State Library FAQ

1. What is the purpose of the State Library of Mississippi?
The mission of the State Library of Mississippi is to collect, preserve, and make available to the public the foundation of Mississippi law.

2. Is the State Library a separate state agency?
No. The State Library has been a department of the Supreme Court of Mississippi since 1989.

3. What makes the State Library’s collection unique?
The State Library maintains comprehensive and historically significant collections of Mississippi General Laws, Mississippi House and Senate Journals, and Mississippi Local and Private Laws. These collections are unmatched by any other library.

4. Who may use the State Library?
The State Library is open to the public during weekday business hours. Users include judges, attorneys, government employees, students, researchers, educators, and members of the general public. While familiarity with legal materials is helpful, it is not required.

5. Where is the State Library located?
The State Library is located on the second floor of the Gartin Justice Building at 450 High Street in downtown Jackson, Mississippi.

  • Public entry is through the first-floor east entrance of the building.
  • Designated visitor parking is available:
    • In the lot between the Gartin Justice Building and George Street
    • On the ground level of the parking garage behind the Sillers Building
    • In the small lot between the Sillers parking garage and George Street

6. When is the State Library open to the public?
The library is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except on state holidays.

7. What types of materials are in the general collection?
The State Library’s collection includes state and federal legal sources such as court decisions, court rules, statutes, regulations, citators, law reviews, government publications, and legal treatises. Materials are available in print and through online subscriptions, including Westlaw.

8. Which Mississippi court decisions are available?
Mississippi Supreme Court and Court of Appeals decisions are published in the Southern Reporter and are available at the State Library. Decisions from Mississippi circuit, chancery, and county courts are not published.

9. How can I find the legislative history of a Mississippi law?
For laws codified in the Mississippi Code, notes following each code section identify the session laws that enacted or amended the provision. The General Laws of Mississippi contain the full text of enacted legislation. The House and Senate Journals provide information such as bill sponsors, committee referrals, and roll-call votes. Legislative history materials are limited because committee reports, hearing transcripts, and floor debate records are generally not published, though some legislative proceedings are now available online through the Mississippi Legislature’s YouTube channel.

10. Does the State Library have legal forms?
The library maintains a collection of form books that provide sample language for attorneys drafting legal documents. Certain online resources available through the library may also include sample forms. Librarians cannot recommend specific forms or advise on how to adapt forms for individual situations.

11. Will librarians help me with legal research or a personal legal problem?
Librarians assist patrons by explaining how legal resources are organized and by suggesting sources that provide background or general information on a topic. Librarians do not provide legal advice, interpret the law, or conduct in-depth legal research on behalf of patrons.

12. Can books be checked out?
Yes. Circulation is determined by the color of the card in the book pocket:

  • White card: May be checked out for two weeks
  • Orange card: May be checked out for three nights
  • Green card: In-library use only, except by Gartin Justice Building employees

Books with white or orange cards may be renewed once, either by phone or in person.

13. Will I be issued a library card?
No. Patrons who are not members of the Mississippi Bar must present a valid driver’s license and provide a current telephone number when checking out materials for the first time.

14. What online research resources are available in the library?
Patrons may use Westlaw for research in all state and federal jurisdictions. One public access Westlaw terminal is available on the library’s second floor.

15. How can I tell if the library has a specific item?
The State Library’s online catalog is available at: https://courts.ms.gov/research/statelibrary/library.php

16. What is the library’s computer policy?
Patrons are welcome to bring personal laptops and use designated study carrels. A limited number of public access computers are available for legal research and catalog searching only and may not be used for personal activities.

17. What is the charge for photocopies?

  • 15 cents per page when made by the patron
  • 30 cents per page when made by library staff

18. Are cell phones allowed in the library?
Yes. Cell phone use is permitted as long as conversations are conducted in a remote area of the library and do not disturb other patrons.

19. What if my question is not answered here?
Please contact the State Library at 601-359-3672 for assistance.