I don't think other universities allow free access. Many of the items in libraries these days are electronic, and the licensing agreements with vendors are limited to members of the university community.

I suspect the access with the Friends donation gets you in the door to use the print resources - not the online tools.

Anonymous wrote:No other schools don't. GW does not, not even its general library. Too many DC policy people and others who had no GW connection were coming in off the street, taking up space and librarians' time. Private schools absolutely have the right to do this. Stop whining.

https://www.law.gwu.edu/visitor-information-access-policy

Jacob Burns Law Library is reserved for the use of the following persons:

The faculty, students, and staff of the George Washington University Law School
Faculty, students and staff of the George Washington University who need to use the library for legal research
Alumni of the George Washington University Law School
Friends of the Jacob Burns Law Library


Joining Friends of the Burns Law Library
Individuals outside the GW Law community making gifts to the Law Library Gift Fund

$250: Donor is eligible for 1-year Friends membership, including access to the Law Library

Seems fair. Help pay for the thing you use. That's what tuition does.

Anonymous wrote:Fair? How old are you, OP? Yes, it's fair.

I'm surprised Georgetown allows anyone to do this for 250 a year. The law school costs 60k a year to attend. 250 is pretty fair.

Fair? How old are you, OP? Yes, it's fair.

As I understand it, most of the outside users of Georgetown law's materials are corporate entities. Law firms use the school's resources as part of legal practice. This allows the law firm to spend significantly less on there in house libraries and information services. Not as many requests from academics and policymakers. So, I think it is perfectly natural for Georgetown to seek payment, particularly when commercial enterprises are using their resources. Maintaining a library costs money, both the physical resources, and the human resources. I am not at all offended that Georgetown charges outsiders for this.

If you have a particular need to use the library on a very limited basis, you may wish to call directly and seek a waiver. That, or connect with someone in your subject area at the law school who may be able to help out.

No other schools don't. GW does not, not even its general library. Too many DC policy people and others who had no GW connection were coming in off the street, taking up space and librarians' time. Private schools absolutely have the right to do this. Stop whining.

WTF are you talking about? GWU has the exact same policy.

Anonymous wrote:Other law schools let you use their law library for free?

Not all. Why are some law schools so snooty? A homeless filter, I suppose. Despite them positioning themselves as big libs.

Georgetown is a private institution and can charge whatever it likes. What does "fairness" have to with it?

Other law schools let you use their law library for free?

Georgetown is circling the drain.

Yes, it reeks.

If you are not connected with the Georgetown law school (alumni, etc.) you have to join its Friends of the Library program at a $250 a year or higher level to use its library. Other colleges in the DC area let you use their libraries for free. Is that fair?

https://www.law.georgetown.edu/library/about/services-policies/access.cfm

Pardon me but I don't have any Grey Poupon.