Research, Technology and Library
Research: The Nationally Recognized Washburn Law Library
The Washburn University School of Law Library has been consistently ranked high among law school libraries because of its extensive collection, innovative use of technology and high praise by students, legal professionals and others using the library's services.
One of the first to offer a web-based online catalog, the Washburn Law Library continues to adopt new technology and provide additional resources to enhance its research capabilities.
Each year the Washburn Law Library adds more than 8,000 volumes to its collection, which now includes more than 360,000 total volumes. For the past 20 years, the Law Library has ranked in the top quarter of all law school libraries for new titles added to its collection. The Law Library actively collects law-related videos and DVDs to enhance the learning experience of our students. More than 1,200 video titles are available from the library.
WashLaw, a legal research portal, provides users with links to all known law-related materials on the Internet. It is one of the premier legal Internet research services, available to a worldwide audience of practicing and academic legal experts. It also hosts a large number of law-related discussion groups. The law school has three computer labs with the largest located on the second floor of the library. A mobile computer lab provides laptops for training sessions, class meetings, and workshops.
Videoconferencing adds another dimension to the law school's communications. It is used for joint meetings of student organizations with other law schools, trial advocacy, remote depositions, law-related continuing education, and student job interviews.
A Sophisticated Technological Learning Environment
In the fall of 2004, Washburn Law unveiled its $1.2 million classroom renovation project. In continuing its reputation for leading technology in legal education and enhancing academic excellence, every classroom was wired to facilitate laptop use. New acoustical, lighting, and state-of-the-art teaching technology were installed in each classroom.
These enhancements complement the already existing high-speed wireless network available to students throughout the law building and three computer labs available for student use.
The classroom changes followed the renovation of the Robinson Courtroom and Bianchino Technology Center, which features one of the finest training courtrooms in legal education. Washburn Law's classrooms, library, clinic, study areas, computer labs, and administrative offices are all located in an inviting 87,000 square-foot building.
