PARL: Paralegal Studies: Home

Need help with finding sources, searching databases, formatting citations, or deciding on a paper topic? The NCC Librarians are here for you.

Both the Mack Library (Bethlehem) and ESSA Library (Monroe) are open if you'd like to visit in person, or you can chat online with a Librarian no matter where you are! Go to the Library's home page and click on the orange "Ask the Librarian" tab to start chatting. 

To find out when we're open, take a look at the Library's hours.

For more ways to reach us, and answers to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), click here. You can also send an e-mail question to askthelibrarian@northampton.edu, or set up a private appointment with a Librarian by using the "Book A Librarian" request form.

We look forward to hearing from you!

This Research Guide will help you to locate and use Library resources for NCC's Paralegal Studies program, including books, periodicals, online subscription databases and websites.

The curriculum of NCC's Paralegal program provides students with the practical skills, knowledge, and values necessary to become effective members of a legal team. Most of the legal specialty courses are taught by attorneys, and focus on the knowledge and skills necessary to function successfully in today's job market. Students learn the ethical rules and standards of practice, and develop a framework for resolving ethical dilemmas while maintaining client confidentiality. An internship in a professional office also provides practical experience.

Recent events have highlighted issues related to the U.S. Constitution and other aspects of federal law. Please visit the Library's research guide for the American Constitutional Law course (POLS 105G) for more information on the following topics.

• Abortion: U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade
• Classified documents: Former president Donald Trump is indicted
• U.S. Supreme Court makes major decisions regarding affirmative action in college admissions, student loan forgiveness, and freedom of speech and religion involving discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.

Good news!

Even though both NCC Libraries are open again, you can still borrow books and other materials remotely by using our Library to Go service. You can choose quick pickup on campus, or free delivery to your home.

Use Library to Go PLUS to request:

• Access to materials that your instructor has put on electronic reserve in Blackboard;
• Scanned pages from reference books like encyclopedias;
• Scanned articles from print journals in the Library's Periodicals Tower.

This Research Guide was updated on April 12, 2024 by Anne Bittner.