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Temporary Library – Users’ Views

“The temporary library is a wonderful place to work. There is tons of room, so you can spread your papers far and wide; the library is flooded with natural light; and most importantly it is beautifully quiet. Also, if you find yourself lost in the maze of books, or stuck with a difficult legal problem, the library staff are always on hand to save the day.” Student

“Excellent space, light, bright and quiet. All the books I need also.” Out of London Student

“The temporary library is a superb place to work: absolutely quiet, airy, temperature controlled, plenty of table space; and well stocked with text-books, law reports, photocopying and digital facilities. I know: I have worked there three times already.” Inner Temple Bencher

“Very grateful to you for maintaining access to Singapore case law.” Barrister

“Looking for a text I found my quarry with no trouble at all and of course with the assistance of kindly staff that I am glad to see remain despite the recent seismic changes. The library is fine; cleverly laid out and comfortable (in terms of ambient temperature and light quality). … I shall certainly avail of its amenities from hereon in …” Barrister

“…Thank you for having the old textbooks available in the temporary library…” Barrister

“…You’ve decamped in style  I must say! It is a privilege to use the Library once again. It is funny how many things you have kept the same: e.g. current awareness, odd table here and there. What an institution you are!” Barrister

“Excellent librarians, extremely grateful for the assistance.” Student

“An invaluable facility.”  QC

“Wonderful to be able to use my Library albeit pared down – well done to library staff for putting this together so beautifully!” IT Bencher

“This is a very comfortable and well-run space.” QC

“Not expecting it to be this comprehensive resource-wise.” Barrister

Temporary Library FAQs

Here is a selection of the questions we have been asked about the temporary Library at 10 Fetter Lane.

NB: The answer to all these questions is YES.

  • Are the same current textbooks, law reports and journals available as before?
  • Is the enquiry service still available?
  • Is the current Commonwealth collection available?
  • Is there the same access to subscription databases such as Lexis and Westlaw as before?
  • Can I print from the databases?
  • Will my existing photocopying/scanning account still work?
  • Do you have Wi-Fi?
  • Are you continuing to provide a document supply service?
  • Can I borrow books overnight, as a barrister?
  • Is the Library open in the evenings? (Monday to Thursday open until 8pm, and 7pm on Friday.)
  • Are you still participating in the Saturday opening rota with the other Inns?
  • Can non-current material be retrieved from the Littleton Basement? (NB the old editions that were formerly housed in the Gallery are on open access at 10 Fetter Lane.)
  • Does the temporary library provide a quiet working space?
  • Does the library have reader places? (There are 24 reader places at single, two-seater and four-seater tables, as you prefer.)
  • Are your legal research training sessions continuing?

Library Newsletter Issue 58 – November 2019

The November issue includes information on Saturday opening for the remainder of the year; FAQs (and answers) relating to the temporary Library at 10 Fetter Lane; reports on our recent activities for the benefit of new students and pupils; impressions from users and staff on the temporary Library; and features on new acquisitions and on the Government section of AccessToLaw.

Inner Temple Library Newsletter Issue 52 – November 2019 (PDF)

Legal Research Training for New Pupils

The Inner Temple Library runs training sessions for new pupils which aim to improve legal research skills.

The date for the autumn 2019 session is Thursday 17 October 2019 from 6pm to 7.30pm in the Llewelyn Davies Room on the first floor at 1 Mitre Court, Inner Temple.

Refreshments will be provided at the session.

Those wishing to attend can register for a place by emailing trainingsessions@innertemple.org.uk.

Please indicate the chambers where you are a pupil.

This session is aimed at pupils who did not attend the legal research qualifying sessions as students.

New Books List July-September 2019

A list of New Titles and New Editions received by the Library between July and September 2019 has just been published.

Database Refresher Sessions

Confused by the range of databases available in the Library?

Come along to our refresher sessions at 10 Fetter Lane, 5th Floor.

Sessions will be run by trainers from the online publishers and will provide an overview of each database. The drop-in sessions will provide an opportunity to ask questions of trainers on a one-to-one basis. Booking is required for the formal sessions at 1pm and 5pm. This can be done by contacting tdennis@innertemple.org.uk.

Bloomsbury Online: 1 October 2019

Formal sessions 1pm and 5pm.

Drop-in sessions between 2pm to 5pm.

Westlaw, Lawtel and Practical Law: 16 October 2019

Formal sessions 1pm and 5pm.

Drop-in sessions between 2pm to 5pm.

Lexis Library: 24 October 2019

Formal sessions 1pm and 5pm.

Drop-in sessions between 2pm to 5pm.

JustisOne: 29 October 2019

Formal sessions 1pm and 5pm.

Drop-in sessions between 2pm to 5pm.

The Library Welcomes New Inner Temple Students

Join the Master of the Library, members of the Library Committee and Library staff for a student reception in the Library at 10 Fetter Lane, 5th Floor on Thursday 26 September 2019 at 5.30pm.

Attendees will be able to chat to Library staff about the services we offer and can have a quick tour. Refreshments will be provided.

Goodie bags will be available for all attendees.

Library Tours for Students

The Library will be hosting tours for BPTC students from Monday 16 September to Friday 27 September 2019 from 10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Tours take about 20 minutes; there is no need to book in advance. Just come in and speak to a member of staff at the Enquiry Point.

Library Newsletter Issue 57 – July 2019

The July issue includes details of summer opening hours and forthcoming activities for new students; updates on BAILII and on databases available in the Library; and features on new acquisitions and on the Parliaments section of AccessToLaw.

Inner Temple Library Newsletter Issue 57 – July 2019 (PDF)

Summer Opening Hours

Summer opening hours begin on Monday 22 July.

During August and the first half of September the Library will open at 9.00 a.m. and close at 5.30 p.m. Late opening will resume on Monday 16 September.

This calendar gives the opening hours of all four Inn Libraries over the summer vacation.