Law: Getting Started

Welcome to the guide for Law. This guide will help you to discover the books, journals and other resources that you will need for your studies. Use the tabs above to discover more about how to find different types of resources.

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​Your main Library is Cavendish Library on New Cavendish Street - find us on the 3rd floor of Cavendish Building.

• The Library Counter/ Information Desk is on the 3rd floor.
• The book collections are across three floors: 3, 4 and 5.
• There are computers and printers on all floors.
• The self-service machines for borrowing and returning books are on the 3rd floor.
• There is WiFi access throughout the building.

You can also access the other University of Westminster libraries based at Marylebone and Harrow.

You will need your University ID card for:

• Entrance to all University buildings
• Printing & photocopying
• Borrowing library books, DVDs and laptops
• Your IT username is w + first seven digits of student ID​

What's a reading list?

To help you get the most out of your learning, your lecturers will provide you with a reading list for each module. Your list may contain different types of sources, such as books, articles, podcasts, videos and websites. You will use your reading list to prepare for each week of your modules and to find sources for your exams and assignments.

Where will I find my reading list?

The best place to find your reading list is on Blackboard. Each of your modules will have a Blackboard site. Look for the "Reading List" link in the left hand menu to link to your online reading list. You can also find your online reading list at http://readinglist.westminster.ac.uk. If your module does not have an online reading list, ask your lecturer.

What should I do if I cannot access items on my reading list?

• Ask a member of Library staff at your home library information desk.
• Contact your Academic Engagement Librarian.
• Let your Lecturer know that you are having difficulty accessing items on the list.

• You can borrow 25 books at a time
• Borrow or return a book using the self-service kiosk
• You need your university ID to borrow books
• You can borrow and return books at any campus library 
• Books are one week loan
• They are are automatically extended to two weeks for students registered with Disability Learning Support 

Books are automatically renewed unless: 

• they have been requested by another user
• you have overdue loans
• your account is blocked
• your library membership has expired

Check your Library Search account regularly to keep your loans up to date.  The library sends reminders to your Westminster email account.

You can make an online request for the item to be sent to your campus library.  You can request most items and you can request up to five items at a time.

To request:

• Sign in to Library Search
• Search for the book you need 
• If it's not available at your campus library you can request it 
• Click the title of the book and then click Request
• You'll receive an email when your requests have arrived at the library counter. You can also view the status of your requests under ‘My Account’ on Library Search

We do not charge fines. If you return a requested item late, your library account will be blocked. This means that you will not be allowed to borrow or request items for the length of time the book was overdue, and this may prevent other loans on your account being automatically renewed.  Bring your requested books back by the due date to avoid this happening.