Monday 2 December 2013

Top 10 Reasons: UNB Law Library Ain't Your Average Library

          With exams beginning this week and a mass migration of students to the library, I figured it’s time I make our library the subject of a post. Since arriving at UNB, the importance of the law library was impressed upon me. I have logged countless hours there and have even studied at other law libraries – Dalhousie’s and U of T’s – while travelling this semester. At the risk of sounding geeky, the appeal of UNB’s law library has made me a bit of a law library enthusiast.  


          Head Law Librarian Janet Moss is equal parts hostess and curator given the library’s functions. “The law library is a very important part of the law school,” she tells me from her corner office overlooking Dineen Drive. “On the one hand, there is the collection and the service we provide a librarians. And also, there is the library as a place to study.”

          Apparently my regular library residency is typical of a mature student. Since joining the library in 1991, Moss says, “I tend to see a lot of mature students making use of the library. Without generalizing, they often approach law school as they would work and will come to the library early in the morning and stay until 5 o’clock or thereabouts. Some also have children and families so have to be very productive in the daytime, Monday to Friday.”

          The team at the library solicit feedback both formally and informally from students and Faculty to ensure the library meets the needs of its users. Moments before we spoke, Moss was investigating the installation of anti-septic wipes and hand sanitizer for the computer lab given a student’s suggestion earlier that day. An advisory committee and regular survey provides Moss with formal input from Faculty and students.

          Moss also possesses a measured dose of law library envy which motivates her to keep improving her library. “UBC, U of A, York and U of T probably have the most complete collections,” she says with a smile.

Top Ten Reasons the UNB Law Library Ain't Your Average Library:

1. The McKay Reading Room
Decorated with wood panelling, photos of Supreme Court of Canada justices and an impressive grand window overlooking Fredericton, this space oozes academia; almost making studying sophisticated!

2. Ear Plugs
For the seriously noise sensitive. Fun fact: in the 2012-13 academic year, UNB law students used 1,800 ear plugs in the library!

3. Dedicated Study Carrels
For students preparing for moots and writing major papers, dedicated study carrels are available to them for specified extended periods of time.

4. Seat Cushions
One or more chairs in the reading room have seat cushions. Janet Moss wasn’t aware. “We don’t provide those – students must have brought them with them!” Apparently there’s a princess and the pea among UNB’s law student body.

5. Blanket and Pillow
For the uncomfortable, tired, chilly or sick, these comforts are available for sign out!

6. Plush Toys
To take the edge off, a petting zoo of beanie babies and stuffed animals scatter the first floor. Students are welcome to take one or more with them into the library as a fun stress reliever. “They have become a fixture here,” says Moss. 

7. Five Mandatory Tours and 101 Software Orientation Sessions for 1Ls

8. In-House IT
Law student-dedicated IT service and computer lab

9. Friendly Competition
Last week, the school hosted a “Citation Race” sponsored by Atlantic Canadian law firm Cox & Palmer where teams of students and Faculty members challenged each to find sources based on citations (legal references) against the clock. Enthusiastic students cheered on the teams from the upper circle.

10. Conference Room Sign Out
Conference rooms with varying A/V equipment are available for study group meetings and moot court preparations.