Start Your Discovery
Our collections span formats, subjects, and time periods, bringing together circulating materials, rare and unique special collections, and an expanding body of digital resources.
Many materials are available for borrowing or online access, while others, such as rare books, manuscripts, and archival collections, can be explored in dedicated reading rooms or through digitized collections. Use our search tools to discover and connect with our materials.
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Use HOLLIS to find books, articles, media and more
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Collection guides for archival and special collections
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Get access to articles and other licensed content with your Harvard ID
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The Library has different search tools for different types of research
Special Collections and Archives
Our rare and special collections are available to students, faculty, and visiting researchers.
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Digital CollectionLetters from Black America
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Digital CollectionEmily Dickinson Archive
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Digital CollectionPhotographs of the Women's Movement
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Digital CollectionDaguerreotypes at Harvard
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Digital CollectionHarvard Student Activism in Action
Circulating Collections
Our collections reflect the research and teaching priorities of Harvard’s faculty and students. Circulating materials are available for all Harvard students, faculty and staff. Visiting researchers can apply for access and borrowing privileges.
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Learn about loan periods, borrowing policies, and how to get the materials you need.
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Researchers interested in our general collections can apply for access.
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Request library materials and we’ll digitize and send them to your inbox.
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BorrowDirect is often the fastest way to borrow something not available at Harvard.
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Have something you’d like to see the Library buy and add to our collections? Submit a purchase request.
Online Resources
Harvard Library offers access to a rich set of online research resources, including scholarly databases, open-access publications and datasets, geospatial tools, and platforms for discovering our digital collections.
