Library Offers Overnight Access
On Extended Hours,
a Message from the Library Director.
Friday, December 03, 2004
When the Law Library set its hours for this academic year, we thought that a renovated Harkness Commons would serve as a late night study space. Members of the LSC and other student leaders, however, have made a strong case for keeping the library as the primary late night study space. Consequently, the Dean has authorized for law students only overnight access to the Langdell Library during this winter’s reading and exam periods.
Beginning at midnight on Sunday December 5, two additional security personnel will keep the Langdell Library open all night except for Friday and Saturday nights. Extended hours will continue through all January exams except for interruptions for the holidays. Check the Library website for exact hours and days.
Entry after midnight will be by the main door from Holmes field and will require possession of a valid Harvard ID with a Law affiliation. The ID must be swiped at the entry turnstile, even to use the Lemann Lounge. If an ID is not recognized by the system, security staff must deny entry. Problems with non-functioning IDs will unfortunately have to be resolved the following day. In addition, to ensure better personal security, any one entering or exiting Langdell after midnight should sign in and sign out with the security guard.
Over night access is limited to Langdell only. The reference area in Areeda and the ILS Library in Lewis will close at midnight.
Normal library services will cease at midnight. No books will circulate after midnight; photocopiers and printers will not be restocked or repaired until morning; materials on reserve will not be available between midnight and 8:00 a.m.
As is the case at other hours, food may be consumed only in the Lemann Lounge or in the Hark, which will remain open until 2:00 a.m. Drinks in covered containers may brought into the Library. Security guards will enforce the library food policy.
Custodial staff must continue operate on their normal cleaning schedule, beginning at 6:00 a.m. Anyone still here by then or those getting an early start to the day should expect to hear vacuum cleaners.
In January the Dean will review the situation and decide whether or not to extend Spring Term library hours past midnight. However, in the Spring Term the Langdell Library will open earlier: at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays and at 8:00 a.m. on weekdays.
I hope these new hours will be helpful. It’s nice to see the Library used. Good luck on your exams!
Harry S. Martin
Henry N. Ess III Librarian & Professor of Law