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.
