2026 Summer Research Challenge Series and Research Skills Workshops

Ramp Up Your Research Skills!

This summer, take advantage of multiple opportunities to up your research game and learn more about the tools you’ll need in practice through our popular Summer Research Challenge Series! Each virtual session begins at 6:00 p.m., with a short introduction to the research area, and then moves into a practical research problem that you will need to efficiently identify the law relevant to your client’s situation. The sessions are two hours long and will wrap up with a discussion of results and strategies.

Attend the sessions that most interest you. Researchers who successfully complete all four sessions will receive a certificate signed by Dean of Faculty, William LaPiana and Interim Library Director, Professor Michael Roffer recognizing this achievement. It’s a great practical skill certification for your resume.

 June 3:           Legal Research for Transactional Lawyers

 June 10:         Navigating the Regulatory Maze: Research in Administrative Law

 June 17:         Research on the Road to Trial: Experts, Juries, Discovery and More

 June 24:         Researching Statutes and Legislative Materials

Click here for more information and to register.

 

Research Skills Workshops

In addition to the Summer Research Challenge, we will also offer our regular Research Skills Workshops. These virtual sessions are intended to give pointers on how to handle research situations you might face this summer. The workshops are 30 or 60 minutes long and will be offered on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. beginning June 2 through June 25, 2026. Click here to register.

 

 




New Library Hours beginning Friday, May 15 through Sunday, August 16, 2026

Below are the Mendik Library summer hours of operation, effective Friday, May 15, 2026 through Sunday, August 16, 2026. Please note that the Library will be closed in observance of the following holidays-Memorial Day Weekend (Saturday, May 23 – Monday, May 25), Juneteenth (Friday, June 19), and Independence Day Weekend (Friday, July 3 – Saturday, July 4).

We look forward to seeing you this summer!

 


A Carrel to Call Your Own!

If you’re preparing for the Bar Exam in July, we invite you to reserve a study carrel on L3 or L4 for your own exclusive use from Monday May 18 through Monday, July 27, 2026—we’ll even put your name on it.

A library carrel can be your home away from home! Let it be your own personal study space while you gear up to rock the bar exam.

Reservations can be made beginning Friday May 1. Just send an email to [email protected] and indicate the carrel number. You’ll receive an e-mail confirming your reservation.

Some important points to note: First, we recommend that you do not leave any personal belongings unattended in your carrel. Neither the Library nor the law school will be responsible for these items. Second, we expect you to use your carrel on a regular basis—if not every day, at least several days a week. Given the demand for carrels, it would be unfair to some of your classmates to let your reserved carrel sit idle. We will be monitoring usage during the bar exam study period.

Don’t wait—get the carrel of your choice!

The Mendik Library is here to support you. We look forward to seeing you on a regular basis this summer.

Room L402 will be reserved for bar studiers. You can also use the group study rooms on L2 through L4, or grab a seat at one of our spacious library tables. Rooms and study areas beyond the library will also be available for occupancy and will be announced by the Bar Success Department in the upcoming weeks.


Help Shape Our Library Collection

Have you ever wished the library had a particular book that would make your research easier, or just address an academic interest? Now’s your chance!

We are inviting all students to recommend books (print or electronic) for the Mendik Library’s collection any time, whether it’s a treatise, materials about new areas of law, or something else, let us know. No study aids, please!

Your suggestions help us keep our collection relevant to the needs of our community. Submit your recommendations to [email protected]. We will review all submissions carefully and do our best to provide materials that support your academic and professional goals.


Celebrate Earth Day!

Earth Day 2026 is Wednesday, April 22. This year continues the 2025 theme “Our Power, Our Planet” to emphasize individual and community action for environmental sustainability. The 56th anniversary of the movement focuses on accelerating the transition to a green economy through local activities, such as trash cleanups, tree planting, and advocating for environmental policy change. Every action, no matter how small, can make a difference in protecting our planet. Earth Day is not just a one-day event, but a commitment to making a positive impact on the environment year-round. Learn more about Earth Day 2026 here: https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2026.


Need a Boost?

Does your phone or laptop need a charge? Stop by the Library’s Circulation Desk and the juice is on us; no charge to charge – it’s free! Charging is limited to 30 minutes if another
student needs the charger too.Otherwise, you can fill ‘er up.

Reminder: Extended Library Hours beginning Monday April 6, 2026 through Friday May 15, 2026

Below are the extended spring study hours beginning Monday April 6 through Friday May 15. On Thursday April 2 and Friday April 3, the library will be open and follow regular spring hours. This is a friendly reminder that the library study space opens at 9:00 a.m. with access limited to the first floor on Saturday April 4 and Sunday April 5. Full library access will begin at 11:00 a.m. on both days.

 


Expanded Library Hours

Welcome back from Spring Break!

Based on feedback we have received from students, beginning on March 28th and ending on April 5th, the Main Floor of the library will open at 9:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Please note, however, that from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., access will be limited to the first floor, and the circulation desk will be closed.  Full library access will begin at 11:00 a.m.  All other library hours remain the same. Click here to see the full schedule.

Remember, additional study space outside the library is available in rooms W504, W505, W120, WA10, WA11, as well as in the cafeteria and the W1 lobby.

Beginning Monday, April 6, the library will have extended study hours. That schedule will be posted on April 1.