Policies

These policies apply to Cabot, Fine Arts, Fung, Harvard Map Collection, Harvard Theatre Collection, Harvard-Yenching, Houghton, Lamont, Loeb Music, Tozzer, and Widener libraries and the technical services facility at 625 Mass. Ave.

Photography and Filming

No photography is permitted in the buildings without written permission from the Harvard College Library Communications Office. Contact Beth Brainard, Director of Communications, by e-mail or by phone at 617-495-2401, Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm.

In some HCL libraries, patrons may use personal digital cameras to photograph some materials for research purposes. Please inquire about permission with the library staff.

In support of its mission to provide access to materials and service in an environment that is conducive to study and research, the Harvard College Library does not permit filming in any of its libraries or facilities.

Faculty study holders in Widener and Pusey libraries may allow members of the media to film only within the confines of the study, and should obtain a media pass in advance from HCL Communications.

Special events, conferences, seminars, etc. held in a contained space in a library building may be recorded or filmed by the Harvard sponsoring orgnization for archival purposes only. Filming outside the space is not permitted. Camera crews are not permitted to film B-roll in any part of any library building or facility. Such recording may not be sold or distributed to other internal or external organizations.

Food and Drink

For the preservation of the collections, food and drink are not permitted inside the libraries. The following libraries allow drinks only, provided they are in covered containers: Cabot, Harvard-Yenching, Lamont, Loeb Music, Tozzer, and Widener.

Cell Phones and Pagers

Harvard College Library does not permit cell phone or pager use in the libraries. Patrons are asked to turn off ringers and discontinue calls when they are in the library buildings. Some libraries have designated cell phone areas. Please look for signage.

Security Check

For security purposes, all users' bags, briefcases, portfolios, backpacks, purses, books, library materials and drawing tubes are inspected as users exit the libraries. We appreciate your cooperation.

Animals in the Libraries

With the exception of licensed Service Animals, pets/animals are not allowed in the libraries.

Licensing and Copyright

All library users must respect the copyrights for printed materials as well as for software and data accessible through computers throughout the Harvard College Library. No copyrighted work may be copied, published, disseminated, displayed, or played without permission of the copyright holder except in accordance with fair use or licensed agreement. Students with questions about copyrights or this policy are invited to raise those questions with any dean, tutor, or academic officer. Staff supervisors and members of the faculty are welcome to call the University's Office of General Counsel.

Some electronic resources are restricted by license agreement to current students, faculty, and staff members in the Harvard community and to on-site users of Harvard's libraries for purposes of research, teaching, and private study. Commercial use and systematic downloading, copying, or distributing of information are expressly prohibited. Users are individually responsible for compliance with these terms.

Permission to Use Images from Library Materials

Users who wish to include a copy (in any format) obtained from materials held by the Harvard College Library in publication, Web page or other electronic medium, film, exhibit, etc., must first obtain permission from the holding library. Permissons and reproduction requests for HCL materials may also be submitted via the Imaging Services order inquiry forms.

Assembling on Widener Library Steps

Requests to assemble on the Widener Library steps must be approved by the Office of the Librarian of Harvard College and by the Assistant Dean of Harvard College. Only requests from Harvard-sanctioned student organizations will be considered. To request permission to use the Widener steps, please visit the Harvard College Room Reservation System site and submit an event registration form. Requests must be made at least five business days in advance of the event. Requests to allow the use of a sound system must be made at the same time the Application to Use Outdoor Spaces is submitted. Use of amplification of sound systems of any kind must be approved by the Office of the Dean of Harvard College.

For additional details, see Guidelines for Assembling on Widener Library Steps.

Scheduling Library Visits for Harvard Guests

Harvard libraries, University departments, or Harvard-affiliated centers that would like to bring guests or visiting dignitaries to visit any of the libraries within the Harvard College Library must first contact Elizabeth Johnson in the Office of the Librarian either by e-mail or by phone at 617-495-2401.

Smoking Policy

HCL policy prohibits smoking in the libraries. Smoking is also prohibited within 25 feet of any library entrance due to the likelihood of smoke entering the building.

Lost and Found in Widener

All items that are found in Widener Library are turned over to the guards at the Widener Mass. Ave. Door Security Desk. Items are tagged, inventoried, and stored in a secure location. Valuable items such as cash, jewelry, wallets, purses, laptops, credit cards, cameras, and backpacks are turned over to the Harvard University Police Department. All Harvard University IDs are turned in to the Harvard University ID Office. All items are stored for six months. At the end of six months, unclaimed books are turned over to HCL Materials Management, and all other items are donated to the Phillips Brooks House.

Patrons and staff should make inquiries about lost items to the guards at the Widener Mass. Ave. Door Security Desk (617-495-2408). The guards will make arrangements to help retrieve lost items.

 

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