Welcome to the Harvard Law School Library. This guide lists many of the services available to you as an HLS SJD student.
Our team of expert research librarians are looking forward to working with you as you complete your SJD. We work with SJDs at all stages of your research, from developing a reading list through publication.
Don't hesitate to reach out to us at research@law.harvard.edu with questions large or small.
Current members of the Student Research & Instructional Services team:
More information linked below.
Research librarians are available for drop in assistance without an appointment Monday-Friday 11-5 in the Reference alcove on the third floor, south end of the library. We are also available by chat and email Monday-Friday 10-5.
Our Ask a Librarian page provides contact information, current hours, a consultation request form, and searchable Frequently Asked Questions. See http://asklib.law.harvard.edu/.
The Historical and Special Collections department provides research assistance in the use of rare and historical materials as well as our manuscript collections. Please reach out to them by emailing specialc@law.harvard.edu.
Questions about library hours, materials, book borrowing, renewals, etc. can be directed to our Access and Circulation department. They have a service desk in the main lobby and can be reached at access@law.harvard.edu. There is also a page explaining How to Borrow, Renew and Return Library Materials at Harvard Libraries.
A wonderful benefit of pursuing a doctorate at HLS is full access to the array of libraries and library spaces all over campus. These pages help introduce the study spaces and library locations available throughout the Harvard Libraries.
As an SJD student, you have access to a range of services to retrieve items from other libraries on our campus and from libraries of other research institutions.
Research Services may be able to help you with items not obtainable through HOLLIS Request, Borrow Direct, Scan and Deliver or ILL.
Contact us by email research@law.harvard.edu or via the Asklib form. Please include as much information about the item as possible, and any time requirements you have.
Please note that we cannot retrieve: Harvard Business Review cases.
The library encourages you to recommend new and important older titles to add to the collection. In certain cases, entire databases can be licensed if necessary for your research and scholarship. Please send as much information as you have about recommendations or donations to research@law.harvard.edu or fill out the Purchase Request form online.
In addition to the selected e-book collections listed below, Harvard Library subscribes to over 500 other ebook collections. On the Harvard Databases page search by title, subject or keyword, then refine your results by content type "E-books and texts"
Perma.cc is a free tool to preserve links to public websites referenced in your work from changing or disappearing. The HLS graduate program strongly encourages its use. As an HLS SJD, you may have a sponsored Perma account which will allow you to make unlimited Perma links.
You may request an account through research@law.harvarad.edu, or the links below.
Zotero is a research management software that is easy to use and will help you manage citations. The software itself is free, and Harvard pays for unlimited storage. Zotero will produce consistent citations but does not produce perfect Bluebook format automatically. It is still a good tool to track articles and books in folders and note down points of interest in each.
The Bluebook is the main citation manual for law in the U.S. If you plan to submit papers for publication or your SJD supervisor requests it, you will need to use this system of citation. The publisher does not allow the library to provide institutional online access. Consequently, you will need to purchase a print copy, use a Bluebook available at the library, or purchase an online version for a 1 to 3 year subscription.
Please refer to our research guide Publishing in Law Reviews and Journals for a more comprehensive overview of this topic.
Scholastica is a fee-based software that facilitates article submissions to law journals. HLS Library underwrites a portion of Scholastica fees for SJD students.
To request Scholastica access, please contact research@law.harvard.edu and review the library's tutorial and quiz to obtain a Scholastica account (HarvardKey required).
Developing a list of field readings will require the use of different sources depending on your topic. These are just a few useful sources. Please ask a librarians for assistance in identifying additional, more targeted sources to identify key readings. You may also want to reach out to other SJDs, your advisors, and other faculty members as you develop lists of field readings.
Ask Us! Submit a question or search our knowledge base.
Chat with us! Chat with a librarian (HLS only)
Email: research@law.harvard.edu
Contact Historical & Special Collections at specialc@law.harvard.edu
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