Since 1987, the Law Library at the Supreme Court of Ohio has produced an electronic catalog of their materials and resources. Last month, the library updated the page for people to easily view its interactive online catalog.  

The new interface complies with new ADA requirements, making it more user-friendly. In the top right corner, there is an “Enable Accessibility” icon that allows users to navigate the catalog without using a mouse.

The main page of the catalog provides links to view Supreme Court information, including released opinions and announcements, online databases, and legal forms. The library’s “Ask-a-Librarian” tool, which allows users to submit questions directly to library staff, is also featured.

The catalog allows members of the public to check the availability of materials and their location before arriving at the Court. Search results can be limited by several filters, including author, publication date, and material type.

The library’s current collection contains nearly 125,000 titles. This includes Ohio-specific legal materials, such as historical court rules and the Ohio Monthly Record, which publishes all changes to the Ohio Administrative Code. The comprehensive collection also includes treatises, textbooks, law reviews, and bar association journals, as well as United States federal and state session laws, codes and statutes, administrative agency rules and regulations, and practice books. Technical services librarians work behind the scenes to keep the catalog updated and accurate to ensure that all materials are discoverable.

Non-attorneys can visit the library on the 11th floor of the Thomas J. Moyer Judicial Center in Columbus, Ohio, and view materials in person without checking them out. To save a trip to the library, reference librarians can scan pages from books, subject to copyright restrictions, and email the scans to anyone.

The library allows Ohio attorneys in good standing and state employees to request a library card through its application form. Once approved, the card allows patrons to check out up to five print items for two weeks. Per the library’s circulation policies, all library materials are subject to recall when needed by the Court. Active Ohio attorneys can also use their library card to access the Lexis eBook Library.

Plan a visit to the Court to explore the library or email libref@sc.ohio.gov with any questions about the catalog, collection, or services.