Aaaand... we're back.

It's that time of year! The 1Ls are being initiated into the ways of the law student today, and soon the rest of the Osgoode community will return from what was hopefully an extremely relaxing and invigorating summer next week.

While I'm sure that many students are not even thinking about the library while it's still hot and humid outside (and certainly not before Labour Day), the time will come when you need to knuckle down and actually get some study and research done (and it will come sooner than you think!). I just want to run down a few of the very basics about the library for our students, and if you have any additional questions you can feel free to stop by the reference desk or e-mail us at library@osgoode.yorku.ca.

One of the key things to know are our hours. The library will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Fridays, and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Please note that the circulation desk closes 15 minutes before the library (but you can still use our automated checkout kiosks). During exam time, we will extend closing hours (watch this space and our Twitter feed for info on details come November). Our reference desk will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and you can always feel free to send an e-mail outside of these hours, which we will get to when the desk opens.

The library is open to the wider York community as well as the public; however, the main level reading room is reserved for the exclusive use of the Osgoode community. In order to verify your status as a member of the Osgoode community, you may be required to show your library card to library staff.

The library is divided into two levels, with the main floor encompassing the Core Collection, the Osgoode-only reading room, the circulation desk, and the reference desk. Core Collection items are, as the name suggests, our most heavily trafficked books, including required readings for classes, key texts, current periodicals, legal encyclopaedias, and Federal and Ontario legislation. While anybody is free to use the books within the library, only Osgoode students and faculty are able to take out monographs for a 24 hour loan period. Legislation, encyclopaedias, and periodicals are restricted to library-only access.

The stacks are downstairs, with the majority of the monographs in the open stacks. However, a small number of monographs, along with legislation, law reports, periodicals, oversize materials, and other assorted materials, are to be found in the compact shelving (which offers the fun of turning the crank to open and close the stacks!). We also have a rare book room, the materials for which are denoted as special collections (or SPEC-COLL) in the catalogue. The majority of these materials are only made available in exceptional circumstances, but if you're not sure speak with one of the librarians for assistance. There is also additional study space downstairs.

For study rooms, you have to use this online booking system in order to reserve your room. You are limited to three hours per day, and you must pick up and drop off the key at the circulation desk. There are a total of 12 rooms - six upstairs and six downstairs. Each room has a large monitor, and the keyboards can be signed out at the circulation desk.

If there are any questions, feel free to stop by the library and ask or e-mail us.