Stetson Law Library Historical Society
“Today’s law librarians do much more than organize materials on the shelves. They often hold dual degrees in law and library science, and they perform research essential to law practice. In this increasingly digital age, law librarians must master the burgeoning sources of online information, both legal and non-legal, that lawyers need to represent clients effectively… I wrote shortly after leaving law teaching for the bench, that legal education is a “shared adventure” for students, faculty, and alumni. May that adventure flourish in the facility we dedicate today.” ― Hon. Ruth Bader Ginsburg
The origins of Stetson University’s law library date back to the late 19th century. Dr. John Forbes, the university’s first president, advocated for the establishment of a law school while seeking funding from industrialist Henry Morrison Flagler. Encouraged by financial contributions of $10,000 and $60,000 from Flagler, Forbes quickly took steps to launch a law department in DeLand in 1900. The Florida Supreme Court and local attorneys had also urged the creation of a law school. To design the curriculum, Forbes consulted Dean E.W. Huffcutt of Cornell Law School during the summer of 1899. Huffcutt advised on courses, textbooks, and faculty selection, as well as the development of a law library.
At its inception, the law school lacked a dedicated law library but relied on Stetson University’s general library, which housed over 10,000 volumes, including key legal texts and reports. To build a specialized collection, Forbes enlisted trustee A.G. Hamlin, an attorney for the Florida East Coast Railway, to lead a fundraising campaign among Florida attorneys. Their efforts resulted in the donation of books and financial contributions to establish the law library. By 1901-1902, the library contained essential legal resources, such as Florida Supreme Court reports, U.S. Supreme Court decisions, state and federal digests and statutes, and prominent legal textbooks. This early foundation laid the groundwork for Stetson’s law library, which would grow in prominence alongside the university’s law school. In 1954, Stetson Law moved from DeLand to the beautiful campus in Gulfport and occupied the seventeen buildings that had been part of the Hotel Rolyat built in 1925. In 1958, the College of Law opened the Charles A. Dana Library, named after Mr. Charles A. Dana, a New York attorney, financier, and philanthropist.
In 1998, a new Law Library and Legal Information Center opened across from the College of Law. The College of Law hosted the United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg for the opening. On Saturday, September 5, 1998, at the invitation of Dean Moody, Justice Ginsburg was the keynote speaker for the dedication of the new law library. Justice Ginsburg discussed the history and evolution of law libraries in the United States, the changes in law education throughout history, and the rise of women in the law profession. The new 59,100-square-foot building, constructed at a cost of $8.5 million, emulates the architecture of the Rolyat Hotel.
In 2010, the Legal Information Center was renamed the Dolly & Homer Hand Law Library. The Hand Library is poised to be a critical asset in guiding students through resource navigation and skill acquisition and enhancing the visibility of their research efforts. Through numerous research consultations, classroom instruction sessions, and workshops, the librarians enhance teaching, learning, and research with innovative strategies. The library is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for all faculty, students, staff, and alumni.
References:
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Remarks in Celebration of Stetson's Law Library and Information Center, 28 Stetson L. Rev. 231 (Fall 1998).
W. Gary Vause, Foundations for Excellence―The History of Stetson University College of Law, 16 Stetson L. Rev. 295 (Spring 1987).