6. Finding a place to study
You may be able to do some of your research in your dorm room, but you may need to do your work in the libraries, too. If at any point during your research—when you're developing your topic, searching for information, or evaluating the materials you've found—you want to take advantage of the many warm and welcoming study spaces the libraries offer, this section of the Guide is for you.
Some people work better in quiet places, far from distractions while some prefer to be surrounded by other people engaged in study and research. In either case, you'll find information on the Carrels and Study Spaces page to help you find the best place for you to do your work in the Harvard College libraries.
Laptop Use and Laptop Loans
Having a laptop with you in the library can save you time. All the HCL libraries allow the use of laptops, and all have wireless network access for Harvard ID holders. See Computers, Scanners, Copiers, etc. for additional details on network access, copying, printing and scanning in the libraries.
If you don't own a laptop, you can borrow one for in-library use at the Lamont, Cabot and Quad libraries ; see Loaner Laptops for details.
Library hours
Whether you are an early-riser or a night owl, you'll probably find it useful to know that Lamont Library is open 24 hours a day 5 days a week. During final exams, Cabot Library in the Science Center stays open twenty-four hours a day.
For more on library hours, see Hours. If you are in a hurry and need to find an open library ASAP, see HCL Libraries open right now.
Library locations
See Directions for library locations.