Reference & research

Our skilled Public Services staff provides reference and research services utilising resources held in our own libraries and from libraries and databases across the country and around the world. We can

  • help you begin your research by suggesting a variety of print and electronic sources about your topic
  • explain how to find materials in our online catalogue
  • explain how to use print materials and online databases
  • explain how to use legal research tools
  • direct you to sources of law, including statutes and cases
  • direct you to books containing forms and court rules
  • help you locate, update and note-up a particular statute
  • help you locate and note-up a particular case
  • locate journal articles and reports
  • verify citations
  • borrow materials from other libraries if the item you need is not available in our libraries
  • refer you to sources of information outside the libraries

To assist with your legal research process, our staff also develops legal research guides on particular topics, and offers library tours, library skills instruction, and legal research consultations. Contact your preferred library to set up individual or group appointments or contact Mark Asberg, Manager of Public Services, to make suggestions regarding classes, workshops, or other reference services.

Ask Us

Reference and research services are available in person or by telephone during regular business hours. When staff is unavailable to answer your telephone call, please leave a voice-mail message detailing your reference request. Your call will be returned as soon as possible. After hours, please leave a message identifying yourself, the nature of your reference query, and a number where you can be reached.

You may also use our online form to Ask a Question. We will respond as quickly as possible.

Please Note : We cannot give legal advice, interpret the meaning of statutes, cases or regulations, select statutes, cases or regulations for your situation, choose specific forms or language to use in forms, tell you how to file a document, what document to file, how to proceed with court actions or state opinions on legal matters.