The Squire Law Library is one of the most prominent law libraries in the UK and serves as an essential resource for the Faculty of Law at the University of Cambridge. Established in 1904, it has grown to house an extensive collection of legal resources that support both undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as researchers and faculty members.
The library is a hub for legal scholarship, providing access to a wide range of legal texts, case law, journals, and digital resources, covering UK law, international law, and legal systems from around the world.
The Squire Law Library holds one of the most comprehensive collections of legal texts in the UK. This includes books, law reports, journals, and periodicals covering UK law, European Union law, US law, and many other international legal systems. The library also offers access to numerous digital resources, including legal databases like LexisNexis, Westlaw, and HeinOnline, providing students with the latest case law, legal commentary, and research materials.
The library’s layout is designed to cater to the different needs of undergraduate students working on coursework, as well as researchers engaged in complex legal studies. With its modern facilities and vast resources, the Squire Law Library is a vital component of legal education and research at Cambridge.
Architecture and Facilities
The Squire Law Library is located within the David Williams Building on the Sidgwick Site, which is home to many of the university’s arts and humanities faculties. The building, completed in 1995 and designed by renowned British architect Sir Norman Foster, is a striking example of modern architecture. The David Williams Building is characterised by its use of glass, steel, and open spaces, creating a light and airy environment that is conducive to study. The library’s design reflects the needs of a modern academic community, with an emphasis on accessibility, natural light, and functional study spaces.
Inside the Squire Law Library, the open-plan design continues with spacious reading rooms featuring large windows that flood the space with natural light. The shelves are arranged efficiently to make the extensive collection easily accessible. The architecture promotes a sense of openness and collaboration, with areas for both quiet study and group work. The library is spread across several floors, each dedicated to different regions of law, ensuring that students and researchers can easily find relevant materials.
Facilities
- Extensive print and digital collections: The Squire Law Library holds one of the most comprehensive collections of legal texts in the UK. This includes books, law reports, journals, and periodicals covering UK law, European Union law, US law, and many other international legal systems. The library also offers access to numerous digital resources, including legal databases like LexisNexis, Westlaw, and HeinOnline, providing students with the latest case law, legal commentary, and research materials.
- Reading rooms: The library offers well-designed reading rooms with ample desk space for quiet study. Each reading room is equipped with power outlets and high-speed Wi-Fi, making it easy for students to work on laptops or access digital materials.
- Computer facilities: The Squire Law Library has dedicated computer rooms where students can access the full range of online legal resources. There are also printing and scanning facilities available for students to use.
- Study areas: In addition to individual study spaces, the library has dedicated areas for group study and collaborative work, allowing law students to work on joint projects or discuss legal topics.
- Research support: The library’s expert staff are on hand to help students and researchers with legal research. They offer guidance on using the library’s resources effectively and provide training on accessing specialised databases and digital tools.
Visiting The Law Faculty and Library
The Squire Law Library is open primarily to law students, faculty members, and researchers at the University of Cambridge. However, visitors who need access to its resources for legal research may also be granted access, though there are some guidelines to be aware of.
- Opening Hours: The library is open year-round, though the hours vary depending on term time and vacation periods. Typically, the library is open from early morning until late evening on weekdays, with shorter hours on weekends. It is recommended to check the library’s website for the most up-to-date opening times.
- Access for Cambridge Students: Students of the Faculty of Law have full access to the Squire Law Library’s resources. They can borrow books, use the reading rooms, and access all digital databases.
- Access for External Visitors: Non-Cambridge researchers who wish to use the library’s resources may be allowed access, but they should contact the library in advance to arrange permission. External visitors do not have borrowing rights but can consult materials on-site. Proof of identification and research purpose may be required for access.
- Guided Tours: Occasionally, the library offers tours for prospective students or researchers interested in seeing the facilities and learning more about how the library supports legal education. Contact the library directly for information on any upcoming tours.