How Do I...?

1. I have a call number - where do I find the book?

2. How can I check out a book?

3. What if I can't find the book I need in the Library?

4. I'm not a Harvard affiliate, can I use the Library?

5. I want to study at another law library during break - can you help?

6. How can I reserve a carrel?

7. How do I set up a subcite?

8. Do you have scanners?

9. How do I make an appointment for a research consultation?

10. How do I arrange for a research class?

11. Do you have a "Lost and Found"?

12. How do I reserve a group study room?

I have a call number - where do I find the book? 

This location guide will help you find your item by call number. Or consult these maps of the library. You can also pick up a bookmark showing call number locations at the Langdell 4th floor reference desk.

How can I check out a book? 

Borrowing privileges are limited to current members of the Harvard community with a Harvard ID or those with a Fletcher, Officer Dependent or Spouse Special Borrowers card. The standard loan period for circulating materials is 28 days for Harvard University staff and students. Semester loan periods are for Harvard officers, faculty and their research assistants, S.J.D. graduate students, Ph.D. candidates, and library carrels with due dates of September 10, January 10, and June 10. All books are subject to recall after they have been borrowed for 14 days.

Periodicals, primary source materials, and looseleafs do not circulate. Approximately 20% of the Library collection actually circulates. If you're unsure whether the item can be checked out, just bring it to the circulation desk and ask.

What if I can't find the book I need in the Library? 

If you need a book or journal article that is unavailable within the Harvard University library system, we will attempt to borrow it from another library via interlibrary loan. If you are looking for a book that we own and it is not on the shelf, here are some other options.

I'm not a Harvard affiliate, can I use the Library? 

Perhaps. Our access policies are explained here. Admission policies applicable to our Special Collections are explained .

I want to study at another law library during break - can you help? 

Other U.S. law libraries will often accommodate students from other schools. Please check with the library you want to visit to determine their policy. If the library requires a letter of introduction, -just email Karen Storin Linitz with the information about where and when you want to gain access,and we will provide one for you.

How can I reserve a carrel? 

Everything you need to know about carrels is here.

How do I set up a subcite? 

Instructions for arranging subcites are here. This one-page, printable provides additional tips, policies and procedures.

Do you have scanners? 

This map shows scanner locations. Instructions on using the scanners are posted at the scanning stations.

How do I make an appointment for a research consultation? 

A research consultation can help you refine your topic, show you how to locate the best resources and materials efficiently, and identify potential research problem areas. Students working on a third year or graduate paper are especially encouraged to make an individual appointment with a reference librarian. Email Karen Storin Linitz, Head of Langdell Reference, to arrange for an appointment. Please provide some information about your topic and times you are available to meet. A typical research consultation last about 45 minutes.

How do I arrange for a research class? 

The Library's legal research specialists will design a class specifically to meet your needs – whether preparing for a law firm or public interest job, working on a clinical project, getting ready to write a research paper, or just curiosity. Any group of 5 or more law students can order a custom class. To request a class, please complete this form and we will call or email you to set the date and time. Typical subjects include administrative/regulatory research, treaties and international agreements research, securities law research, immigration law research, tax research, legislative history, EU research, free and low-cost legal research, or research in a foreign jurisdiction, policy research, statistical research, and much more.

Do you have a "Lost and Found"? 

Personal property left anywhere in the Library is delivered to the Langdell Circulation desk and then to Facilities Management in Holmes Hall, Room 4, which includes the Law School Lost & Found. We will attempt to notify the owner of a found item to pick it up at Langdell Circulation if we can identify the owner.

Found items of significant value, such as wallets, laptops, and jewelry, are delivered immediately to the Law School Lost & Found; the office is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call Facilities Management (617-495-5521) with questions. During nights and weekends or any other time that Holmes Lost and Found is not open, call HUPD (617-495-1215) to have them retrieve items of value.

Please do not leave personal belongings in the Library when departing the building for class or meals. All students should have an opportunity to study at an unoccupied seat.

How do I reserve a group study room? 

Harvard Law School students can log on to the library's online group study room reservation form at https://www.law.harvard.edu/apps/library/students/secure/groupstudyrooms/, using their HLS username and password. Groups may reserve the rooms for 1-3 hours, up to three weeks in advance.