Research Assistance

A number of tools exist to assist researchers in locating Harvard Law School Library's Special Collections materials.

• For biographical research on Harvard Law School graduates, please see our Biographical Research Guide.
• Links to Harvard University online catalogs can be found in the "Find It Fast" box on the right of this page.
• The Harvard Law School Library's reference team has put together an excellent list of resources— Research A-Z—to direct researchers and patrons to online sources and guides for the study of the law and legal history.

Please note that no one source completely describes our holdings. In addition to online tools there are several useful print and microfilm sources kept in the Special Collections reading room. If you are unable to locate materials, please contact  Special Collections for reference assistance.  While Special Collections staff members are not able to do extensive research, we do provide reference service for materials in the collections. On-site readers may walk in or schedule an appointment. Off-site researchers may submit reference inquiries via:

Email: specialc@law.harvard.edu
Phone: (617) 495-4550
Fax: (617) 495-8588

Mail: Special Collections Department
Harvard Law School Library
Langdell Hall
Cambridge, MA 02138

Generally, most reference queries will be answered within ten business days.

For reference queries that require extensive original research we can refer you to a researcher for hire or you may contact Harvard Student Resources, a short-term and temporary staffing agency.