Frequently Asked Questions
Who
can use the Library?
The Library is open to the general public as well
as the legal community. Please see our Circulation
page for information on borrowing privileges.
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What
are your Locations and Hours?
Please see our Locations &
Hours page.
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Can
you help me complete legal forms?
If you know exactly what form you are looking for,
we can help you find it. We cannot help you complete forms or tell
you which one is the correct form to use. Please see our Reference
page for further information on how we can assist you.
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Can
I get legal advice at the Library?
Although the reference librarians offer many services,
they are not able to give legal advice or perform in-depth research.
They can provide referrals to local legal aid organizations and
attorney referral services. Please see our Reference
page for further information on how we can assist you.
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Do
you have access to San Diego Superior Court records?
No. The library does not have access to the Superior
Court’s database or records department. Access to all San Diego
Superior Court records for individual cases, including Civil, Criminal,
Family, Small Claims or Probate Court files, can only be obtained
directly from the records department in the courthouse where the
case was filed. Please see the SDSC’s page on Court
records.
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Does
the Library have Conference Rooms?
Yes, we do! Please see our Circulation
page and our Conference
Room Policy for details on reserving a space.
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Does
the Library have tax forms?
Yes, each year at “tax time” we receive
Federal and California tax forms to distribute free to the public.
We also have access to online forms. You may also find free forms
and other tax-related information via our E-Resources
and Web Resources pages.
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Does
the Library offer tours?
Yes, library tours are given by appointment. Please
see our Reference
page for more information.
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How
is the Library supported?
The Law Library's book and computer budget, personnel
budget, and operating budget are supported by the Law Library Trust
Fund, which derives income primarily from a portion of civil court
filing fees and from funds that the library itself generates. The
Law Library's Board of Trustees administers
that fund. The building, building maintenance, custodial service,
and telecommunications are provided by the County of San Diego from
its General Fund, which is supported by tax dollars.
The Library's supporters urge the community to write
to local representatives in order to let them know the importance
of the Law Library and its services. A complete listing of representatives,
along with their addresses, can be obtained by logging onto www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html.
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Does
the Library support wireless access?
Yes, the San Diego County Public Law Library provides
free wireless access at all branches. See our Wireless
Information page for additional information.
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How
can I borrow Library materials?
To borrow materials, you must be a member of the
Law Library. Please see our Membership
page for more information.
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Why should
I become a Law Library member?
Any resident of San Diego County can become a member
of the Law Library. In addition to borrowing Library materials,
members can attend free classes (including those awarding MCLE credits),
have free access to Conference Rooms, and remote access to some
electronic materials. Please visit our Membership
page for a full description of benefits and details on how to join.
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Does the
Library really provide free public access to Lexis and WestLaw?
Yes, and more! The Law Library provides the public
(including non-members) free access to several databases, including
LexisNexis, Westlaw, HeinOnline, LegalTrac,CEB Onlaw, and much more.
See our E-Resources page
for a full list and database descriptions.
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Does the
Library have computers I can use?
Yes, the Library provides free computer access for
legal research, legal document creation, and access to government
documents. Please see our Circulation
page for more information.
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Where
can I learn how to do my own legal research?
The Library has classes
that will assist you in doing your own research. The American Association
of Law Libraries (AALL) also has useful
information.
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