Law Library for San Bernardino County: A complete walkthrough to Legal Resources and Services
San Bernardino County residents, attorneys, students, and self‑represented litigants rely on the county’s law library as a vital hub for legal research, education, and community support. Also, located in the heart of the Inland Empire, the law library combines traditional print collections with modern digital tools to meet the diverse needs of its users. This guide explores the library’s history, core services, collections, access policies, educational programs, and frequently asked questions, offering a clear roadmap for anyone seeking reliable legal information in San Bernardino County.
Introduction
The law library for San Bernardino County serves as the primary public legal research facility for the region. Established to bridge the gap between the courts and the community, it provides free or low‑cost access to statutes, case law, legal treatises, practice guides, and electronic databases. Whether you are preparing a court filing, studying for the bar exam, or simply trying to understand your rights, the library offers resources and expert assistance to help you succeed.
Overview of the Law Library
History and Mission
Founded in the early 1970s, the San Bernardino County Law Library began as a modest collection housed in the county courthouse. Over the decades, it expanded to a dedicated facility that now occupies several thousand square feet on the second floor of the San Bernardino Government Center. Its mission is threefold:
- Provide equitable access to legal information for all members of the public.
- Support the legal profession by offering up‑to‑date research tools and continuing education.
- Promote legal literacy through workshops, seminars, and outreach programs.
Location and Hours
- Address: 351 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92401 (inside the San Bernardino Government Center, Room 210).
- Public Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; closed on weekends and county holidays.
- Contact: Phone (909) 387‑xxxx; email lawlibrary@sbcounty.gov.
Core Services
The library’s staff—comprising licensed librarians, legal research specialists, and volunteer attorneys—deliver a range of services designed to meet varying levels of expertise.
Reference Assistance
- In‑person help: Librarians are available at the reference desk to guide users through catalog searches, database navigation, and document retrieval.
- Remote support: Email and telephone reference are offered during regular hours; responses typically arrive within one business day.
- Research consultations: By appointment, users can schedule a 30‑minute session with a legal research specialist for complex inquiries (e.g., drafting motions, locating appellate briefs).
Document Delivery and Copying
- Printing and photocopying: Self‑service stations charge $0.10 per page for black‑and‑white copies and $0.25 for color.
- Scan‑to‑email: Free scanning service allows users to email PDFs of up to 20 pages per session.
- Interlibrary loan: Materials not held locally can be requested from partner law libraries across California, usually arriving within 3–5 business days.
Technology Access
- Public computers: Twelve workstations provide access to Westlaw, LexisNexis, HeinOnline, and the California Courts’ online self‑help center.
- Wi‑Fi: Free, secure wireless internet is available throughout the facility.
- Assistive technology: Screen‑reading software, magnifiers, and adjustable workstations accommodate patrons with disabilities.
Collections
The library’s holdings blend traditional print resources with expansive digital subscriptions, ensuring coverage of both historical and contemporary legal materials.
Print Collection
- California Codes: Complete sets of the California Codes, including annotated versions.
- Federal Statutes: United States Code (U.S.C.) and Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.).
- Case Law Reporters: California Reporter, Pacific Reporter, and select federal reporters.
- Treatises and Practice Guides: Titles such as California Civil Procedure, Witkin’s Summary of California Law, and California Family Law Practice.
- Legal Periodicals: Law reviews, bar journals, and newsletters focusing on California law.
Digital Resources
| Database | Primary Content | Access Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Westlaw | Federal and state cases, statutes, regulations, secondary sources | Requires library login; remote access for county employees |
| LexisNexis | Case law, statutes, news, Shepard’s Citations | Same as Westlaw |
| HeinOnline | Law journals, historical legal documents, government publications | Unlimited on‑site use |
| Fastcase | Case law, statutes, regulations | Free for all patrons via library computers |
| California Courts Online Self‑Help | Forms, FAQs, procedural guides | Accessible to the public without login |
The library also maintains a local history archive containing San Bernardino County ordinances, board of supervisors minutes, and historical court records useful for genealogical and scholarly research.
Access Policies
Who May Use the Library?
- General public: Open to all residents, regardless of income or legal status.
- Attorneys and law students: Welcome; no bar membership required.
- Government employees: County staff enjoy expedited access to certain internal databases.
- Self‑represented litigants: Receive priority assistance at the reference desk.
Borrowing Privileges
Most reference materials are non‑circulating to ensure availability for all users. That said, a limited circulating collection of practice guides, legal dictionaries, and study aids may be checked out for up to two weeks with a valid library card (free to obtain with proof of county residency) Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
Fees and Charges
- Reference assistance: Free.
- Printing/copying: As noted above.
- Interlibrary loan: Typically free; occasional shipping fees may apply for out‑of‑state requests.
- Workshops and seminars: Most are free; specialized continuing legal education (CLE) courses may carry a modest fee to cover instructor costs.
Educational Programs and Outreach
The law library actively promotes legal literacy through a variety of programs suited to different audiences.
Workshops for the Public
- “Know Your Rights” series: Monthly sessions covering topics such as landlord‑tenant law, consumer protection, and family law basics.
- Pro se litigant clinics: Quarterly workshops where volunteer attorneys help participants fill out court forms and understand procedural steps.
- Legal research basics: Hands‑on training in using Westlaw, LexisNexis, and free online resources.
Programs for Students
- High school mock trial preparation: Partnerships with local schools provide students with access to case law and guidance on courtroom procedure.
- Law school research assistance: Dedicated hours for law students from nearby institutions (e.g., University of California, Riverside School of Law) to conduct advanced research.
- Internship opportunities: Unpaid
Internship opportunities: Unpaid positions are offered each semester to recent graduates, current undergraduates, and law school candidates. Interns assist reference librarians with cataloging new acquisitions, guide patrons through database searches, and help maintain the digital repository. The program emphasizes hands‑on experience in legal research, citation management, and client service. That said, applicants must submit a brief statement of interest, a résumé, and a faculty or supervisor reference. Successful candidates receive a certificate of completion and may count the experience toward professional development credits It's one of those things that adds up. Surprisingly effective..
Easier said than done, but still worth knowing.
In addition to internships, the library partners with local legal aid organizations to host weekly drop‑in clinics where volunteer attorneys provide free counsel on housing disputes, immigration matters, and small‑claims cases. These clinics are staffed by attorneys who rotate through the library’s meeting rooms, ensuring a steady flow of expertise without requiring appointments.
Summer research fellowships are awarded to undergraduate students interested in law and public policy. In practice, fellows spend ten weeks working alongside the reference staff, conducting case law surveys, and compiling annotated bibliographies that are later posted on the library’s public portal. Stipends are modest but the experience enhances graduate school applications.
Legal Aid Partnerships: Through memoranda of understanding with the county public defender’s office and several nonprofit groups, the library facilitates the distribution of self‑help packets, facilitates case intake, and offers space for mediation sessions. These collaborations expand access to justice for underserved populations.
Conclusion: The San Bernardino County law library stands as a vital hub where scholarly resources, practical assistance, and community engagement converge. By providing free access to authoritative legal materials, fostering educational initiatives, and supporting hands‑on learning through internships and fellowships, the institution empowers residents, students, and professionals to figure out the complexities of the legal system with confidence and competence Simple, but easy to overlook..
