LIBRARIES FOR RESEARCH

By Sudipto Sircar in ALSD Student Journal Society Edit Doc Hiya guys....below are listed some libraries in Delhi where you can research for your articles/papers/essays/moots, etc. Since there are many who will be writing for the first time, they would consequently not be aware of these places. As for locations, please check Google Maps. 1. Indian Law Institute (ILI): Considered to be THE premier law library, its often the first place of visit for many a law student. Though it has seen better days (bad management and maintenance), it definitely still has one of the best collections of law books which youll find anywhere in Delhi (or even in India, for that matter !!). However, please note. FIRST YEARS PLEASE DO NOT GO TO ILI. And you especially dont need to for your first year internal moot !! No offence guys, but there have always been complaints against ALSD first years. Every time your seniors manage to convince the management to lift the ban on ALSD students, some professor or the other ends up complaining about all the chatter, phone rings, shouts, laughs, etc. which accompany you and as a consequence, they start kicking us out again !! Youre new, so we dont blame you. But please understand, there is a certain decorum which is to be maintained at such places, which I guess we all only learn with time. 2. Indian Society for International Law (ISIL): The Mecca for all law students interested in International Law and politics, if you need to research on international law, then forget ILI, first enter ISIL. However, remember to come early since there isnt a large seating area and youll be asked to leave in case the place becomes full. Also, remember to be indulgent to the photocopier and be prepared to receive your photocopies after atleast a week. Hes a pain in the ass but remember, you need him more than he needs you. 3. National Law University, Delhi (NLUD): NLUD has a fantastic library, but not sure about this one. When we use to go there, we took the help of some of our former teachers who shifted from ALSD after NLUD opened, so we never faced any hurdles in getting in. Since junior batches would probably not know any faculty, were not sure if they will be as liberal with you as they were with us. However, no harm in trying. Try and take the help of your friends inside if you can. 4. Delhi University (DU): By DU, I mean both the Faculty of Law library and the Central Library. The former isnt bad, though again, its not managed very well these days. The latter is frankly, AWESOME !!!! ITS HUGE !!!! It never ends !! youll keep discovering new rooms every time you visit it !! Also, the photocopiers at DU are also extremely nice and prompt in their work. They give you a specific time and rest assured, after you come back, your work shall be done. THE DRAWBACK: Both libraries have become extremely difficult to get into. The managements have been enforcing a strict DU students only policy for quite some time, so unless youre on good terms with the support staff, it will a bit difficult. (Also, please note that the Central Library does not contain law books, but it has everything else academic you could possibly dream of !!) 5. Institute of Constitutional and Parliamentary Studies (ICPS): As you can guess from the name itself, this one is basically for constitutional law and political science and state governance issues. not very sure about it though. Initially, they were reluctant, but lately, they seem to have become encourgaing in allowing students to research, so youll just have to go there to find out yourself. 6. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): The place has a nice librarian, who is generally willing to accomodate you as far as is feasible. However, the library itself, is average. Obviously only for those who are interested in human rights. 7. Competition Commission of India (CCI): A subject specific library for competition law and related issues (e.g. economics), its still building itself but it probably has the best collection in Delhi for competition law.

As a final word, please remember to always be polite to the head librarian and support staff. Dont unnecessarily argue. And remember to always carry a signed letter from the Director, the format for which is available with the photocopier or you may even ask Tanu Maam for the same. HAPPY RESEARCHING !! :) ICRC's Library for humanitarian la