Research Assistants Policy

Authorized research assistants of Franklin Pierce Law Center faculty may use a variety of services provided by the Law Library staff to facilitate their work. Specialized services include research consultation and instruction, photocopying and interlibrary loan, and proxy check-out privileges. Unless directed otherwise by the faculty member, the library staff will do everything possible to provide research assistants the same level of support provided to faculty.

Research assistants should contact their faculty’s librarian liaison soon after they are appointed for information on library protocol and suggestions on resources and research techniques. Contact the library director (x1129) for the name of a faculty member’s librarian liaison.

Research Consultation and Instruction

Each faculty member is assigned a librarian liaison who is available to consult with them or their research assistants to provide guidance on major research projects. At the beginning of each semester, the reference staff will also conduct a training class for all research assistants for the purpose of introducing more sophisticated techniques and specialized print resources and electronic databases.

Checking Out Library Materials

Research assistants may check out materials on behalf of faculty members if current and completed proxy forms are on file at the Circulation Desk. Blank proxy forms are available from the Access Services Supervisor and will also be distributed to faculty each semester. The forms must be completed and signed by the faculty member and then filed with the Access Services Supervisor. Proxy forms are valid for the term/s of the research assistant’s appointment, usually one semester or summer term. They must be renewed if employment is extended for another term.

When research assistants present their completed proxy forms to the Access Services Supervisor and she will issue a RA Library Card to the researcher. Research assistants must then present their RA Library Card whenever checking out items on behalf of their faculty. Research assistants should not use their own student ID card when checking out materials for the faculty.

Since faculty members authorize research assistant to check out items in the name of the faculty member, the individual faculty member is responsible for the return of the items in good condition. Faculty members will receive overdue notices for these items if they are not returned on time.