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Student Resources FAQs

This guide provides answers to common questions that Fowler School of Law students have about Law Library services.

Books, Supplies, & Materials

Do you have study aids available?

We have a variety of study aids in e-book format and in print that offer detailed explanations, outlines, and/or practice questions and answers. All can help you organize your studying, enhance your understanding, and review for exams. View a complete listing of both print and online study aids.

Do you have textbooks for my course?

Sorry, we do not purchase textbooks.

Do you have a stapler or hole punch?

Yes. A variety of staplers and hole punches are available for your use along the side of the Circulation and Research Desks.

Do you have earplugs?

Yes. You can pick up a free pair from either the Research Desk or the Circulation Desk. Please do not return them; they're yours to keep.

How long can books be checked out?

Materials on Reserve can be checked out for three hours at a time. All other circulating materials can be checked out for 14 weeks at a time. Please note that many items in our collection, such as treatises, practice guides, and primary law, are non-circulating.

Course Reserves & Exams

How do I access previous exams and model answers?

Some professors have made past exams available to students as study tools. To access these exams, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Law Library homepage.

2. In the box labeled Course Reserves & Exams, enter your instructor's name and click Search. You can also search by the title of your course by clicking on the "Search by Course Name" link.

Course Reserves and Exams Search Box

3. Select the appropriate course.

Search results box

4. If the exam is available at "Law Course Reserve," you can check out a copy at the Circulation Desk.

Example of Law Course Reserve

If it is available at "Law Electronic Reserve," click the title of the exam and proceed to Step 5.

Law Electronic Reserve

5. At the Login screen, enter your name, Chapman ID number, and PIN and click "Submit." If you do not have a PIN follow the directions to create one.

6. A pdf of the exam will open in a new tab.

Interlibrary Loan

I need to obtain a book or article, but you don't have it. Can you help me?

Certainly. Submit an interlibrary loan request and we will do our best to obtain the material for you. Before you submit your request, check both the Law Library and the Leatherby Libraries catalogs for the material you are seeking.

Legal Research Assistance

Can you provide assistance with legal research?

Of course - that's what we are here for! We can help you with research questions; suggest useful resources; obtain materials for Law Review; show you how to use a database; brainstorm research strategies; and more - just ask us! If you have a more in-depth research question, make an appointment with a Research Librarian or email us. Briefly describe your research problem and what steps you have already taken, and we will respond to set up a meeting.

Library Account & Fines

How do I access my Library Account?

Navigate to the Library Account Login page. Please contact the Law Library Research Desk at 714-628-2548 or lawlib@chapman.edu if you need help with your PIN.

Does the Law Library charge fines for overdue/lost items?

Yes. The Law Library assesses fines at the following rates:

  • Overdue items from the general collection:  $0.50/day
  • Overdue Reserve items:  $0.50/hour
  • Lost study room key cards:  $10.00
  • Lost items other than study room key cards:  replacement cost

I have a fine on my account. Who should I see to take care of it?

Please speak with a Law Library staff member at the Circulation Desk.

Library Account PIN

Create a PIN to manage your library account and access course reserves and old exams.

To create a PIN, navigate to https://chapcat.chapman.edu/patroninfo~S2

  • Enter your name, first last
  • Enter your Chapman ID number (last 7 digits)
  • Leave the last box BLANK and click Submit
  • A new screen should appear including two blank boxes for your pin; add a pin that is
    • 4-8 characters
    • Letters and numbers only (no CAPs and any letter or number no more than twice)

Library Hours & Policies

What are your hours?

Our current hours may be found on the Law Library homepage. Hours are extended during the Law School's Reading Period and Final Exams.

Can I eat in the Law Library?

Yes. Food and drink are allowed in the library.

Printing, Copying, & Scanning

How do I print?

There are four printers in the Law Library. Stop by the Circulation or Research Desks if you need assistance.

To print from your laptop or phone:

  • Connect to Wi-Fi using Chapman eduroam
  • Go to mobileprint.chapman.edu (Pharos Print Center) and login with your Chapman credentials
  • Upload your document
  • (Optional) To select specific pages, under Print options, enter a page range. Confirm that pages and cost get updated accordingly.  You may choose an option of 'Single-Sided.' Be aware that printing single-sided works only with Reference B and Room 209 printers at this moment. 
  • Then, you have two choices of printing:
    1. Printing via a release station (Recommended): go to any print release station, slide your card, and release your uploaded document. This method will securely hold your prints until you actually release them at the printer room
    2. Printing directly from Pharos Print Center (Online): under Destination, enter 'Law Library' in the search, and choose a printer (Law Library Reference A & B, and Law Library 115 are on the first floor; Law Library 209 is on the second floor). Pick-up your print job from the selected destination. Beware that this method will immediately release your documents  

To print from legal research workstations:

  • Print from software (like Word, Adobe)
  • Under Printer, choose a destination printer (Law Library Reference A & B, and Law Library 115 are on the first floor; Law Library 209 is on the second floor)
  • Under Printer settings, specify print settings, such as page range, both sides, page per sheet, etc. 
  • At the print station, swipe your student ID, and select the document to release it

What is the cost to print?

  • 10 cents per sheet (black ink)
  • Color printing will be available in the Leatherby Libraries Rotunda once it reopens. The cost of a color print is 50 cents per side

What is my printing balance?

Your Chapman ID cards will be credited with a balance of $35.00 for the Fall and Spring semesters ($70.00 for the academic year) and $5.00 for the Summer semester to be used toward printing on campus. Any unused credit does not roll forward to the next semester. If you use up your credit for the semester, you may add funds to your Chapman ID card by visiting the Cashier's Office in Bhathal Hall, or by adding funds to your Chapman eAccount.

Where can I make copies?

There are copiers on the first and second floors of the Law Library. Copies cost 10 cents per page, and you can pay with your Chapman ID card (if you have funds available), cash, or a credit card. You can add funds to your Chapman ID card by visiting the Cashier's Office in Bhathal Hall.

Is there a scanner available in the Library?

Yes. There is a scanner available in the Microfiche Room on the first floor of the Law Library. The Research Librarians also can recommend useful apps if you prefer to use a mobile device.

Study Rooms

How can I reserve a study room?

Fowler School of Law students can reserve a study room using our online reservation system up to a week in advance. Simply click the boxes representing the time period you wish to reserve (up to three hours) and click "Submit Times." 

Login with your Chapman credentials. Next, confirm the details of your reservation and click "Submit my Reservation." You will receive an e-mail confirming your reservation.

At the time of your reservation, bring your Chapman ID to the Circulation Desk, where you can pick up your study room key card. Please return your key card prior to the end of your reserved time to avoid late fines.

Please note that rooms not picked up by their reserved time may be canceled after 15 minutes and given to another student unless they have notified Circulation staff that they will be running late. Please send an email to lawcirc@chapman.edu or call the Circulation Desk at (714) 628-2552 to notify staff that you will be running late or if you need any other assistance booking rooms

Technology Issues

I'm having trouble logging into Westlaw, Lexis+, or another Law Library Database

Please contact the Law Library's Research Desk at (714) 628-2548 or lawlib@chapman.edu and a Research Librarian will assist you.

I need help with my library account PIN

Please see the information on creating a Library Account PIN, or contact the Law Library's Research Desk at lawlib@chapman.edu and a Research Librarian will assist you.

My Chapman login is not working

Please contact the Chapman IS&T Service Desk at (714) 997-6600 or servicedesk@chapman.edu.

I need help connecting to WiFi

Please see the information on connecting to Chapman eduRoam.