Continuity of Services: Library Services

We recommend checking this site periodically for the most current information and resources available to you.  We will update it regularly in response to commonly asked questions and as new solutions and resources become available.

ACCESS

In an abundance of caution, and in compliance with DC guidelines, the Howard University School of Law is committed to maintaining the dedensification of campus.  All instruction will be maintained online for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021.  The Howard University School of Law campus, including the Law Library, is restricted to current HUSL students, faculty, and staff. Excluding holidays and university closures (listed here), and following official D.C. government guidelines, the Law Library will be physically open to the Howard Law community Monday - Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET. 

Due to an Executive Order from Mayor Bowser, all libraries in the DC area must remain physically closed until further notice (HUSL Library will provide an update as soon as possible--check back here for updates). Please note that while access to the physical library is temporarily suspended, library services and staff will be available virtually. To expedite services, we recommend that all community members direct their questions to our centralized email: reference@law.howard.edu.

In order to manage on campus capacity and ensure the de-densification of our spaces during this time, the law school is deploying a new Seat Reservation System.  Physical seats have been identified for HUSL student use in the Law Library, Houston Hall, and Holy Cross.  Current HUSL students are welcome to study on campus after consulting the Seat Reservation page for seat availability and making a reservation before coming to campus.  Please note that these seats are only available to HUSL student who satisfy the requirements outlined here.

To streamline access and better serve you during this unpredictable and rapidly evolving period, HUSL community members are encouraged to send all questions to reference@law.howard.edu.  This account is monitored during regular business hours (Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm ET) and allows us to triage questions more efficiently.  To familiarize yourself with the physical library space, a virtual tour of the library can be found here.  

RESEARCH CONSULTATIONS

To schedule a consultation with a law librarian to discuss a research project or for assistance accessing library resources, please email reference@law.howard.edu and include your availability.  We will do our best to accommodate your schedule or find a mutually workable time to meet.  All appointments will be scheduled using Zoom.

FINES & DUE DATES

No overdue fines will be assessed for any Law Library items that were due March 14, 2020 or later.  All due dates for these materials have been automatically extended to January 31, 2021.  Please note that other libraries have instituted similar policies, but they may vary.  If you believe you have items that may have been borrowed from other libraries, or you aren't sure, please check your "My Library Account" or email reference@law.howard.edu for assistance.

CONTACTLESS PICK-UP

For the safety of the HUSL community, the process for accessing print materials from HUSL Library's main collection requires prior approval and contactless pick-up. To request print materials from HUSL Library's main collection email reference@law.howard.edu for assistance, and include as much citation information as possible and permalinks to our catalog where you found the item you’re requesting.

RETURNING ITEMS

The library has book drops next to the main door and the parking lot door.  These will be monitored on the days the library is open beginning Monday, August 17, 2020.  Due to new workflows and procedures designed to help protect the HUSL community, processing materials -- including checking books in -- will be delayed.  All library materials will enter a mandatory 10 day quarantine period following their return to the law library. Any questions about the status of a book you dropped off should be directed to reference@law.howard.edu.  

CONSORTIUM LOAN SERVICES AND INTERLIBRARY LOAN

The waiting period for print materials requested through Consortium Loan Services (CLS) and Inter-Library Loan (ILL) is typically anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks. In our current environment with so many institutions closed, the waiting period may be longer.  To submit a request, email reference@law.howard.edu and include as much citation information as possible.

Library Staff Introductions