Going Upstairs to Go Downstairs to Go Upstairs to Go Downstairs
or Your Guide to the Law Library



Once you enter the law library, there are a number of options to maximize your studying capabilities. It's sort of an overwhelming decision and it's made especially difficult by the fact that there is no Treatise or Hornbook to help you, and Emmanuel just hasn't gotten around to it yet. But don't worry! I am here to break down for you the different options and experiences of the Law Library so you can most accurately surmise for yourself where you should sit. (Don't forget to brief!)


The Lobby:
The Lobby is an especially popular choice in a common situation such as, you have an hour between class and you've gone to Jimmy Johns and now you only have 20 minutes to finish your reading. An added bonus of the lobby is that you can overhear incredibly random and often ridiculous statements. An example of a ridiculous statement someone might make is "I would like to amend the Constitution to reflect God's law." (ah, note the subtle political humor) The kind of studying most common in this area is known as "socializing."

The Kentucky Section:
This, as you might have noticed, is a rather exclusive study area. To gain entry to this area, it seems to help if you are a 1L, male, and a Federalist. However, if your political beliefs are more in line with my own, it is perfectly acceptable to sit here if you enjoy a challenge. You'll find the Kentucky section denizens welcoming, don't misunderstand me, but you will soon learn, to quote a resident of this section, they're "coming for your rights!" The kind of studying most common in this area is known as "political debate."

The Reading Room:
In general, it's a pretty terrible idea to study here. There's a lot of discussing of "homework" or sharing of youtube videos, and just generally a lot of laughter. And if people are laughing, you know they're not reading. (Sidenote: crying is generally a good indicator of studying though.) This is a great place to study if what you're really interested in doing is making dinner plans, hearing funny stories, or listening to people complain about the amount of work they have to do. The kind of studying most common in this area is known as "not studying." "Computer games" is a close second. (or apparently "bLAWgging") (Sidenote: An exception to my general dislike for the Reading Room is the tables by the windows. Sometimes people fall down outside and come on, that's just funny.)

The Basement:
There are five options for basement studying. You might not have realized it's such a plethora of opportunity, but really, it is.
(1) The Large Room with the Carrels. This is the first and clearly the most obvious place to study in the basement. Advantage: Natural Light- you are able to see the day pass by while you slave away over your casebooks. Disadvantage: Absolutely Silent. EXCEPT FOR THE INCESSANT CLACKING OF LTL'S KEYS. (Sidenote: LTL of course refers to everyone's favorite library squatter- Loud Typing Lady)
(2) Private Carrels Against the Wall. Advantage: It's quiet and you can actually get work done. Disadvantage: If you pass out into your CivPro book and hit your head on the desk, no one would ever know and you might die. And, let's face it. Law School is at least > Death. Most days.
(3) Individual Study Room. It is not okay to use this room for one person. I repeat, it is not okay to totally bogart this room and kick study groups out in the cold. That is just poor library etiquette. However, I will give you the benefit of the doubt, because I hadn't published this yet, and you were probably unaware that there were so many other options. But from here on out, one person does not a study group make.
Hold on while I climb down off my soapbox.
(4) Couches. This is the perfect place to study! Provided what you really want to do is fall asleep.
(5) Microfiche Room. Advantage: Everything. White board which is very convenient in case you need things explained to you (similarly convenient that David Riley is almost always right outside in the big room for explaining). Private so you can listen to your super awesome Boyz II Men Greatest Hits CD without headphones and without disturbing anyone. Though, really, who would be disturbed by Boyz II Men. Large table. Many chairs. Outlets. Disadvantage: No windows. Hours can pass by and you'd never know (provided you also never learned to tell time) because really, time flies when you're reading CivPro. And also, nothing to stare out and daydream. And I would suggest bringing a fan, it can get a little stuffy.


The Second Floor:
I have to admit that I'm not terribly well-versed on the ins and outs of the second floor. I tried it a few times, but it's not really for me. But there are several options up there as well.
(1) Carrels- This is a really great place to catch a nap between classes. It's quiet, generally people don't bother you, and the lines on your face usually wear off by the time you get back downstairs. Plus no one can see you if you look really ridiculous when you sleep. I mean, this is a good place to study... It's alright, but the configuration of the carrel makes it way too easy to pass notes. And if you have a query (Sidenote: I just used this word to score 34 points in Scrabulous against James Cash. Sorry, James. Also, if you don't have Scrabulous, get it.), you generally must go downstairs, sometimes even to the basement to ask someone reputable.
(2) Tables- The advantage of the tables is that, if you have a loud conversation on your cell phone, you definitely cannot be heard by everyone in the entire library. Wait. That seems counterintuitive... at least to me.


Some general library suggestions:
1. Prepare before entering. Get all the books and snacks you'll need and for god's sake use the restroom. This is especially important if you are planning to go anywhere else other than the Reading Room or Lobby. Otherwise you're going to get all settled in, realize you need your beloved copy of the UCC and have to go upstairs, exit the lobby, go downstairs to your locker, then go back upstairs to the library and then BACK DOWNSTAIRS to your carrel/table/study room (provided you're with a group).

2. Combine your trips. This is for those of you who failed to pay attention to my first suggestion. Let me just say, there is nothing worse then returning from your locker, then realizing you need animal crackers from the SBA office (delicious! and only 50 cents!) and have to retrace your ridiculous circuit.

3. Wear headphones. Even if you aren't listening to music, you look like you are. And often this is a great way to overhear hilarious things.

4. Sit with others. This just makes you look cool. And, it gives you a great out for not reading. "I would have read that Property assignment during my break, but I was sitting with Anna and she just kept talking to me!" I mean, really, how many times have you said that? See what I mean?

5. Be mindful of library etiquette and aware of your surroundings. Helpful tip: You're disturbing the person at the next table if they keep glaring at you and sighing.



Well, that does it. I have to say, your relief is palpable. Never before has someone compiled such a thorough and illuminating guide for you. I predict it will be inserted in all the Orientation packets. Without a doubt.