Library resources

The Library holds more than 50,000 items in various formats: print, video, CD-ROM and microfiche.

As part of its print collection, the Library receives – either by subscription or donation – approximately 200 professional journals, court newsletters, annual reports and other periodicals.

Additionally, in pursuit of our mission to assist constituents in finding relevant information regardless of its physical location, we provide access to an increasing number of external electronic resources through our online catalog.

As dictated by the Center's Records Management Policy, the Library is the official repository of all official National Center for State Courts publications, reports and studies.

Records Management Policy >

Library services

In addition to serving the information needs of the Center's staff, the Library also loans resources and provides photocopy services directly to members of the court community, such as judges, court administrators, court clerks, and other court personnel. Please contact the library regarding photocopying fees and postage.

Others are encouraged to request library resources using the interlibrary loan service available through their employer’s library or another library with which they are affiliated.

We are also happy to provide basic reference service to court personnel. Please bear in mind, however, that our staff is small and must strictly limit the time spent on reference requests.

Library policy

For faster service when submitting a request, please be prepared to provide the author and title of any resource you wish to borrow and the author, article title, journal title, volume, and page numbers of any article you wish to have photocopied. 

Loans are granted for a period of thirty days and may be renewed for an additional thirty days on or before the due date.  Materials are generally shipped via UPS Ground, although photocopies may be delivered by fax.

Individuals assume all responsibility for resources loaned to them, therefore, we ask that you do not loan items you have borrowed from the Center's Library to others.  The borrower of record may be held financially responsible for any lost or damaged items.

Renewals may be requested via telephone or e-mail.  Materials should be returned via UPS, FedEx, or U.S.P.S. Insured Mail with Delivery Confirmation.  If using insured mail, please insure each package for at least $100.00.The Library reserves the right to recall any item prior to its due date.Pleased be advised that resources loaned by the National Center for State Courts Library may be protected by the Copyright Law of the United States of America (Title 17 U.S. Code) which governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material.

Collection development policy

The National Center for State Court's Library Collection Development Policy is a tool used to support the Library's mission and goals and to help build a collection that is more responsive to the needs of its users. The policy defines and communicates to the National Center for State Court’s staff and constituents the scope of the library collection and plans for future development of the collection.

Read the collection development policy >