Navigating the University of Missouri Libraries: A Comprehensive Guide
The University of Missouri (UM) Libraries serve as vital hubs of information, research, and collaboration for students, faculty, and the wider community. This article provides a detailed overview of the resources and services offered by the UM Libraries, with a particular focus on the Leon E. Bloch Law Library at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC).
Physical Collections: A Foundation of Knowledge
The UM Libraries boast extensive physical collections, providing access to a wealth of printed materials. These collections serve as a cornerstone of academic research and study, offering a tangible connection to scholarly works. The Leon E. Bloch Law Library, for example, houses 71,743 print titles and 76,466 microform titles, catering to the specialized needs of legal scholars and students.
Non-Circulating Materials
Like many academic research libraries, the Leon E. Bloch Law Library maintains a significant portion of its materials for in-house use only. These non-circulating items are shelved in the general stacks and the reserve collection, a limited access area located behind the circulation desk. This policy ensures that essential resources are always available to library patrons.
Circulating Materials
Most circulating items at the Bloch Law Library are shelved in the classified collection within the general stacks on the second floor. These materials are available for students and faculty to check out, fostering independent research and study.
Reserve Collection: High-Demand Resources
The reserve collection at the Bloch Law Library contains materials used frequently or required for assigned readings. To ensure equitable access, these items are restricted to in-library use for two hours. This policy allows numerous borrowers to utilize the material within a reasonable timeframe, preventing delays for other users.
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A list of documents for assigned readings is kept at the circulation desk, organized by professor and class title. The online catalog indicates whether a particular book is on reserve. A photo ID is required to borrow reserve items.
Loan Policies
Generally, treatises and single-volume monographs can be checked out by students and faculty for the semester. However, certain materials, such as codes, citators, reporters, digests, form books, loose-leaf services, dictionaries, directories, indexes, encyclopedias, microforms, general reference material, and any item with a current supplement, do not circulate.
Digital Resources: Expanding Access to Information
In addition to its physical collections, the UM Libraries offer extensive digital resources, providing access to a wealth of information online. These resources complement the physical collections and offer unique advantages, such as remote access and advanced search capabilities.
Online Databases and Services
The Leon E. Bloch Law Library provides access to numerous databases and services, including hundreds of UMKC online services and databases containing relevant legal, government, statistical, and business information. These digital resources are invaluable for conducting legal research and staying current on legal developments.
Digital Collections at the Bloch Law Library
The Bloch Law Library maintains a large digital collection featuring titles such as the Debates of the 1943-1944 Constitutional Convention of Missouri, the Charles D. Gould Jr. photo collection, the Sir Edward Coke Collection, the Kansas City School of Law Pandex Collection, and other UMKC School of Law archive material. These digitized materials provide access to unique and historical resources.
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Technology and Multimedia Resources: Enhancing Learning and Research
The UM Libraries offer a range of technology and multimedia resources to support learning and research. These resources provide access to cutting-edge tools and technologies, enabling students and faculty to explore new avenues of inquiry and expression.
Audiovisual and Multimedia Resources
The Bloch Library provides a variety of audiovisual and multimedia resources for in-school and out-of-school use. These resources can enhance presentations, facilitate collaborative projects, and provide access to a wider range of learning materials.
Technology Lending Program
The library also offers a Technology Lending Program, which allows students to experiment with new devices, including virtual reality headsets, 360-degree cameras, and drones. This program encourages students to explore emerging technologies and develop new skills.
Printing Services
Law students can use up to $42.50 of print quota each semester at no charge. Additional credit may be purchased through the RooBucks (One Card account). Law students can print from the Computer Law or from their personal devices using the Wireless Printing (Web Print). Printing is not available to public patrons.
Collaborative Spaces: Fostering Interaction and Teamwork
The UM Libraries provide collaborative spaces that facilitate interaction and teamwork among students and faculty. These spaces offer a supportive environment for group study, project collaboration, and informal learning.
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Group Study Rooms
The Law Library has group study rooms available for use by law students on the 1st floor and ground floor. These rooms provide a dedicated space for collaborative work and discussion.
Lecture Capture Program: Enhancing Accessibility and Flexibility
The UMKC Law School Lecture Capture program enables faculty, students, and staff to record and live stream lectures, presentations, and events from selected locations. The Law School also provides access to a desktop version that allows capturing content from any device. This program enhances accessibility and flexibility, allowing students to review lectures at their convenience.
RooLaw: UMKC Law School Intranet
RooLaw, the UMKC Law School intranet, is available to students, faculty, and staff at the Law School. This intranet provides access to important information, resources, and announcements.
Collection Development Policy
The Collection Development Policy (PDF) guides the selection and acquisition of materials for the UM Libraries. This policy ensures that the collections align with the university's mission and the needs of its students and faculty.
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