How can my firm become a member?
The subscription year runs from January through December. If you would like to join, or want more information, please send an email to firmserv@law.columbia.edu.
When is the annual fee invoice sent out?
We notify current members in October about any changes to services and fees and send the annual fee invoice via email by mid-November. We also accept new subscribers throughout the year.
What is the membership fee and what hours is the Service available?
We offer two choices: full day or half day, Monday through Friday, on days the library is open.
The annual fee for full day is $6,600, filling requests from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The annual fee for half day is $4,700. You have a choice of morning hours from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., or afternoons from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. You may place requests at any time; we will work on them during your subscription hours.
Is there a reduced rate for non-profit organizations/government agencies?
Yes, we offer a substantial discount for non-profit organizations and government agencies. For more information, please contact firmserv@law.columbia.edu.
How do we reach you to place an order?
Send an email to firmserv@law.columbia.edu.
May we borrow books from the Law Library?
Yes, subscribers may borrow one- or two-volume works. Certain categories do not circulate, such as reference books, primary materials, serials, and looseleafs.
What is the loan period?
The loan period is two weeks with the possibility of 2 two-week renewals.
Is there a fee for borrowing books?
There is no fee for borrowing books, but we do assess late fees and lost book fees if it becomes necessary.
Can we order copies from electronic databases as well as from printed material in the Law Library?
Yes, although we are limited only to documents available through HeinOnline and Elgaronline.
Can Law Library subscribers borrow books from another Columbia library?
Yes. For an additional annual fee, Subscribers may borrow books from non-law libraries on the Columbia Morningside campus through the Subscription Service.
Can we request copying from books listed in CLIO (the Columbia University Online Catalog)?
Yes, we can provide articles or chapters of books from most other Columbia libraries on the Morningside Campus. There is an additional $20 fee for this service. This fee is waived for subscribers with the Enhanced ILL Service add-on.
Can we order copies from eJournals and eBooks listed in CLIO?
No. Unfortunately, due to licensing restrictions, we are unable to fill requests for electronic documents that are only available in electronic format through CLIO. If the requested documents are also held in print, we may be able to fill those requests from the print version.
How quickly are you able to fill a request?
Loan requests can usually be filled within a half hour. The usual turnaround time for scanning requests is 75 minutes to 2 hours after receiving cost approval.
Copy requests from books held in other CU libraries may take longer, and may not be completed the same day.
Is there a rush fee for expedited orders?
An extra $20 is charged for a copy request. At the time of the request/cost approval, we will verify that rush service is available. If it is, delivery is guaranteed within 1 hour or the rush fee will not be charged.
Do you charge copyright fees for scans?
The library is registered with the Copyright Clearance Center. If copyright permissions are available for the request, we will offer the option to purchase the permissions. In certain cases, we are required to purchase the permissions, and we will include that charge in the cost estimate we provide you.
How do we receive our orders?
We scan the documents and send them as PDF attachments via email.
ILLs can be retrieved from the Law Library by messenger or we can send items via FedEx. We send out books via FedEx if you provide your FedEx account number.
How do we pay for our orders?
At the end of each month, we will email you a single invoice and an order details report showing all the transactions and fees for that month. We also include any client charge information that you give us.
Do you charge for research?
We can do limited amounts of research; we charge $20 per 15 minutes.
May we come use the Law Library ourselves?
Yes, members of Subscriber firms may visit the Law Library to access the collection. Visits must be arranged in advance. Please email firmserv@law.columbia.edu for more information.
Will the subscriber pass allow our staff to gain entry into other Columbia University libraries?
No. You will need to apply at the Library Information Office (LIO) for a different type of pass with a monthly or annual fee.
Are you able to provide scans from Martindale-Hubbell Law Directories?
Yes. For details regarding our Martindale-Hubbell collection and pricing, please contact us at firmserv@law.columbia.edu.
Can you provide legal advice?
No. We are not allowed to give you any kind of legal advice.