The library has many e-resources (databases, e-books and e-journals) that you can use for study and research purposes. Please consult the law library research guides and the LEAGLE catalog to access these resources. You also have access to resources available from the university library.

Some course books may be available online via library subscriptions. Check by searching LEAGLE for the book’s title and author. If an electronic version is available, there will be a link that says “Available Online.” When you click on that link, you will be prompted to sign in to the database in which the book appears. See images below.

Important: Not all print materials on course reserve are also available online from the library. In fact, most are not.

For further guidance on searching the library catalog, please see Find Books in LEAGLE.

If you cannot find an e-book through the law library's catalog:

• Check the main campus library catalog (for non-law titles)

• Search Google Books for the material (particularly helpful if you only need part of a book)

• Use the Internet Archive

  • Non-profit library of millions of free e-books, movies, software, music, websites, and more

  • You'll need to sign up for a free account to borrow materials

• If you are spading/source collecting, ask the author of the article to scan pages

• Submit an ILL request for scanned pages (fewer than 20) or the entire book which can be picked up through contactless pickup in the Yuma Lobby. Some libraries are physically closed, so ILL requests may be delayed or denied. 

• Contact the reference librarians for help

Reference

For help accessing electronic resources, using the library catalog, or conducting research, contact the Pence Law Library reference librarians: reference@wcl.american.edu / 202-274-4352 (leave a message and we'll call you back). Or chat with us during reference hours.

Research & Reference Desk Hours Fall 2022 (virtual):

• Monday-Thursday 10am-8pm | Friday 10am-4pm | Saturday & Sunday noon-6pm

• Open Zoom room: Monday-Friday from noon to 1pm

• Other times by appointments; contact reference@wcl.american.edu.

We can also schedule Zoom meetings for in-depth research questions. 

Borrowing/Returning Materials

For help with your library account, contact circ@wcl.american.edu. 

Interlibrary Loan

For questions related to interlibrary loan, contact ill@wcl.american.edu.