The Daniel R. Coquillette Rare Book Room, located in the Boston College Law Library, houses the Library’s collection of old and rare law books and manuscripts. Represented in the collection are the books that working English and American lawyers in the sixteenth through nineteenth centuries likely would have owned in their personal libraries. Other highlights include books and manuscripts pertaining to the history of American legal education through the nineteenth century and a collection featuring works by and about St. Thomas More.

The Rare Book Room is named in honor of Daniel R. Coquillette, Dean of the Boston College Law School from 1985 to 1993 and currently J. Donald Monan, S.J. University Professor. Dedicated in January 1996 in conjunction with the opening of the new Law Library, the Rare Book Room is an attractive study and exhibit space. Members of the BC Law community are invited to use the Rare Book Room as a quiet study space during its regular hours. Researchers who wish to study materials in the collection, and visitors who would like a tour of the room and its exhibits, are strongly encouraged to make arrangements in advance.


COVID-19 Update

Due to COVID-19 and staffing restraints, we will not be able to welcome researchers onsite to view materials in our special collections. We will do our best to fulfill image requests, if possible. Please email curator Laurel Davis at davislp@bc.edu with any inquiries.


Rare Book Room Exhibits

Using the Rare Book Room

Visit

Come take a look at the latest exhibit.  The Rare Book Room is open Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm

Study

Members of the Law School community are invited to use the Rare Book Room as a quiet study space during its normal hours, 9am - 5pm

Research

To use rare books for research, contact Helen Lacouture, Associate Law Librarian, Collection Services & Digital Initiatives, at 617-552-8609 at least a day in advance of your visit

Tours

To arrange a tour, contact Laurel Davis, Curator of Special Collections, at 617-552-4410 at least a day in advance