COVID-19 Guide to Library Services

Physical Space

Though the Library's physical spaces are closed to students, faculty and the public, our librarians are still happy to help with your research! Please don't hesitate to reach out to us at refdesk@law.virginia.edu.

Access to the Law School building is currently available via UVA ID card only.

Study Aids

• Study aids published by Wolters Kluwer (e.g. Examples & Explanations, Casenote Legal Briefs, etc.) are available on this platform.
• Study aids published by West Academic (e.g. Hornbooks, Nutshells, etc.) are available at subscription.westacademic.com (until June 1). You will need to create an account using your student email address.

Textbooks

If you have lost access to your textbooks, please try the following:

1. Check this list of assigned textbooks that are free through May 25, 2020 via VitalSource. To get access, students will need to create a Bookshelf account using their virginia.edu email at: https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/user/registration, then use the Explore link to find their textbooks. A similar offer is available through Redshelf, and offers from many other publishers can be found through Project Muse.
2. Wolters Kluwer is offering up to 5 free books on their Casebook Connect platform, which offers highlighting, note-taking, and outlining tools. To get your first book, you'll need to go to www.casebookconnect.com/free, click Create Account, select a title, click on Redeem, create an account, and verify your email address. Note: access will expire on May 31, 2020.
3. If your textbook is published by West Academic (if you're not sure, plugging the title into your favorite internet search engine should tell you, or you can email us and ask), you can get free e-book access during the COVID-19 crisis. West Academic advises that if you've been displaced from your physical textbook, you can call 1-877-888-1330 x4 to request an e-book. If you do not have an account with West Academic, please go to eproducts.westacademic.com and, in the upper right corner, click Create an Account, to create one before calling.
4. Check availability through our online collections: try searching VIRGO (for ebooks) or Journal Finder (for electronic journals, newspapers and magazines).
5. Submit a scan request using the form below.

Online Bluebook

Missing your Bluebook? Request a code for the online version! Once your account has been created, you can access it at: https://www.legalbluebook.com/.

Book Delivery Services

We have suspended our delivery of physical items from other UVA libraries. Scans can still be requested. Please place those requests through VIRGO's LEO system. Note: Law faculty can still request Law Library books be delivered to their offices!

Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary lending of physical items (i.e. whole books) has been suspended until further notice. Scans of articles and book chapters may still be available. Submit requests for such items in the usual way.

Reference Desk

The 2nd floor Reference Desk is closed, but our library staff is still here to help you. You can find us at our virtual reference desk by emailing refdesk@law.virginia.edu. We look forward to hearing from you!

Need to take your mind off things? The library offers access to streaming video and ebooks:

• Swank Digital Campus has hundreds of popular films. For classic films (think Criterion Collection) or documentaries, try Kanopy. If you're in the mood for Ken Burns, PBS has you covered. For more options like theater performances and educational videos, browse our full list of streaming media.
• The library has access to non-fiction ebooks galore. We also have some fiction in the EBSCO eBook collection. If you have a public library card, we strongly suggest checking their ebook collections too! Don't have one? Sign up online for a temporary JMRL elibrary card!
• Develop your creative and technological skills at LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com).

Returning Books

You can return library books to the Law Library book drop (located outside our doors) if you have Law building access. There is also a drive-up book return in the Central Grounds parking garage on Emmet Street. If you are graduating this semester and not planning to return to Charlottesville, you can mail books to us. Contact refdesk@law.virginia.edu for details.

Due Dates

Student due dates are currently set to May 11, 2020. If you are not returning to campus until the Fall, please contact us about an extension.

Researchers who would like to review materials in Law Special Collections should email requests to archives@law.virginia.edu. Special Collections staff are not regularly onsite but will work with you to provide digital access to materials if possible.

Other questions? Contact us at:

•   refdesk@law.virginia.edu