This guide is designed to give both practical and research advice for Research Assistants. Anytime you have questions about any aspect of legal research or using the Library, feel free to contact the Reference Desk in person (Williams Reading Room or main floor Wolff Library), by calling 202-662-9140 (Williams Reference) or 202-662-4195 (Wolff), sending an e-mail to Williams Reference or Wolff, or asking via Chat with a Librarian.

Getting Started

Printing

RAs are issued a special card for printing. See Cathy Strain in the Faculty Support Office, McDonough Room 477, 202-662-9285.

Photocopying

RAs must get their GoCards programmed to use a print override. Go first to the Student Accounts Office, McDonough Room 581, 202-662-9057, for an Authorization for Photocopying for RAs form. Next, take the form to the GoCard Office to have your GoCard programmed. McDonough Room 133, 202-662-9915. You may use your GoCard and the override code to make photocopies at any of the Georgetown libraries, including Lauinger, the main campus library.

Checking out Books

RAs must complete the Faculty Research Assistant Authorization Form available at the Williams Circulation Desk, or online. Have your professor sign the form and return it to the Circulation Desk.

Carrels

RAs may request a carrel at the Circulation Desk.

Lauinger Library (Main Campus): Intercampus Book Loan

Research Assistants may borrow books from Lauinger Library in their professor's name.

• Complete both the registration form and the proxy privileges form available at the Williams Circulation Desk
• Have the faculty member sign both forms.
• Present the forms at the Circulation Desk at Lauinger to activate RA borrowing privileges.

Interlibrary Loan

Research Assistants may borrow books not held at the Law Library or Lauinger Library under their own ILL account or a proxy ILL account for their professor. See Instructions for RAs for further information.

Summer Use of Lexis & Westlaw

Access to Lexis and Westlaw is restricted over the summer. However, both Westlaw and Lexis allow for the extension of access if certain conditions are met. Visit the Lexis & Westlaw services and policies page for details.

Sources and Research

Tips and Guides

• Before You Start Your Research...
• Using GULLiver (the Online Catalog)
• Finding Journal Articles
• Looseleaf Services
• Federal Legislative History Research Guide
• Federal Administrative Law Research Guide
• Notes from Foreign & International RA Training, 2002

Remote Access to Services

Wherever you work during the summer, you can use our electronic databases and contact the reference librarians for help.