Library
The MLS Law Library has one of the best law collections in Australia and an extensive range of electronic databases that Melbourne students can access from anywhere in the world. The Law Library serves as a research gateway to an array of print and online resources.
The Law Library provides a range of services tailored for graduate students, such as one-on-one research consultations and legal research skills seminars. The Law Library offers comfortable and spacious study areas for students which include computer laboratories, discussion rooms for group study and the recently renovated Law Student Study Space on level 3 for the exclusive use of Law Students.
The Law Library hours vary throughout the semester, so please see the Law Library website for the most up-to-date opening hours. The friendly Law Library staff is available to provide expert guidance in finding authoritative legal information from jurisdictions around the world.
You can find out more information about the Law Library by consulting the Law Library Student Guide.
Law Library Student Guide (PDF)
Services offered by the Library to MLM students include:
- Individual research consultations, in person and by email
- Online webinar classes at intervals throughout each semester on aspects of legal research skills
- On site seminars on legal research and information technology skills
- Library guides for MLM specialisations
- In-class presentations and research guides for particular MLM subjects
- Sourcing research materials through interlibrary loans.
Legal Research Tools
Books
The catalogue is your gateway to print and electronic books. Visit the Law Library website for information on borrowing and fines. Masters students who live interstate may be able to have books sent to them (please note this only applies to books that have a loan period of 28 days and requests are made through the Information Desk). Local students who wish to borrow from other university libraries in Victoria may wish to join CAVAL. Interstate students who live near a university may wish to join the National Borrowing Scheme. If you wish to borrow a book that is currently out on loan or the University of Melbourne Library does not have in its collection, you may request the book through Bonus+ (items requested through Bonus+ must be collected at a University of Melbourne library). Contact the Law Library if you require further information about any of these services.
Legal databases
Legal databases cover a wide range of Australian and international materials including journal articles, newspapers, cases, legislation, parliamentary material, survival guides, commentary and ebooks. Legal databases are listed on the Law Library website, arranged alphabetically, by jurisdiction and by type. Most of these are subscription services so you will need your University of Melbourne username and password to login, and they are accessible remotely.
Research guides
Research guides assist you in conducting legal research. The Law Library has produced a number of guides to help you in researching your topic, many of these are tailored to specific MLM subjects.
Reference management software
Software such as Endnote and Refworks can assist you in managing your resources and producing bibliographies. The Law Library has Endnote and RefWorks guides and training sessions to help you use these tools.