Who may use the Frances Loeb Library?
Harvard ID holders, those with Special Borrower cards, and FLL Access Cardholders have access to the library and its collections.
Use of the Library by those without a Harvard ID is restricted to individuals pursuing research in the design fields, and is at the discretion of the Library.
Visiting researchers and alumni may apply at the Circulation Desk for an FLL Access Card. A photo ID is required for registration. A $10 fee is required at the time of registration (cash and checks only). This fee will be waived for alumni and for researchers with a valid ID from other academic institutions. The FLL Access Card is valid for the duration of research. Visitors may apply for FLL Access cards at the circulation desk 9am-6pm Monday-Friday.
A valid Harvard ID or Special Borrower card must be presented when borrowing books.
HOLLIS (Harvard Libraries Catalog)
The HOLLIS Catalog of the Harvard University Libraries is a database containing over 9 million records for more than 15 million books, journals, manuscripts, government documents, maps, microforms, music scores, sound recordings, visual materials, and data files. The database is updated continually as material is ordered, received, and cataloged. Materials in the Frances Loeb Library can be located through HOLLIS.
HOLLIS is available throught the internet from any computer worldwide. The Loeb Library provides computers with open browsers for accessing HOLLIS, four on the first level and one on the lower level. Other library computers are restricted to GSD students, faculty and staff and require a GSD login ID and password.
Other On-Line Resources
In addition to HOLLIS there are many on-line resources created by Harvard University and the University Libraries which are available world-wide without restriction, including VIA (The Harvard Visual Resources Catalog), OASIS (The Harvard Manuscript and Archive Finding Aid Catalog), and some other digital collections available through the Library Main Page.
The Harvard University Libraries also subscribe to many commercial on-line Resources including the Avery Index, LexisNexisAcademic, and others. Most commercial resource subscriptions are restricted to Harvard students, faculty and staff, who may access them world-wide through our web page (a Harvard University ID and Pin Number is required). A list of Current Periodicals received by the Loeb Library and their locations is also available on-line.
Most internet resources including the commercial subscriptions may be accessed at the computers in the Library Reading Rooms on first floor and lower level. There are four computers on the upper level and one on the lower level which may be used by any library visitor. There are also seven additional computers restricted to GSD students, staff and faculty (a GSD logon and password is required). None of the library computers have word or data processing software available.
Wireless access is available for laptop use in the Library Reading Rooms. Wireless access can be either through the Harvard University server with a Harvard ID and pin number, or through the GSD network using a GSD logon and password. Visitors may access the GSD wireless network by entering a valid e-mail address. More detailed instructions are available through the Computer Resources web page. Data ports are also available in both Reading Rooms allowing wired access to the internet.
Copyright Restrictions for Online Resources
All Harvard users must respect the copyrights in works that are accessible through computers connected to the Harvard network. No copyrighted work may be copied, published, disseminated, displayed, performed or played without permission of the copyright holder except in accordance with fair use or licensed agreement. This includes music, movies and other copyrighted material. Harvard may terminate the network access of users who are found to have repeatedly infringed the copyright of others. 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.
Licensed electronic resources are restricted to members of 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.
Other Harvard Libraries
The total holdings of all libraries at the university numbers over 12.5 million volumes. A map and guide to the major Harvard University libraries is available at the Loeb Library circulation desk.
While a few Harvard library buildings are open to the public, most require a valid Harvard ID for admittance. Borrowing privileges, which vary, are generally limited to current members of the Harvard community. For specific information on admittance, borrowing, hours, and services in specific Harvard libraries, visit http://lib.harvard.edu/libraries/.
Patrons with Disabilities
The Frances Loeb Library is responsive to special needs of the physically disabled. Access for the disabled to the lower level via the west lobby elevator can be arranged by contacting the circulation desk. A rest room equipped for the disabled is available on the lower level of the library.
Copying Facilities
Photocopy machines are available on the upper and lower levels for letter and ledger-sized reproductions and for reductions and enlargements. The machines operate at 7¢ per 8½" x 11" copy (14¢ for 11" x 17" copies) with Crimson Cash cards (or your Harvard I.D.). Value can be added to Crimson Cash cards or Harvard I.D.’s online at http://www.cash.harvard.edu. Generic Crimson Cash cards (with one dollar in value) are available for patrons without Harvard ID's at the circulation desk for $2.00. There is also a vending machine inside the main entrance of the Science Center which dispenses generic cards and adds value to Crimson Cash cards and Harvard I.D.’s.
The Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17 U.S. Code) governs the making of reproductions of copyrighted material. Patrons using library equipment are liable for infringement.
Scanning Facilities
There are two flatbed scanners located on the upper level of the library. One is restricted to GSD students, faculty and staff, the other can be used by any library patron. Images can be stored on CD or other portable storage media, or may be saved by GSD patrons to their network workspace. CD's and other storage media are available from a vending machine on the 5th floor of Gund Hall. These scanners are frequently in high demand and their use is limited to 15 minutes per patron. A Nikon Super CoolScan 4000 slide scanner is located in Visual Resources.
The Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17 U.S. Code) governs the making of reproductions of copyrighted material. Patrons using library equipment are liable for infringement.
Responsibility of Library Users
Students, staff, faculty members, researchers, visitors, and other users of the library who fail to comply with library rules will be subject to revocation of library privileges, disciplinary action, and legal prosecution. In particular, the unauthorized removal from the library of any book, manuscript, microform, or other materials or property, or destruction, defacement or abuse of any library materials or other resources are matters of grave concern. All library users will be subject to the fines and penalties of the Graduate School of Design and of the University as well as the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts governing crimes against property.
The University's libraries are for the use of authorized members of the University and scholarly community. Except when specifically authorized for use to a designated commercial user, the systematic exploitation of library resources, including its databases, for profit is prohibited. It is inappropriate for students and others to sell data, or to act as agents for those who do, or otherwise to use their library privileges other than for their personal use.
Library users should not leave personal belongings unattended while in the library. The library is not responsible for lost or missing items of personal value.
Food, smoking, pets and cell phone use are not permitted in the library.
Only beverages in spill-proof containers are permitted.