Alumni Services
Alumni who have applied for a library card can use an active CWRU username and password to access select research databases.
You have access to our law library’s reference desk (216.368.5206 / lawref@case.
The university’s [U]Tech Service Desk (368-HELP/368-4357) also provides unlimited, ongoing service to alumni with technology questions.
Free Access to HeinOnline Law Database
You have limited access to an interdisciplinary, alumni-licensed database known as HeinOnline. It contains more than 1,700 law and law-related journals with a broader range of coverage than Westlaw or LexisNexis combined. ABA Law Library Collection Periodicals contains digital access to over 100 ABA-related periodicals, including 44 periodicals previously available only to ABA section members, and provides access to current volumes of included periodicals, covering all subject areas of American law.
CWRU network ID and password are required to access research databases. Authorization to login requires an active network ID/password. You may reset your password by using the password reset tool, id verification wizard or calling the [U]Tech Service Desk at 216-368-HELP (4357).
In Brief
The Case Western Reserve University Law Alumni Bulletin provides a treasure trove of information about the law school since 1970. Scanning the contents from 1965-1990 provides photographs and information about various law faculty members and noted alumni, including Judge Ben C. Green, after whom the Law Library is named; Charles R. Richey, who has a reading room named after him in honor of his donation of his papers to the Law Library; and civil rights icons (and CWRU Law alumni) Fred Gray and C.B. King.
Online Databases
Licensing restrictions do not allow alumni access to all of the Case online resources that are available to current students, the Law Alumni Library provides access to selected research databases covering a wide variety of subjects.
For a full list of databases available to alumni, click here.
CWRU network ID and password are required to access research databases. Please contact [U]Tech for help obtaining a network ID or resetting your password.
Alumni can apply here: Online Application for an Alumni Library Card
Guest Services
Library Access
Members of the general public may use the library during normal library hours. During Law School final exams, the access policy will change and non-law users with legal research needs must request access at the security desk. The Law Library hours will change occasionally, extending during final exams periods and shortening during intersessions, between semesters and over holidays. Information about the Law Library's hours and scheduled closures are available on the library hours page.
Research Assistance
Members of the public and law alumni may ask for assistance with research or federal depository materials via email -- lawref@case.edu -- or phone (216) 368-5206. Ohio law does not allow library staff to give patrons legal advice, including interpretation of statutory or case law. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney. You may find an attorney by using a directory, such as Martindale.com or Avvo.com.
Borrowing Materials
Our library collections are not available for direct circulation to persons not affiliated with Case Western Reserve University. However, those affiliated with OhioLINK member institutions may borrow circulating material via OhioLINK. Non-affiliated researchers are welcome to have their home institutions place an interlibrary loan on their behalf.