Frequently Asked Questions

• Library Services

  What are the library opening hours?
  The library remains temporarily closed, however staff members are available Monday to Friday, 8.30am–5.30pm, excluding public holidays.

  Where are you located?
  The LIV members floor, located on Level 13, 140 William Street, Melbourne.

  How do I find a book or seminar paper?
  Library materials can be found using the library catalogue. You can search this by title, author or keywords.

  Important note: While the library is temporarily closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, members are unable to borrow physical copies of books and seminar papers. However, electronic items remain accessible. If you cannot locate an electronic title via remote access databases, please complete a document supply form and email it to the library as we may be able locate your title via additional legal databases that are only accessible internally.

  What databases can I use from the library?
  A wide variety of popular subscriptions databases from CCH, LexisNexis and Thomson Reuters can be accessed within the LIV library, as well as online case law and a number of Australian and international online journals.

  What databases can I use outside of the library?
  LIV members have access to a range of remote databases that allow you to conduct legal research using your desktop, tablet or mobile – from anywhere with an internet connection. View the list of databases members can access remotely here.

• Borrowing / Loaning

  Who can borrow from the library?
  Library borrowing is available to practising full members, associate members and honorary members of the LIV.

  Can I borrow a book from the library's collection even though the physical library is closed?
  From 11 January 2021, eligible members can borrow items from the library's collection via our "Click & Post" service. To request an item, locate the title you would like to borrow using the online catalogue, then view the items Full Record to request the item. The item will be sent to the preferred postal details you have given to the LIV. This may be your DX number, GPO or street address.

  How long are the loan periods?
  Effective January 2021, the standard loan period has been extended to 21 days.

  I still have a book I borrowed from the library before it closed due to the coronavirus. How do I return it?
  The loan period for items borrowed before the closure has been extended to 1 February 2021. As the physical library remains closed, please return items via post (PO Box 263, Melbourne VIC 3001) or DX (LIV Library, DX 350, Melbourne).

  What are you doing to ensure library items are santised and safe to borrow?
  All returned items will be quarantined for 3 days to ensure the safety of staff and the public.
  
  How do I request or reserve an item from the library?
  Items can be requested or reserved online via the library catalogue. Once you have found an item you would like to borrow, click on the title name to open the full record. Go down to “Item Availability” at the bottom of the page, select the numbered box and then move across and select request or reserve.

  Can the loan period be extended?
  A single one week extension is available unless the item has been reserved by another member.

• Document Supply

  What is the document supply service and how do I use it?

  Library Document Delivery services provide you with access to articles, case law and more. Using both the resources of the LIV library and external information agencies we offer a fast and efficient document delivery service for LIV members.

  24-hour standard service – 5 documents at no charge for members every 24 hours ($20 per additional document*)

  Submit a request online.
  
  
  *Full citations are required

• Research Support

  How do I lodge a legal research request?
  You can submit a request online by completing an online form. 

  Why do I need to complete a form?
  The form is the best way for the library staff to ensure they have the information they need to complete your request efficiently and effectively.

  Please note: The Law Institute of Victoria protects the privacy and security of information provided by you. By completing the form, you agree to the use of your personal information in accordance with the LIV Privacy Policy.

  What does a response to a research request consist of?
  An email containing a list of relevant materials that have all been included as attachments.  

• Remote Access

  What resources can I access at home or work?
  The following resources are accessible to LIV members from outside of the LIV library:

  • Lexis Red – Lexis Red is a 24/7 app which provides digital legal commentary and eBooks
  • eBooks – eBooks can be accessed for a short loan anywhere, anytime on your preferred mobile or desktop device
  • AGIS+Text – Attorney General’s Information Service – Searchable full text legal article database.
  • HeinOnline – International full text database of articles and reprints of the English Reports (1220–1867)

  
  

  How to I register for Lexis Red or CCH eBooks?

  Lexis Red:

  1. The LIV library page can be found under the tab “CPD & Networking” on the home page
  2. Click on the “Read More” button for the middle option “Remote Access Databases”
  3. Click on the Lexis Red link to see all the titles available
  4. Once you have the title you can click on the title name to view the full record
  5. The full record has a “Request Loan “button on the bottom of the page. You will need your LIV member number and password. A member of the library team will create your account and send your login details and app download information to your designated email address

  
  

  CCH:

  1. The LIV library page can be found under the tab “CPD & Networking” on the home page
  2. Click on the “Read More” button for the middle option “Remote Access Databases”
  3. Click on the eBooks link.
  4. Once you have located the desired title, click on the title name to view its full record.
  5. Click on the ‘Electronic Resource Member Access’ link located at the bottom of the record.
  6. Click on the ‘Sign In’ button to borrow the item. If you are a first time user of eBooks, you need to register to access the library’s eBook collection using your LIV member number.

  
  

  What are the loan periods for elending materials? 
  The standard loan period is 2 days.

  Who do I contact if I am experiencing technical problems with Lexis red or the CCH ebooks?

  Lexis Red:
  Customer support – 1800 772 772
  Technical support – 1800 999 906

  CCH:
  LIV Library – 9607 9360

• Other Library Services

  How do I find out about new items?
  Visit the library’s New Material page to browse recent additions to the library collection. This page is updated monthly.

  Does the library offer tours?
  Yes, the library offers guided tours that are exclusive and free to LIV members. Tours are offered once a month and provide members an opportunity to learn about the large collection of hard copy and online legal material and services available, as well as e-resources elusively available to LIV members. Registration is essential as spaces are limited.