Q. Can I use another law school's library when I'm on vacation?

Whether or not an HLS law student will be able to use another law school's library depends on the access policies of the other law school's library.

Academic law libraries will often allow vacation or summer access to other law students as a courtesy; however, there may be limitations on the access granted. For example:

1. Access may be limited to current law school student (i.e., not for recent graduates studying for a bar exam).

2. Access may be limited to students doing academic research (e.g., for a Note they are drafting, or for a class or professor). Academic research generally does not include research for an internship, even if it is for a non-profit organization.

3. Access generally does not include borrowing privileges.

You should also be aware that access to another law school's library may need to be obtained in advance. The other library will often require either a formal letter or an email from an HLS librarian that includes:

(i) your name,

(ii) the dates you wish to have access, and

(iii) a brief description of your research.

To find out the requirements for a particular law school's library, you should first go to the library's webpage and look for a section that describes the library's "access policies" or "visitor information." The library's specific requirements will usually be described here.

Next (especially if the library requires an email or letter of introduction from an HLS librarian), you should contact the HLS Library Reference Desk and provide the information described in (i) - (iii), above, as well as the name of the library to which you are requesting access. We will then prepare any specific documentation you might need and can answer any questions you might have.

Best regards,