This guide will introduce you to the resources and services available to visiting scholars and researchers at the Harvard Law School Library.
If you are interested in learning more about the process of applying to the Visiting Researcher and Visiting Scholar program, please consult the Visiting Scholar and Researcher (VS/VR) Program webpage.
To learn more about gaining admission to the Harvard Law School Library, please visit the Admission to the Library webpage.
Harvard provides a number of useful tools that can be helpful as you start your research.
HOLLIS, Harvard's library catalog includes records for millions of articles, books, journals, manuscripts, government documents, maps, microforms, music scores, sound recordings, visual materials, and data files.
Visiting researchers who would like to request access to Westlaw, Lexis Advance and/or Bloomberg Law should contact the representatives directly. Contact information is on the Account & Policy pages for each database.
For in-library access, we have a public terminals for WestlawNext and Bloomberg in the Reference Room on the 4th floor of the Library.
The Library subscribes to a number of databases on topics related to the law and other related fields. Most are available onsite. Offsite access may require either an HLS Me account or a Harvard Key log in.
Researchers interested in searching across all of Harvard University's e-resources can search a more thorough list of databases across a full range of academic disciplines. Most will be available for use onsite or offsite with a current Harvard Key.
The Library maintains research guides on a wide range of legal topicsThese guides give research tips related to particular areas of the law and also provide links and citation information for a range of resources on each topic.
Request a Consult with a Librarian
Researchers can request a one-on-one research consultation with a reference librarian to discuss specific areas of research or paper topics
The Library frequently offers research classes on a variety of topics throughout the semester. Sign up via the Research Training Calendar
Ask the library to purchase an item or request that an ordered/received item be rush processed
Personal Hold Shelves
Visiting researchers may also apply for a personal hold shelf in the Library. If you are interested in a personal hold shelf, you may submit an online application to request one. Space is limited, so some requests may not be able to be met.
If a library carrel is not available, Visiting researchers may instead request access to a locker in the library. To request a locker, contact Alethea Jones, Circulation and Patron Services Assistant.
Information about the other Harvard University Libraries, which specialize in a wide variety of academic disciplines. Please note that you will need to arrange access with each library individually.
Use "Harvard Guest" or register for access to the "Harvard University" network.
Set up a print account to use the Law School's printers by visiting either the Langdell Circulation Desk or the ITService Desk in Wasserstein Hall.
Library computers, laptop printing and other information about computers at the Library
Multifunction Copier/Printer/Scanners are located throughout the Library. Dedicated Scanners are located on the 3rd floors. Scanning is free.
Visiting researchers can get Crimson Cash cards from the Library's Circulation Desk. Affiliates may add cash value to their card and use it to make purchases at various restaurants and stores on and off campus.
Ask Us! Submit a question or search our knowledge base.
Call Reference & Research Services, 617-495-4516
Text Ask a Librarian, 617-702-2728
Email research@law.harvard.edu
Contact Historical & Special Collections at specialc@law.harvard.edu
Meet Consult a Librarian
Visit Us Library and Reference Hours
Classes View Training Calendar or Request an Insta-Class