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 4th floor 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. NYLS students have priority in Library computer labs, but Alumni are encouraged to use their designated Research Workstations, which are described below.

WESTLAW & LEXIS: 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. At present, the Library is prohibited from allowing Alumni to access Lexis under our educational contract. However, we are negotiating to add access to Lexis’s primary sources at the Alumni Research Workstations in the near future. 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. A comprehensive guide to Web based legal research resources, including free sites such as Findlaw and LexisOne, can be found on the Library’s Internet home page, www.nyls.edu/library.

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. Lexis, Westlaw and Loislaw refresher sessions are also offered. Alumni attending the skills sessions can qualify for CLE credit.

PHOTOCOPYING & PRINTING: Copycards may be purchased for use in the Library’s self-service photocopy machines and networked computer printers. The charge is 15¢ per copy with coins, or 10¢ per copy with a copycard. Vending machines in the Library accept single dollar bills for purchase of a copycard; additional copies can be added with bills of any denomination. The Library does not provide copying services.

TELEPHONES: Alumni should please adhere to our rule prohibiting cell phone use in quiet study areas. Pay phones can be found in the 40 Worth Street lobby.