Each of the Law Library's reference librarians has a J.D. and a Masters of Library Science. We teach 1L and LL.M. legal research, a seminar in advanced legal research techniques, and offer workshops and research sessions throughout the semester. We assist students, faculty, staff, and other Columbia and public patrons with their reference questions and research projects.
Librarians are available during the following hours* for in person, chat, and email reference:
Monday-Friday 10am-6pm
During the academic year, librarians are additionally available during the following weekend hours* for chat and email reference:
Saturday and Sunday 12pm-6pm
*Hours are subject to change and national and university holidays.
Reference and research assistant from a reference librarian is available via email at referencedesk@law.columbia.edu, via Chat, and in person in WJW 101 during the stated hours above. No prior appointment is needed to consult with a reference librarian, although you are welcome to send an email to the Reference Desk or to one of the reference librarians if you'd like to set up an appointment for a longer research consultation.
The reference librarians can help with a variety of tasks, including: