Private law libraries are law libraries that exist within large private law firms and companies. Most private law libraries are relatively small, requiring the librarians who work there to be able to perform a wide range of different functions. A key function is the ability to locate hard-to-find information on a timely manner. Private law librarians tend to hold MLIS degrees. JDs may also be occasionally, but not typically, required, depending on the position.

Private Law Libraries

Government law libraries exist to serve national, state or provincial, and local government entities. They are found within legislative bodies, courts, and agencies, in order to serve their employees' legal-informational needs, as well as, in some cases, practicing attorneys and the public. Government law librarians tend to hold MLIS degrees. Some larger government law libraries may also require JDs.

Government Law Libraries

Academic law libraries are found at university and other college law schools, serving students and staff. Academic law librarians tend to, but do not always, have both a Juris Doctorate (law degree), and a Master of Library and Infromation Sciences or equivalent degree from an American Library Association-accredited library school. Their size varies depending on the size of the university or college they are serving.

Academic Law Libraries

There are three main types of law libraries:

- Academic law libraries
- Government law libraries
- Private law libraries

San Jose State University

Law libraries are designed to help law students and legal professionals in their research. Not all law libraries requires librarians to have degrees in both Law and Library Science. Law librarians are not allowed to offer legal advice and can only assist in finding library materials.

Law Librarianship

A library used by law professionals and students in order to research law and legislative history.

Law Libraries

American Association of Law Libraries. (2018, February 6). Types of law libraries. American Association of Law Libraries. Retrieved September 28, 2021, from https://www.aallnet.org/careers/about-the-profession/types-of-law-libraries/. 

Types of Law Libraries

Desautels, J. (2017, May). Joshua Desautels's INFO 210 Research Guide on Legal Reference Resources. Retrieved September 30, 2021, from https://ischoolblogs.sjsu.edu/info/jd203blog/

Types of Legal Information Resources

The main types of legal information resources are:

- Primary resources
- Secondary resources
- Citators are a special type of secondary resource which allow users to track case or statute histories, as well as how the courts have subsequently treated cases or statutes.

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