From: Duane Stronjy, Associate Dean of Library and Information Services
Re: Reference Service Policy for the Cooley Law Library
Date: December 6, 2002
Often Law Library patrons do not realize that Library staff members may not help patrons interpret the meaning of legal materials or ascertain their relevance to the patrons' particular problem. Library staff may not perform legal research, offer legal advice, or choose legal forms for patrons. Legal and ethical codes prohibit librarians from giving legal advice or opinion, or from interpreting sources of legal authority. Even if not prohibited, this type of service requires more time than library staff members are able to provide and still carry out their other duties.
For these reasons, Law Library staff must limit themselves to suggesting library materials that might be helpful to you, assisting you in locating these materials, and showing you how to find information in them. Please do not think staff members are being uncooperative when they ask that you interpret the materials you read for yourself and make your own decision as to how the material you have read applies to you and your particular problem. The Library staff will be happy to suggest sources that may contain the material you need and show you how to use the various legal publications. They cannot, however, tell you the source that contains the information you need.
You may wish to consult one of the agencies listed on the reverse side of this memorandum for assistance in meeting your needs for legal services.
Thank you.
AGENCIES FOR LEGAL ASSISTANCE
| Name of Agency | Counties Served |
| Legal Aid of Central
Michigan 300 N. Washington Square, Suite 311 Lansing, MI 48933 1-517-485-5411 Office, Ext. 254 for Hotline 1-800-968-0044 |
Barry, Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, and Shiawassee Counties |
| Sixty Plus, Inc.,
Elderlaw Clinic Cooley Center - Sixth floor 300 S. Capitol Avenue Lansing, MI 48933 1-517-334-5760 |
Quality Legal Services for Seniors |
| Lawyers Referral
Service The Ingham County Bar Association Cooley Classroom Building - Seventh floor 217 S. Capitol Avenue Lansing, MI 48933 1-517-482-8816 Referral Service number |
Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham |
| State Bar of Michigan
- Access to Justice Lansing, MI 1-517-372-9030 Ext. 6317 |
Statewide |
| State Bar of Michigan
Lawyer Referral Service Lansing, MI 1-800-968-0738 1-517-346-6359 |
Statewide except counties with a local lawyer referral service |
For resources in other geographic regions, see these Web sites:
ABA Lawyer Referral Service
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