Law Library Mission Statement
The University of Michigan Law Library is "maintained and administered as a part of the instruction and research operation of the Law School." (Board of Regents Bylaw 12.02)
The Law Library's purpose is to build collections and provide services to support the teaching and research needs of Law School faculty and students. Therefore, the Law Library's collections, services, and policies are primarily designed to benefit the Law School's faculty and students, and others officially connected with the Law School.
The Law Library's secondary users--whose needs are met only after those of the primary users--are other University of Michigan faculty and students who have legitimate need to use the collection, and attorneys.
The Law Library accommodates others only so long as their use of the facilities does not interfere with use by primary and secondary users.
Long Term Goals and Objectives, October 2009
I. A collection that is physically accessible to our patrons regardless of format
- Books and microforms in order on shelves and in drawers; e-formats in catalog and/or webpage
- New items processed, and existing material, shelved quickly and correctly
- Labelled visibly and logically
- Physically intact (bound, in pocket, deacidified, etc)
- On site (not offsite unless Googled)
- Classified by Library of Congress system
- Retained as appropriate (t/w if not), in best format (paper, print, electronic)
II. A collection that is intellectually accessible
- MLaw catalog complete and current
- MLaw catalog records enhanced as needed (TOC’s, Serial Solutions, etc)
- Electronic resources cataloged, linked in MLaw catalog or website.
III. Services to meet needs of patrons and each other
- Acquisitions Services
- Administrative Services
- Circulation Services
- Collection Maintenance
- Continuations and Serials Services
- Cataloging Services
- Scholarly Publishing and Systems Services
- Reference/Faculty Services
- Webpage: links to e-resources, research guides, library information, etc.
- Effective meetings, communication, and intranet
IV. A superb staff that enjoys working here
- Recruit, retain, and enhance the skills of each person
- Provide supportive working environment
- Pay competitively
- Make maximum use of each person’s talent, skills, and ambitions
V. Excellent physical space and equipment to accomplish all of the above
- Improve space in Smith Addition to meet current needs
- Coordinate with Law School expansion plans
- Maintain aesthetic quality of all space
VI. Effective relationships with the rest of the Law School
- Regular meetings with Dean and other administrators (Finance)
- Partnerships with other units (IT, Development, Career Services, Admissions)
- Active Participation in Law School committees (party, search, faculty advisory)
- Teaching Law School students in classes or other setting