The Arthur W. Diamond Law Library is one of the most comprehensive law libraries in the world. At its core are more than a million volumes and volume equivalents, and subscriptions to more than 7,450 journals and other serials. Those resources alone make it one of the best libraries in the world. But the Diamond Law Library is much more than its collections. The reference librarians are unsurpassed in skill and knowledge and are dedicated to making each student an expert in legal research. The collection development staff makes sure that key works from all over the world are added to the collection as they become available. The technical services staff ensures that records for these materials are in the computer catalog and on the shelves as quickly as possible. Columbia's massive collection is complemented by service of the highest quality.
The Diamond Law Library is also extremely conscious of its role as a place where the faculty and students can work comfortably and efficiently. Most of the study carrels are designed for legal research and with a power source for laptops. Virtually all of the Library's space is within range of a wireless network. This makes the integration of paper-based and computer-based research especially facile.
The range of materials held in the Library is enormous. It contains the statutes, cases, and administrative codes from each of the 50 states. It is a depository for U.S. government and United Nations documents. It has books from more than 100 countries written in more than 80 languages. The international and foreign law sections are outstanding and include one of the best collections of Japanese law outside Japan. The extraordinary rare books collection contains legal manuscripts, both medieval and modern, and a vast array of early printed books.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Diamond Law Library provides access to a wide range of electronic resources designed to fit the needs of today's law students. For documents not within the Library's walls, the interlibrary loan service is highly personalized and effective.
The Diamond Law Library is one of the key reasons that Columbia Law School is an extraordinary place to learn the law: a resource that not only supports the formal teaching program but which allows students to develop their own course of study. Please be advised that, should you visit Columbia Law School, you will need a pass from the reception desk in the Office of Admissions in oder to enter the Law School library.
The Arthur W. Diamond Law Library includes:
A collection of 1,092,500 volumes representing 376,750 titles
Alexander Hamilton's Practice Register
An extensive wireless network
The Toshiba Library for Japanese Legal Research
At least one book published in every year since 1517
A collection of 23,650 microform titles in 235,500 volume equivalents
Subscriptions to more than 6,475 journals and other serial titles
The Milton Handler Rare Book Room
A law firm document delivery service
One of the finest manuscript copies of Bracton's De Legibus extant
20,000 Rare Books and other unique materials
More than 20 miles of books
Professional papers of Telford Taylor, prosecutor at the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials
Original documents from the South African Treason Trials
The Diamond Law Library is also extremely conscious of its role as a place where the faculty and students can work comfortably and efficiently. Most of the study carrels are designed for legal research and with a power source for laptops. Virtually all of the Library's space is within range of a wireless network. This makes the integration of paper-based and computer-based research especially facile.