waterloo region law association

LIBRARY SERVICES

Research Services

The WRLA Library provides a full range of research services to members of the Ontario Bar, the Judiciary, articling students. Professional, experienced staff are available to assist you with your research and use of the library facilities, whether you are using print or electronic resources.
Services provided include:

• Locating in-depth commentary on a specific legal topic
• Case law & legislation: copies, note ups, detailed histories
• Database instruction
• Retrieve decisions, articles, precedents and commentary
• Trace legislative amendments and history
• Devise an efficient research strategy for you
• Guide you to the relevant websites, databases or texts for your research
• Help you use the extensive online and print resources available in the library
• Refer you to other libraries, government departments, associations, etc., where appropriate

Please be advised that we cannot:

• Interpret legislation or case law
• Provide legal advice or opinions

All research is provided  free of charge to members of the WRLA.

Photocopying and Printing

Self-serve or staff assisted photocopying and printing is available in the library through a code-based system. Copy codes are available to WRLA members and allow charges to be accumulated and invoiced quarterly (with charges broken down by user and month). Lawyers, students and office staff must comply with Copyright Act provisions. Copy codes are only available to members of the WRLA.

Photocopy and print charges are 25 cents per page.

Non-Members and those who wish to opt out of a code can be assisted by staff and settle accounts at time of printing by cash, Visa, Mastercard, debit or cheque.  

Faxing, Scanning and Emailing

WRLA Members can request material to be faxed, scanned or emailed to their office. There is currently no cost to have library staff email up to 10 cases, if the lawyer is unable to come to the library and time is of the essence. A $0.25/page charge applies to faxing and scanning material regardless of the number of pages.

Document Delivery / Interlibrary Loan

In January 2003 a formal Document Delivery Agreement was adopted by LibraryCo concerning the sharing of resources amongst county and district law libraries. The agreement allows for the lending and borrowing of returnable (books) and non-returnable (copies) material between all libraries. If we do not have what you need we can get it for you in most cases, the next business day. There is no charge to our members for this service. Use Infolocate to view the holdings of the Great Library and all county and district libraries. 

Borrowing Library Material

Most print material can be signed out by WRLA members for 2 weeks (14 day) loans. Borrowing privileges are restricted to paid up members of the WRLA and their students.To access up-to-date holdings of the WRLA Library click here to access the WRLA online catalogue.