Special Collections

Special Collections strives to collect, preserve and make accessible collections that further our understanding of the law, especially its development, and the many factors that shape it.

Our collections include rare books and legal manuscripts significant to the development of law and legal education; the Law Center Archives, which covers the history and records of Georgetown Law Center; and the National Equal Justice Library, which focuses on the history of legal aid.

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Using Special Collections

Our holdings are available for use by the Law Center and Georgetown University communities, as well as by independent researchers and scholars. Access to Special Collections is by appointment. To set up an appointment to access Special Collections’ material please email lawspecl@georgetown.edu.

In order to protect and preserve the collections, these materials do not circulate, but are available in the Special Collections Reading Room, 210 Edward Bennett Williams Library. We ask that researchers observe the following:

Please sign in upon entering Special Collections.
Food and drinks are not permitted in the Reading Room.
The table must remain clear of bags and coats.
Laptop computers are permitted. If taking notes, pencil must be used.

For Research Consultations

To request a consultation, please fill out the Legal History Research Consultations form.

Reproductions

Digital scanning services are provided, but are subject to limitations based upon the condition of the item(s) requested and any restrictions that may apply. Cameras are allowed without the use of a flash, but copyright restrictions may apply.