About the Collection
California Collection
Federal Collection
MCLE Materials
Self-Help Law Materials
Electronic Resources
Archives and Special Collection
About the Collection
We house an estimated 125,000 print volumes at our locations and provide access to many electronic resources. An extensive collection of primary resources is available for California and the United States including statutes, codes, and regulations. We also have secondary resources, such as practice guides in various subject areas and form books.
We are a selective Federal Depository Library and California State Document Depository Library. We maintain a collection of United States and California government documents and make them accessible in print and electronic formats.
Use our online catalog to find information about titles available.
California Collection
Our California collection includes a large selection of legal materials in print and electronic format including both Deering’s and West’s annotated codes, administrative regulations and case reporters. The Downtown San Diego location keeps the older editions of these annotated codes and the administrative codes for historical research purposes. The California collection also includes detailed practice guides on specific law subjects. These guides include checklists, forms and instructions on various legal transactions and court filings. In addition to practice guides, we also carry popular self-help titles to assist the self-represented.
Our Library is a California Appellate Brief Depository. Although we no longer house print briefs, we have access to an extensive California Brief collection through our electronic databases and microfiche collection.
Municipal ordinances and codes are collected for cities within San Diego County and the southern California region. Local court rules and bar association materials can also be found here.
Federal Collection
United States legal materials are available in print and electronic format including the United States Codes, Code of Federal Regulations, Federal Register, U.S. Reports, Federal Reporter, Federal Supplement, Federal Rules Decisions, Bankruptcy Reporters, and subject-specific Federal Government agency rulings and decisions. The Federal collection also includes numerous attorney practice guides on specific federal law topics with sample language to use for various legal transactions and court filings. In addition to attorney practice guides, we also carry popular self-help titles to assist the self-represented.
Federal Depository Library Program
San Diego Law Library was designated a selective United States Federal depository library on June 12, 1973. Materials received through the depository program help to enhance our mission to provide access to justice to the residents of San Diego County. Most of our Federal resources can be found in our catalog. Print resources have been integrated into our collection and can be used in the library or checked out. Many resources are available online and can be accessed through our catalog from anywhere.
MCLE Materials
We carry Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) materials in CD and DVD formats. Library members may check out MCLE materials. All users can listen to or view MCLE materials within the library. A listing of all MCLE materials is available under Lists in our online catalog. Check out our participatory MCLE classes. For non-participatory free webinars, visit our YouTube MCLE playlist.
Self-Help Law Materials
Our popular “Do it Yourself” (DIY) collection includes an extensive selection of law books written for non-attorneys. These materials guide you through the legal process by providing explanations and instructions on how to handle a case, from initial court filings to enforcing judgments. We also have numerous resources available online including forms, guides/samples, self-help center, clinics, and referrals to legal aid organizations.
Electronic Resources
We provide an extensive electronic collection, check out our Legal Databases. These databases help you find statutes, case law, legal and transactional forms and legal treatises covering both federal and state laws.
In addition to accessing content in our Computer Center, Borrowers also have access to some remote databases. Nolo books are available remotely to all San Diego County residents.
In addition to the electronic legal databases mentioned, other useful and frequently used websites are searchable via our online catalog system, as is our extensive collection of California State and Federal electronic government documents. Use Free Legal Websites to find links to reliable legal information.
Archives and Special Collection
We maintain numerous archive materials. Specifically, we house California and Federal codes, court rules and jury instructions for historical research purposes. We also maintain an archive of materials relating to the history of California and the history of the San Diego Legal Community. The San Diego Law Library’s holdings include a large number of documents produced during the Arizona v. California court proceedings. If you are looking for a rare book or for historical legal information, please contact us for assistance.