Legal Research in The United States - Getting Help

Getting Help

County law libraries are usually open to the public. Law school libraries may or may not be open to the public so call ahead for their access policies. The Library of Congress has an ask the librarian service for many subject areas, including law. The Internet Public Library has a general "ask the librarian" service. The Government Information Online website allows you to get live chat help from a government reference librarian. For those who are more phone-oriented, the Consumer Information Center's National Contact Center at (800) 333-4636 will refer you to someone at a government agency who can answer your question about Federal programs, benefits or services. A layperson may also want to seek a legal referral service to find legal assistance or Legal aid organizations. The American Bar Association provides a lawyer locator and legal referral information as well as legal information for the general public.