The Jacob Burns Law Library is home to one of North America’s largest and most notable research collections of legal materials. Of the more than 700,000 volumes in its holdings, more than 36,000 rare books, incunabula, and manuscripts, plus archival documents and objects, comprise its Special Collections. A focus on early Continental law, especially historical French legal materials, led to the establishment of substantial holdings in customary law, Roman and canon law, and historical international and foreign law. Among the Law Library’s noteworthy acquisitions are nearly 200 incunabula (books printed before 1501 using movable type). Its archival materials relate for the most part to American law, especially patent and government procurement law..

Our librarians share the treasures, curiosities, and unique materials of the collection via thematic exhibitions they conceive and mount. This Online Exhibits page presents their “born virtual” as well as online representations of their physical library displays so that patrons can “see” the books from afar and at their leisure.