Our libraries are open, please visit Library Services for information on what to expect when visiting and our Library Opening Hours for opening times.
The Law Library provides a range of services for Melbourne Law School staff and students, University of Melbourne staff and students, and the general public.
The Law Library Information Desk is on level 3 of Melbourne Law School. For Information Desk operating hours please see the Law Library Opening Hours.
Library staff on the Information Desk can assist you with information about the law collection, borrowing, fines and discussion rooms. You can phone the Information Desk on (03) 8344 8913.
If you have a research question, you can email us at Law-librarians@unimelb.edu.au (this email is monitored Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm).
Research consultations
Students undertaking post graduate studies by research, coursework degrees that include a minor thesis, or post graduate course capstone subjects that include a research project can book a research consultation.
Other Library services
Borrowing from other libraries
Research Classes and Training
The Law Library conducts regular training on legal research, reference management and legal information technology.
The Law Library provides access to a wide range of collections.
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Collection Development Policy
The mission of the Law Library is to support learning and teaching at the Melbourne Law School (MLS) and to support academic research.
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Rare Books Collection
The Law Library has a Rare Books collection, comprising rare legal items dating back to the early 1600s. You can search our Rare Book collection using the Catalogue.
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Legal History Resources Online
The history of Melbourne's legal profession, and online resource.
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Institutional Repository
The Repository contains digital objects including research papers, theses, journal articles, past exams, books and book chapters, maps, video and audio recordings, photos etc.
Research Tools
This page provides a range of tools and resources to help you with legal research as well as assisting with the use of library systems and databases.
Reference Management
Find out about citing with AGLC4 and how to save time and energy as well as working smarter with Reference tools such as Zotero (including plugins and program extensions) on our Reference Management page.
Library Search Tools
The Library website has some great options for Search Tools that will help you discover and access online legal resources.
Lean Library
Lean Library is a browser extension that directly logs you into sites the Library subscribes to, bypassing the library website.
Works in Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Microsoft Edge. More information and instructions.
LibKey Nomad
LibKey Nomad is a browser extension that puts direct PDF download links onto research platforms and other sites.
Works in Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Brave and Vivaldi. More information and instructions.
Google Scholar
When you are onsite and search Google Scholar you will notice Find It@UniMelb link appearing next to eBooks and Journal Articles in your search results. Google searches an index our collections and subscriptions to show you what we have, and provide you with access via a Find It@UniMelb link.
This feature can be easily configured to work offsite, so that you can see available library content when searching Google Scholar at home/off campus. More information and instructions.
Legal Research Tools
Australian Case Citators
There are several options for tools that search for cases. Our Australian Case Citator Comparison explores the features of:
- CaseBase (Lexis Advance)
- KeyCite (Westlaw Australia)
- Jade
- LawCite (AustLII).
Legal Abbreviations
Search for the meaning of abbreviations for English language legal publications via the selected tools on our Legal Abbreviations page.
Legal Citation Style Guides
Legal Citation Style Guides providing style guides for Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United Kingdom and the United States of America. Read the Legal Citation Style Guides.
Style Guides for Authors
Style Guides for Authors for Australia, United Kingdom and Global. Access the Style Guides for Authors.
Deep Linking to Content
Information on how to deep link to content in the database for a selection of legal databases with via Deep Linking Information page.
Keeping up to date
Find out about email alerts (new journal issues and articles; Table of content alerts, search alerts) and other ways to automatically keep up to date with your legal field/subject area via Keeping up to date in Law Research Guide.
Using the Westlaw Australia platform
We've developed some short guides to help you navigate the Westlaw Australia platform.
- Authorised Law Reports on Westlaw Australia (PDF, 520 KB)
- Navigating Westlaw Australia's Case Citator KeyCite(PDF, 573 KB)
- How to Effectively Search In Westlaw Australia (PDF, 556 KB)
- Where is FirstPoint and what are Key Numbers?(PDF, 1,111 KB)
- Legislative Note-Up in Westlaw Australia (PDF, 756 KB)
Research Guides
These research guides are designed to help you find the best resources for your area of law, including both subscription and free resources.
General enquiries
For general questions use the Library chat below or email Law-librarians@unimelb.edu.au (email monitored Monday - Friday, 10AM-4PM).
JAWS users can press Insert + F5 to read back the full chat history. Use arrow keys to skip lines. Use the Plus key on the number pad to exit forms mode.
Research support
Graduate Researchers (PhD; MPhil) and Researchers requiring research support please see Research support for Law Graduate Researchers Guide and/or make an appointment for a Research question or consultation.
Library Location
Levels 3, 4, and 5 (entrance on level 3)
Melbourne Law School
185 Pelham St, The University of Melbourne
Victoria, 3010, Australia
(Melways Reference: Map 2B 9C)
Law Library Tour
View our video for information about the Law Library services and resources.