A Century of Legal Research—On Display in the Library!
As the law library’s centennial in 2026 draws near, we’re taking time to reflect on a century of legal research—what has evolved and what has remained constant. From the early days of commercial legal publishing in the United States, publishers have continually promised new ways to make research faster, more comprehensive, and more efficient.
If you were a student at the Hartford College of Law in the 1920s, you would be learning legal research using books familiar to today’s law students: American Jurisprudence, Shepard’s, and A.L.R. Although these are now accessed primarily in electronic format, they remain relevant and useful resources for legal researchers.
The amount of legal information grew exponentially throughout the twentieth century, as legal publishers responded to the increasing complexity of the law with new treatises, looseleafs, and practice materials. Libraries had to confront the inevitable problem of lack of space, and turned to new technologies, including microform, CD-ROMs, and dedicated terminals for Westlaw and Lexis.
Electronic access to legal information has been the default for more than twenty years, and we are beginning to move into artificial intelligence as a tool for legal research. These technologies are built upon the structure of books that have been published for over 100 years, and their creators are making the same promises of efficiency and speed.
Visit the display near the main entrance of the library to see how legal research books, tools, and technologies have changed over the past 100 years.
If you have questions or need help navigating the guide, contact the Law Library’s reference staff. We’re here to help!
Welcome Alumni! Special Reunion Exhibit on 9/13!
Welcome back alumni! Join us in celebrating 2025 UConn Law Reunion Weekend on Saturday, September 13, with a special exhibit: "Memories - From the Law School Archives." Explore rare photos, documents and milestones that shaped UConn Law through the years.
Check Out Our Exhibits!
This Reunion Weekend, the Law Library is opening its doors not just as a study space, but as a place of memory and connection. Alumni, students, and friends are invited to explore special exhibits that highlight the library’s evolution over the decades—its collections, its role in legal education, and its place at the heart of the law school community.
For a walk down memory lane, we have created several exhibits on the library’s main floor. Check out Celebrating 100 Years of the Law Library, Memories, From the Law School Archives, as well as 100 Years of Legal Research, (directly across from the Circulation desk.)
Stop by during Reunion Weekend to reconnect with old classmates, revisit the space where so many milestones happened, and see how the library continues to support learning, scholarship, and community.
We can't wait to welcome you back to the library!
Newsflash! Digital Access to New York Times and WSJ
FAQ – Top 5 Questions at the Law Library!
We are a week into the new semester and are so excited to welcome (back) everyone! Here are some of the most common questions we’ve seen at the front desk. This way you can make the most of your time here on campus and focus on other things like getting ready for class!
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What are Course Reserves?
One copy of all required textbooks from each class is kept on reserve at the library. To check them out (four hours at a time) just stop by the Access Service desk to see if it is available.
To return them when the library is open, just bring those books back to the front desk. If you put them in the drop box, you may end up getting late fines, and you also deny your fellow students the ability to check the book out for themselves.
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What’s the scoop with Study Aids?
In addition to electronic study aids such as Cali and West Academic Study Aids, did you know you can use numerous study aids at the library?
For example, on the third floor of the library you can study with Emanuel's, Nutshells and Examples and Explanations (AKA "E & E's) for Civil Procedure. You can use them in the library, scan sections you want- they are all available at your fingertips! We even have copies of the trusty Blue Book if you happen to forget it! Looking for writing assistance, there are loads of books dedicated to this topic you can check out!
For more info on study aids broken down by topic, check out this research guide.
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Where are the printers and scanners located?
Printing
Law students have access to WEPA printers and release stations at several locations on campus. Printing costs $0.08 per side (black and white) and $0.35 per side (color). Students may upload print jobs from their own laptops directly to WEPA. Law Computer Lab workstations are also configured to allow printing.
WEPA stations are located in the Computer Lab (Library 2nd Floor), Library 3rd, 4th and 5th Floor.
Lexis Printing
It’s free to print material from Lexis to the Lexis printer also located on the 2nd floor! Lexis offers free printing from Lexis Advance from dedicated Lexis printers located outside the second floor computer lab. You can print Lexis materials from any computer using your Lexis account. For instructions:
Scanners
The Law Library provides two sheetfeed and book-eye scanners on the 3rd Floor of the Law Library, adjacent to the circulation desk. There is no charge to use the scanner. You can email scans to yourself or save them on a flash drive.
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Where can I find a filtered water fountain/fill station?
While there are a number of water fountains all over campus, the fill stations are located in a few specific spots. From the front desk of the library, we often tell people to go through the double doors and take a right down the hallway to find the one we have in our building. Otherwise, there is a station in the gym in Knight, and two in Hosmer, one of the first floor and one on the second. They are located down the hallways amongst the faculty offices, so maybe say hi to a professor while filling up!
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How can I get my hands on library materials?
You are always welcome to come into the building and pull things from the shelves yourself and check them out at the front desk, and reference librarians love to help locate them if you need a helping hand. During the pandemic, we also created a new on-demand service called Library2Go. It’s still a thing! Check out our page explaining the Library2Go pickup and digital scanning service.
Always remember that we are here to help and available to answer any questions you may have. Stop by the front desk anytime to say "hi" or feel free to reach out electronically.
Any questions we forgot? Reach out and ask away! Have a great semester!
Opening Arguments: A Warm Welcome to Our 1Ls!
From Orientation to Graduation: We’ve Got Your Back!
The start of your 1L year is an exciting, challenging, and transformative time—and the law library is here to be your partner every step of the way. Whether you’re mastering your first case briefing, untangling the mysteries of the Bluebook, or just looking for a quiet spot to read, the library is more than just a place for books. It’s your hub for research, study, collaboration, and, yes, a bit of well-deserved downtime.
What You’ll Find Here:
Expert Research Support: Our reference librarians can guide you through legal databases, legislative histories, and specialized research tools that will save you time and frustration.
Study Spaces for Every Style: From silent zones for deep focus to group rooms for collaborative projects, you can choose the environment that works best for you.
Technology and Tools: Need a scanner, charging station, or printer? We’ve got you covered.
Workshops and Tutorials: Learn essential legal research skills, explore advanced search strategies, and get tips on effective outlining and exam prep.
Pro tip: Stop by early in the semester—even if you don’t have a burning research question yet. Building familiarity with the library now will pay off when assignments and deadlines start to pile up.
Finally, we wanted to feature the Student Toolkit which provides information on all aspects of the law library, from study aids, research help, course reserves and study rooms, check out this research guide to get started.
We’re thrilled to welcome you into our law school community and can’t wait to see how your journey unfolds. Here’s to a year of curiosity, resilience, and maybe just a little too much coffee.
Bear Aware: Explore Connecticut’s Bear Laws with Our Research Guide
With rising black bear sightings across Connecticut—and increasing interactions between wildlife and residents—the legal landscape around these powerful and protected animals is more relevant than ever. Whether you’re a law student, practitioner, policymaker, or found bears eating your garbage (it happens!), understanding bear law is key to navigating the balance between public safety and wildlife protection.
UConn Law Library has created a comprehensive Connecticut Animal Law Research Guide that includes valuable resources, legislation, and case law addressing everything from pet custody disputes to livestock protections. But one especially timely section you won’t want to miss is our curated content on black bear law in Connecticut.
This section offers:
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Links to state statutes and regulations about bear feeding, hunting restrictions, and nuisance complaints
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Recent headlines and case developments related to bear-human encounters
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Resources on proposed legislation, such as bear hunting bills and feeding bans
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Local government responses and public education initiatives
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Scholarly commentary and law review articles exploring animal law, wildlife ethics, and environmental concerns
Whether you’re researching a legal issue, writing a paper, or just trying to understand what your rights and responsibilities are when a bear visits your backyard—this guide is your go-to resource.
Visit the guide now: Connecticut Animal Law Research Guide
If you have questions or need help navigating the guide, contact the Law Library’s reference staff. We’re here to help!
Good Luck on the Bar Exam!
The July Connecticut bar examination will be administered in-person on July 29 and 30, 2025. For more information, check here: https://ctbaradmissions.jud.ct.gov/home
For your final stages of preparation, check out these last minute tips:
Exam Day Tips, Bar Exam Toolbox
We wish our UConn Law graduates and all test takers the best of luck on the bar exam! We know you’ve got this! Believe in yourself!
Empowering Justice: Disability Law Courses at UConn Law
UConn Law Library’s July tribute to Disability Pride shifts to focusing on the crucial role of lawyers specializing in disability law as advocates for justice and equality. There is a growing demand for lawyers that have specialized knowledge in the area of disability law. Disability law encompasses a broad spectrum of issues, and navigating these legal landscapes can be daunting for individuals with disabilities and their families. Lawyers that are interested in making a different in the field of disability rights and education are in high demand, thus understanding disability law in contemporary legal practice and highlight the growing demand for specialized knowledge in this area.
If you are passionate about making a difference in the field of disability rights consider enrolling in the following courses at UConn Law to gain in-depth knowledge and practical experience:
Law 7416 – Disability Rights Clinic
In this clinic students will provide legal advocacy for people with disabilities in Connecticut under the supervision of Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) attorneys, addressing such issues as disability discrimination in housing, employment, services and activities provided by governmental entities, and public accommodations; access to healthcare; individual rights; civil and criminal mental health law; abuse and neglect; and special education. DRCT’s legal work includes both individual client representation and systemic-reform advocacy. Students will also participate in a weekly seminar in which they will receive training in substantive disability law as well as advocacy skills needed to represent people with disabilities. These skills include client interviewing and counseling; legal research; legal writing; civil litigation; and alternative dispute resolution. Students will also learn to incorporate principles of diversity, equity and inclusion in their legal representation of clients with disabilities, and to identify and resolve potential ethical issues that may arise in the course of representing such clients.
Law 7563 – Life Insurance, Annuities, Disability and Long Term Care Insurance
This course focuses on life insurance, annuities, and disability income insurance, which provide financial protection against risks associated with mortality and morbidity, supplementing Social Security benefits. It covers various insurance types, including whole life, term, universal life, immediate, deferred, and longevity annuities, examining issues like insurable interest, medical underwriting, privacy, and regulatory considerations under tax, ERISA, and securities laws.
Law 7905 – Special Education Law
This seminar will review the evolutionary process by which the civil right to receive a free and appropriate public education has been expanded to include people with disabilities. The class will discuss issues such as the standards used to define “disability,” physical access to schools and other buildings/grounds, appropriate classroom instruction, the provision of ancillary services in the least restrictive environment, and topics such as discipline and safety in the special education setting. The readings and discussions will include cases involving special education, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Improvement Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Every Student Succeeds Act, pending legislation, and a review of the international perspective toward special education and related services.
These courses offered through UConn Law are the first step in becoming advocates for justice and equality for all.
Spotlight on Disability Pride Month: Featured Collection
July is Disability Pride Month , the month of passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July, 1990, a comprehensive civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.
The ADA stands as a cornerstone of legal protection for people with disabilities in the United States. It mandates equal opportunities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. Over the years, amendments and legal precedents have strengthened its provisions, ensuring greater accessibility and accommodation. This month serves as a powerful reminder of both progress made and work yet to be done in dismantling ableism across our institutions.
To mark this occasion, UConn Law Library is proud to spotlight a curated collection: Accessibility, Neurodiversity and Ableism collection
This collection features works that examine disability-related issues within the contexts of law, education, and other institutions, with a particular focus on neurodiversity and accessibility. From case law and policy analysis to personal narratives and academic commentary, the selected materials offer critical insights into how legal frameworks can both challenge and reinforce barriers for disabled individuals.
Why This Matters
Law libraries are more than repositories—they are spaces for critical inquiry and community reflection. This month, we encourage you to engage with these resources not only to deepen your understanding of disability rights, but also to consider how legal professionals, scholars, and students can help create more inclusive systems.
Visit the Accessibility, Neurodiversity, and Ableism collection online, stop by the library to check out one of these resources that speak to you. Not sure how to navigate the stacks? The UConn Law Librarians here are always thrilled to take you on a tour!
Let’s use this month to learn, reflect, and advocate—because equity under the law must include everyone.
Independence Day- Happy 4th!
As we approach July 4th, a holiday synonymous with celebrating independence and the principles by which our nation was founded, we want to inform you that UConn Law Library will be closed on July 4th, 2025.
Although our physical doors our closed, many of our resources are available online 24/7. Our digital library catalog, databases, and research guides are accessible remotely, allowing you to continue your legal research and study from anywhere.
As we take July 4th to honor the ideals of freedom and justice that define our nation, we hope you enjoy a safe and festive holiday.
Our regular hours will resume on July 7th and the library staff will be available to assist you with your research and information needs.