Library Access Policy

The Law Library is open to all George Mason University students, faculty, and staff. All members of the Mason community must show a valid Mason ID to be admitted to the Law Library, and all IDs will be checked at the Circulation Desk.

George Mason University alumni and members of the bar may use the library under the following conditions:

  • Alumni and attorneys must sign-in at the Circulation Desk and present a current government-issued photo identification card to the Circulation staff;
  • The status of alumni and attorneys must be verified by Circulation staff.

We strongly urge attorneys and alumni to contact lawref@gmu.edu before you visit to ensure that we have the materials you need. 

Students from other U.S.-based, accredited law schools studying for the summer bar exam may use the library under the following conditions:

  • Please have an Administrator from your law school verify your status as a student or recent graduate who is studying for the summer bar exam. The email should include your first and last name and your email address, and be sent to Morgan Stoddard (mstodda@gmu.edu).
  • Please carry and present a valid university- or government-issued photo identification card to the Circulation staff every time you enter the library.
  • The status of other law schools’ students studying for the summer bar exam must be verified by the Circulation staff.
  • WiFi access is available through eduroam or the Mason Guest Wi-Fi.

The library is not open to the general public. The library has created the following guide to help members of the public with legal assistance: Legal Assistance to the Public. In addition, a number of other libraries in the area have legal research materials (both print and online) and are open to the general public. A list of Local Law Libraries that are open to the general public is available on this website and at the Circulation Desk.

Law Library Policies

The Law Library expects the following from all patrons so that the Law Library is safe for all.

  • Members of the Mason community should carry your Mason ID with you. Mason alumni, attorneys, and other law schools’ students studying for the summer bar exam should carry government-issued photo ID.
  • The law library is generally a space for quiet study and research.
  • Phone conversations should not occur in library study areas. Patrons should take calls to the stairwell or Atrium instead.
  • Library and technology staff may have conversations with each other and patrons as part of providing service and supporting research. Points of service are located on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Floors. The 4th floor has no service points and may be quieter than floors with service points. Kindly let staff know if their conversations are disruptive.
  • Study rooms are available to Scalia Law students only. Law students working in groups may reserve group study rooms using the Online Reservation system.
  • Fourth Floor seating and the Computer Lounge are available to Scalia Law students only.
  • Eating is prohibited in the Library. Drinks are permitted only in containers with lids.
  • Email any concerns about the Law Library environment to Melanie Knapp

Free Legal Resources Available on the Web

The Law Library maintains a very comprehensive and current list of online legal materials: Free Legal Research Sites.

Reference Assistance

Reference Librarians are available to assist patrons with finding materials in the Law Library. Please note that although the reference librarians will assist users who need information, a reference librarian will not research or interpret the law for any patron. For current library and reference hours, see Law Library Hours.

Printing

Copying and printing services for the university are provided by Canon. The cost is ten cents per page. The Circulation Desk provides blank copy cards for use with the copier/printers for patrons who do not have access to a card vendor or Mason ID card. Value must be added to the copy card with a credit card using Mason Money Online which can be accessed from the library’s public computers. Note: some databases such an Nexis Uni allow users to email documents or download to a USB drive.

Other Local Libraries

The library maintains a list of nearby law libraries, including courthouse libraries. Many provide public access to their collections, including online legal databases: Local Libraries.