Primo Library Catalog
Resources available in our library are searchable in Primo, UMass Dartmouth's library catalog. Users can search for resources utilizing a variety of basic or advanced criteria. To find a reference or source using Primo:
- search by title, author, or subject
- obtain a call number
- follow the numerical order to where the book is located in our collection
Resources
Many of our resources are available electronically through subscription-based databases accessible by UMass Law students, faculty, and staff. In addition, the library provides public access to select databases.
Ask a librarian: We provide help and instruction in the location and use of all library resources in print and electronic format. If you cannot find a resource in our library, we may be able to help you find the resource through library collaborative networks.
Layout
The law library consists of three levels of study space, the law collection, and computer labs. All three levels provide individual study carrels, study tables, and comfortable seating.
Entrance/exit from all levels is through the main level only. Access to the lower and upper levels is through the stairway at the back, right wall. Elevator service is available; to obtain an elevator pass, contact David Fatula: 508.985.1147 or dfatula@umassd.edu.
Main floor: Reference and circulation areas, primary law materials for state and federal jurisdictions, printers and scanners that deliver copies through UMassD's system.
Lower level: Designated for quiet study, with 6 group study rooms. Also: historical materials, a large collection of law reviews and journals, the UMass Law Review office.
Upper level: Designated for quiet study. Also: treatises in law and related fields, Acquisitions & Cataloging and other library offices, computer lab for public use.
Reference materials
On-site reference materials include dictionaries, directories, encyclopedias, almanacs, legal research materials, and writing materials. These materials are available for library use only.
A great array of online scholarly, medical, business, and general interest journalism can also provide endless reference resources, available on the Internet and through:
If you are searching for obscure information, legal or not, please see a librarian.
Reserve materials
Reserve materials, including all materials placed on reserve by faculty members, are located behind the circulation desk and may be borrowed for two hours for library use only. Please ask the staff for reserve materials.
All Massachusetts materials are considered reserve materials to be used in the library only. Massachusetts materials are shelved in open stacks in wooden shelves along the left hand walls of the library lobby.
Interlibrary loan
The law library maintains a cooperative agreement through a nationwide network of academic, public and special libraries. Through this vast network, we can locate and borrow an extraordinary range of materials. See a librarian to ask for materials you cannot find.
Interlibrary loan requests can also be placed directly by anyone with a current and activated UMass Pass and library account through the Massachusetts Library Virtual Catalog and Boston Library Consortium WorldCat.
Online services
All students will be trained to use the premier legal databases:
These sources are accessed by passwords, which will be distributed in the course of training. Library staff is available to provide one-on-one training for use of any computer application.
Computers, printing & supplies
Computers are available on each floor of the library and in a computer lab on the upper level. They provide high-speed internet access and word processing applications.
For those who bring a laptop, the entire library is equipped with wireless access, and connection is instantaneous. Student laptops may be configured to work through the wireless environment and print to the network printers. Laptops must be configured for printing by the Technology Department: Room LL10, lower level, 508-985-1186.
For laptops without wireless access, there are multiple activated ports throughout the library.
Printing is managed by the university’s PrintLess system. Print jobs are named and sent from library computer or configured laptops or from the scanners located in the library lobby. A swipe of an active UMass Pass at the printer will release the job. Students’ UMass Pass cards are loaded with a predetermined amount of funds. Additional printing costs fifteen cents per page. Money must be on the card to release print jobs.
Printing can also be ordered via the coin-operated machines beside the printer.
Supplies: staplers, tape, paper punches, paper cutters, and pencil sharpeners are available at the circulation counter. The library does not supply paper, envelopes, pens and pencils, disks, or other office supplies.