Collection Overview
The State Law Library’s collection, consisting of approximately 140,000 volumes in print, microfilm, microfiche, audio, video and CD-ROM formats, contains primary law for all federal and state jurisdictions as well as practice materials for all major areas of law. The Library also subscribes to a variety of electronic resources available via the Internet. Special collections include Appendices and Briefs for the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, and the Judicial Council collection.
History
Founded with the Wisconsin Territory by an Act of Congress in 1836, the Wisconsin State Library, as it was then known, is the oldest library in the state. It was created to serve the needs of the territorial legislature. In 1876 it became part of the judicial branch, and so remains today as an agency of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. By law the Wisconsin State Law Library serves officers of the court, government employees, attorneys and the public.