What do those locations for books and other materials signify in our Law Library when searching the CAT? Where is the “Penna. Collection” on the 2nd floor? The Law Library has distinct locations for similar material types and formats where you can find resources for your research.
A brief note about searching in the CAT: when using the browse (begins with) choice in searching the CAT for a specific title or author (type in the last name first), write down the call number and location for the materials to help you easily find the materials within the Law Library. The entry will also tell you if it is checked out and consequently it will NOT be on the shelf. When that is the case, you can place a hold on that book by using the “I want it” button in the entry in the CAT.
One location you may notice is book, reference. These are treatises but are shelved in 1st floor – reference of the library and have a 2 hour circulation period. The Reference collection consists of titles most frequently consulted and includes study aids, directories, dictionaries, and indices.
Course reserve materials are searched under the course reserves tab in the CAT. The entry will indicate the item is on Reserve and has a 2 hour loan period. Print reserves, like reference items, are located on the 1st floor at the Circulation Desk. They are available for check out when the desk is staffed.
The Law Library’s main treatise collection, which covers multiple subjects for research, is located on the lower level of the library. These books are shelved on the movable stacks.
To retrieve a book in the movable stacks, select the correct aisle by checking the range of call numbers on stack end signs. You move the book stacks on the lower level by pressing the flashing red arrow and then press the grey arrow. You can find the book by using the call number you recorded and compare it with the spine labels on the books. The books are arranged on the shelf sections from left to right and top to bottom for each section.
Law journals and law reviews are located on the second floor and are arranged alphabetically by the journal title. The location is periodicals and that includes paper issues as well as bound volumes.
If you do not find the specific volume, it may be found online. One database to check would be HeinOnline. You can go through the CAT for e-journals or the Law Library’s website.
Also on the 2nd floor are federal resources, U.S. Statutes, state statutes and our Pennsylvania collection. The Pennsylvania collection includes print House and Senate journals, Pennsylvania bulletin, and Pennsylvania statutes and treatises specific to our state. Remember to write down the call number to find a treatise.
As always, please ask for assistance at the Circulation Desk or from a Reference Law Librarian in locating materials or placing a hold on a title that may be checked out. Law Library floor maps designating these collections by location are coming soon!