Library Tours . Scavenger Hunt . Newsletter . Research Dictionary . Study Aids . How to Read a Judicial Opinion . Research Sessions . Professional Literature . Research Tutorials . Legal Sights in D.C. . Law in Print & Film
New Student Welcome
Congratulations on your start at the George Washington University Law School! As you hunker down to work, get to know the Jacob Burns Law Library with all its staff and resources. You should already have received your copy of the Library Guide, but feel free to pick up another at the library or refer to it online. This welcome page goes further to highlight features of the library and its website that are of most use to new students.
During the first few weeks of Legal Research and Writing classes, Dean's Fellows arrange for librarian guided tours for first years. We look forward to seeing you on these tours. In the meantime, don't get lost! Use our library floor plans to find your way around, available online or at the back of your Library Guide.
Get to know the library the fun way through a scavenger hunt, also during these first few weeks. Ask at the Reference Desk for the challenge and take it on your own time. Librarians on staff also will be happy to spend a few minutes showing you what resources the library has online.
Read Burns Express, the library's online newsletter, and stay up to date on library events, research tools, and strategies.
Expand your vocabulary. Whether doing an assignment for Legal Research and Writing class or researching your own project, this dictionary defines key research terms.
Don't know a hornbook from a nutshell? Look here to get an overview of all the different kinds of study aids. See the display on study aids in the library by the Reference Desk.
Brief your first case. Read GW Law Prof. Orin S. Kerr's guide for new law students.
Research like a pro. The library offers research sessions on a range of topics, each lasting roughly an hour. Sign up online through the Library Services tab on the Law School portal. The library's website lists the full schedule, but here are some of particular interest to new students:
Say That Again? A Quick Review of Legal Research
Thurs., 9/20/07, 1:40-2:35pm, E312
What Were They Thinking? Researching Federal Legislative History
Wed., 9/26/07, 1:40-2:35pm, E312
Taking the Blues out of the Bluebook
Sat., 10/6/07, Lerner 301
Basic session: 10-11am
Advanced session: 11am-Noon
Using the Web for Legal Research: Strategies for Success
Thurs., 10/11/07, 1:40-2:35pm, Stuart 302
Read like a lawyer. Check out this website to see what lawyers read to maintain their current awareness of developments in the law and legal profession.
Learn how to research on your own time. The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction (CALI), Westlaw, and Lexis all offer online tutorials on different topics.
Never read the Constitution before? Now that you're here in D.C., go see the original document! Never heard an oral argument? Go listen to the Supreme Court! Visit this site to find places to go for the law.
"You come in here with a skull full of mush and you leave thinking like a lawyer." Recognize Professor Kingfield from the Paper Chase? Turn here to find titles to engage you, whether for school or pleasure.
Have any questions? Ask us!