Library
New England Law Library
Central to our school’s educational life, the library supports the curriculum and enhances the educational endeavors of faculty, students, staff, and alumni. It features an excellent collection of print and electronic materials and knowledgeable librarians to help you navigate the complexities of legal research.
Library Hours
We’re open to New England Law students, alumni, faculty, and staff, as well as other area law
students, those using Tufts Health Sciences Library for interdisciplinary research purposes, and
active attorneys with a valid bar card.
Spring 2026 Hours
Mon – Thurs – 8 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Fri – 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sat – 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sun – 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Hours Exceptions
Saturday., January 3rd & Sunday., January 4th: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday., January 5th: Resume regular hours
Monday, January 19 – Library open MLK Day; regular hours 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Monday, February 16 – Library open Presidents’ Day; regular hours 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 28, Spring Break, reduced hours, 9:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m.
Sunday, March 1, Spring Break, reduced hours, 10:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday, March 2 – Friday, March 6, Spring Break, reduced hours, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 16 to Wednesday, May 6 – extended hours, Start of Reading Period to End of Exam Period, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Monday, April 20, Patriots’ Day – UPDATE, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 7 & Friday, May 8, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 9 & Sunday, May 10: Closed
Monday, May 11 – Thursday, May 14, reduced hours, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday, May 15 – Commencement, Closed
Saturday, May 16 – Summer Hours Begin
Library Tools, Collections, and Resources
Online Catalog
The Portia online catalog links to an extensive print collection, electronic databases, and e-books. The New England Law Library Consortium provides access to 24 other law school libraries.
Electronic Databases
To remotely access our databases, use the barcode number on the back of your ID card. Try a different browser or contact our Reference staff if you have difficulty.
Reference
Our reference librarians, all of whom possess a JD, master’s degree in library science—or both—are available days, evenings, and weekends to assist with research techniques and resources. All students have access to the major providers of online legal information, Lexis, Westlaw, and Bloomberg. Basic training in online research is given to first-year students, and more training is offered on a continuous basis.
Research Guides
New England Law maintains extensive archives about the school’s history, especially its beginnings as Portia Law School, the first law school exclusively for women. These archives also include oral histories about Portia and a history of women in the law profession.
E-books
The library has access to over 40,000 E-books, that can be viewed using a computer or a handheld device
Archives
The New England Law Boston Library Archives preserve and provide access to the rich history of the law school and its community.
We’re Here to Help
Circulation Desk
Phone: 617-422-7288
Reference Desk
Phone: 617-422-7299
Interlibrary Loan
Phone: 617-422-7416
Email: reference@nesl.edu
Fax
Fax: 617-422-7303