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

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 has returned to our normal operating schedule and is physically open to the Howard Law community Monday - Friday from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm ET,  Saturdays 9:00 am to 10pm, and Sunday 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. 

To familiarize yourself with the physical library space, a virtual tour of the library can be found here.

All community members may direct their questions to our centralized email: 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.  

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.

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.