The Library of the Government Law College, Ernakulam, stands as a historic pillar of legal education in Kerala, holding the distinction of being the oldest library among the state's legal education institutions. Spanning an impressive aggregate area of nearly 20,000 square feet across two floors, the library offers a spacious and conducive environment for academic pursuit. It features a dedicated reading space exceeding 7,000 square feet, designed to accommodate the diverse needs of students and faculty. The infrastructure is thoughtfully inclusive; the ground floor is completely differently-abled friendly, ensuring equitable access for all. Complementing the main collection areas are an annexed reading room and a reprographic facility, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for study and research.
Collection and Resources
With a vast corpus in excess of 53,000 volumes, the library’s collection is both extensive and diverse, catering to the nuanced requirements of legal scholarship. The taxonomy of books spans varied categories, including standard Student Editions, advanced Treatises, and Classic Collections in both Indian and foreign law. The Reference section is particularly robust, housing Law Reports and Law Journals (both national and international), alongside a rich selection of non-law and language books. The library also prides itself on its special collections, which include Malayalam general books acquired through MP Funds, College Union contributions, and memorial gifts donated by well-wishers and foundations, adding a unique community dimension to its academic resources.
Technological Integration and E-Learning
Embracing the digital age, the library has fully automated its operations using the KOHA library management system. To enhance security and efficiency, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has been implemented for seamless asset management, alongside 24/7 CCTV surveillance. The facility is fully Wi-Fi enabled with LAN support, ensuring constant connectivity. A significant highlight is the library’s e-resource capability; through the MyLOFT platform, users gain remote access to premier legal databases such as SCC Online, HeinOnline, Manupatra, CDJ Law Online, LiveLaw.in, EBC Reader, and ONOS from INFLIBNET. Currently, efforts are underway to further expand these capabilities into a dedicated E-library section to widen the net of remote learning.
User Services and Support Systems
The library functions as a dynamic support hub for undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as research scholars. Beyond standard lending and reference services, it offers value-added facilities such as a Cyber Station in the administrative block with 15 workstations for digital research. The library is highly user-centric, featuring an OPAC desk for self-renewal of books and a sophisticated WhatsApp integration system. This system automates communication, sending welcome messages to new members, alerts for new arrivals, and advanced reminders for due and overdue items. From reprographic services to the precise management of reservations and fines, the library ensures a streamlined, technologically advanced experience for every user.