Public Services

Reference librarians and reference assistants are available to help direct patrons to information and resources that may answer their questions or aid in their research. Be advised that library policy prohibits reference librarians and reference assistants from doing research for patrons or answering specific legal questions; however, they can direct patrons to relevant resources and give instruction on their use.

Yes, the Howard W. Hunter Law Library is open to members of the public needing to conduct legal research. Members of the public may use law library materials on-site and have access to certain electronic resources through 3 computer terminals on the main floor that are reserved for legal research. Members of the public may also access BYU’s wireless guest network within the law library. BYU Law School alumni and members of the Bar may borrow law library materials that circulate.

Members of the public needing reference assistance should visit this page to see the hours that reference services are offered. Reference employees cannot give legal advice.

The Law Library is open to the public, so anyone can come to use our books within the library. BYU Law alums and other members of the Utah bar can also check out books and CDs that circulate. (Major treatises typically do not circulate.) You do not need to renew your student ID. There is a form available at the circulation desk that you will fill out to gain borrowing privileges.

If you are an undergraduate or graduate student or faculty member at BYU, you may check out any books or materials from the law library that are currently in circulation.

If you are not a current BYU student or faculty member, you may check out books or materials only if you fall under one of the following three options:

• You are a graduate of BYU Law School; or
• You are a current member of the Utah Bar Association; or
• You are a current student at one of the following schools and can verify your enrollment by producing a current student ID:
  • Dixie State University
  • Salt Lake Community College
  • Snow College
  • Southern Utah University
  • The University of Utah
  • Utah State University
  • Utah Valley University
  • Weber State University
  • Westminster College

If you do not fall under any of the above categories, you are welcome to come use the Law Library and read any books in the Library, but you may not check out the books. (See “Is the Law Library open to the public?”)