the Library subscribes. The Library’s Web site provides a comprehensive guide to Web based legal research tools, including our DRAGNET search engine and other free and low-cost resources.

RESEARCH SKILLS TRAINING: Every semester, the Library’s professional staff offers a series of practice oriented research skills sessions, which are open to Alumni. Sessions generally focus on a discrete area of law, a particular research tool or a specific type of source material. Recurring sessions include: Basics of New York Legal Research, Federal Administrative Materials, Legal Citation Workshop and Federal Bills, Statutes & Legislative Histories. LexisNexis and Westlaw  refresher sessions are also offered. Alumni attending the skills sessions can qualify for CLE credit.

PHOTOCOPYING & PRINTING: NYLS uses the OneCard system to charge for printing and copying in networked machines located on every floor of the Library.   The cost is .10 per copy.  Coin-operated printer/copiers are no longer provided.  Alumni may purchase OneCards for $1.00 at vending points located in 185 West Broadway on the 1st Floor near the Coffee bar, and 5th floor common area. Funds may be deposited on the cards at these locations as well. Please note that all OneCards purchased at vending machines expire on June 30. The Library does not offer copying services.