Law Library News: Recent Updates

Looking for Study Spaces?

Midterms are behind us, but deadlines are approaching and final exams are on the horizon: soon everyone will be focused on studying, but where is the best place for you? In the Law Library and around Swen Parson Hall, there are several different types of study spaces, each geared towards different uses. Here are some options to keep in mind, whether you'll be part of a study group or focusing on your own.

Group Study

If you'll be talking together as a group, you'll need to keep noise levels in mind. The central section of the Law Library -- from the entrance to the start of the tall bookcases near the Student Lounge -- is the designated area for low-volume conversations. If you and your group will be chatting quietly, this space is for you. You're welcome to move tables, chairs, and whiteboards to suit your needs (just please replace them afterwards).

The Law Library also has three group study rooms with multiple chairs, a table, and a whiteboard. These spaces can be reserved online through Bookings daily for two hours per person and up to four hours per group. Your group is welcome to converse at a normal volume but should be aware that sound can carry beyond the room. Room 290-A is smaller and will only accommodate up to 4 people; Rooms 290-E and 290-F are larger and can fit up to 8 people. If you bring in more chairs or whiteboards, please return them afterwards.

If you'll be gathering with a larger group, consider studying in the North Wing. If there are no events scheduled in that space, groups are welcome to gather there for study and conversation. As with other locations, you are welcome to move whiteboards and furniture, though be aware that the large wooden tables must not be dragged because their legs can break off. Food is also permitted in the space, and groups are welcome to chat at normal conversational levels.

Quiet Study

If you are looking for a more silent study space, the South Wing of the Law Library is the designated quiet zone in Swen Parson. Any groups in this area must work silently alongside each other rather than conversing. There are several fans and air purifiers throughout the space that can serve as white noise, and silicone or foam ear plugs are available near the Library entrance. Traditional wooden carrels and smaller study pods both are located in the South Wing, as well as tables of varying sizes.

Noise concerns can be brought to the Circulation Desk anytime: we will quickly address specific groups or areas that are becoming too loud. Groups near the central section of the Law Library may also be asked to reduce their volume, because voices will carry into the South Wing from there. Due to the natural flow of sound in the space, the quietest area of the South Wing is likely to be on the far (east) side near the emergency stairs.

Other Uses and Spaces

But perhaps you need some privacy. If so, the Meditation, Prayer, and Lactation Room is available in a small hall just off the North Wing and provides a quiet space for individuals to reflect or relax. Occupancy is limited to one person for 30 minutes daily. You can reserve the room with the Booking reservation calendar for 259A or just stop by and mark the room as "In Use" while you're inside.

Perhaps there aren't any spaces available that meet your needs in Swen Parson Hall at the moment. Then why not cross the street to Founders Memorial Library? It offers designated spaces for quiet study (including the entire fourth floor) and group work throughout the building. The Holmes Student Center, located just a few minutes away across the Martin Luther King Junior Commons, is also a popular space to gather and study.

However and wherever you work best, the Law Library team wishes you success in your studies this semester!