Purchase: Buy the 21st edition online or from the bookstore.
Rent: You can rent the 21st edition online.
Borrow: The library should have current copies of The Bluebook available at the Library Reserve for checkout. At least one current Bluebook will be kept at the Law Ready Reference section; this book cannot be checked out. Additionally, older versions of The Bluebook are available.
The Bluebook Online: The current 21st edition of The Bluebook is available online from the publisher's website. The online version gives you access for one year, with a reduced annual renewal price. You can search it, create bookmarks and make annotations.
Rulebook App: You can also purchase a license to The Bluebook from within the Rulebook iPad app. As of July, 2021, this app had updated to the 21st edition of The Bluebook.
The version of The Bluebook you choose depends on your budget and your work preferences. You can use the following chart to compare the differences.
Print - Purchase New | Print - Rent New | Online - Personal | Rulebook App | Library | |
Edition | 21st | 21st | 21st & 20th | 21st | 21st, 20th, 19th, 18th, 17th, 16th & 15th |
Price | $45 | $35.75 | $39/yr | $39.99 | Free (for checkout) |
TOC, Index | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Annotate/Bookmark | Yes | Not if you want to return it | Yes | Yes | No |
Highlight |
Yes |
Not if you want to return it | No | Yes | No |
Searchable | Only by flipping and skimming pages | Only by flipping and skimming pages | Yes | Yes | Only by flipping and skimming pages |
Portability | 1lb. 7oz. | 1lb. 7oz. | On the web | Within the App on the device | ~1lb. 7oz.; some copies may be checked out, while others may not |
How long can you keep it? | Forever (or until you no longer have possession) | End of the semester/quarter (or whatever period is imposed by the loaning institution) | Until license ends | Varies (Unknown) | For the length set by the law library; ask the circulation desk when checking the material out |