The Archives and Special Collections Reading Room, housed in Houghton Library, supports Harvard faculty, students, staff, fellows, and researchers from around the world. Here you can access materials from Harvard University Archives, Houghton Library, Harvard Film Archive, and Loeb Music Library in a single convenient and accessible location.
Make an Appointment
The Archives and Special Collections Reading Room, housed in Houghton Library, provides researchers access to archival and special collections materials from Harvard University Archives, Houghton Library, Harvard Film Archive, and Loeb Music Library.
Before making an appointment, you must request the materials you wish to view. Requests are submitted via HOLLIS, HOLLIS for Archival Discovery, or HOLLIS Special Request. Read more about the process of finding and requesting materials.
Here are some things to keep in mind before you book your appointment:
- Most collection material is stored offsite or requires review before it can be delivered in the reading room. Please submit requests at least three business days prior to your visit to ensure we have materials ready for you.
- Six items will be placed on hold at a time in the order in which they were submitted. Please indicate if you would like to prioritize items in a different order.
- If there is an available seat in the reading room, repository staff can help you create a same day appointment to consult ready reference materials, items already on hold, or class holds.
Reference staff are available to answer questions, provide research support, and assist researchers in submitting requests for later retrieval Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. eastern. If you need help with booking your appointment, see our step-by-step guide to requesting and booking.
Reading Room Policies & Guidelines
We look forward to welcoming you to the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room. Please review our policies and community expectations as you plan for your visit.
Handling Materials
Handling guidelines must be conscientiously followed to preserve collection material for future use. Professional staff are always available to provide guidance.
Users may not use pens, tripods, camera flashes, special lighting, or equipment that rests directly on collection material or that may pose a risk of damage.
What You Can Bring
Researchers are welcome to bring pencils, laptop or tablet computers, phones, and digital cameras to assist in their research.
Researchers may bring one personal reference book into the Reading Room only if it is necessary for immediate research. Staff will fill out documentation to differentiate user reference materials from collection material.
We offer pencils and note-taking paper. We can also supply the following supplies, subject to availability: magnifying glasses, tape measures and rulers, a light box, a transilluminator, collator, CD player, cassette player, VHS player, two desktop computers, and headphones.
Photos
Researchers are welcome to photograph most materials. Some collections may be subject to donor stipulations that limit or prohibit photography. Researchers are asked not to take pictures of the Reading Room itself, other patrons, or staff.
Personal Scanners
Personal scanners are permitted provided they meet the following requirements:
- Stability: The scanner must have a stable base and a lightweight top to prevent tipping.
- No Contact: Scanners must not come into direct contact with collection materials.
- No Light Source: Scanners that use a built-in light or flash to operate are not allowed.
- Mats: Scanners that require a mat may be used if the mat is clean and materials remain in their folder or book cradle, as appropriate. Please note that not all materials may be suitable for scanning with a mat; staff may restrict scanning certain items as needed.
- Prohibited Equipment: Tripods and any devices such as arms or rigs that suspend cameras, phones, or tablets over materials are not permitted.
Staff will inspect your scanner upon arrival and exit. If you have questions about a specific scanner or whether a particular item can be scanned, please consult the reading room staff before using it.
Lockers
Lockers are available to store any materials not permitted in the reading room, such as food and drink, bags, outerwear, and writing instruments other than pencils. Sweaters and scarves are permitted to be worn in the reading room but should be stored in lockers when not being worn.
Bag Check
Because of the rarity of the material in the collection, material may not be removed from the Reading Room. Researchers must show all belongings to the Reading Room staff each time they leave the Reading Room to ensure no collection items are among them. Any strollers brought into the Reading Room will be searched by library personnel upon exiting the room. Please be aware that there is a mandatory bag check for all visitors, researchers, and staff at the library exit.
Reading Room Courtesy
To preserve relative quiet for our researchers, we ask phone, laptop computer, digital camera, and other device users to turn off all audible features, if possible.
Community Expectations
Our values guide our work. If you are not meeting our expectations, we will let you know. If we’re not meeting yours, please let us know.
We will:
- Treat you with respect and communicate clearly our policies on our website and in conversation with you remotely and in-person.
- Protect each user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted or transmitted, in alignment with the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics and the Society of American Archivists Core Values and Statement of Ethics.
- Promote an inclusive environment and welcoming experience for all researchers and visitors.
We expect you to:
- Respect the policies and follow the instructions of Archives and Special Collections employees regarding access to and the use of Archives and Special Collections resources.
- Respect the comfort, privacy, and safety of fellow Reading Room users and staff. If your behavior is making others feel unsafe or uncomfortable, we’ll communicate with you about the impact of your behavior to resolve the situation.
- Ask us for help and bring any questions or concerns to our attention.
Location & Accessibility
The Archives and Special Collections Reading Room is located inside Houghton Library in Harvard Yard. See a map here.
Accessibility
- The main entrance to Houghton Library via Quincy Street is accessible by automatic door and ramp.
- Restrooms are located on the ground floor, are wheelchair accessible, and are gender inclusive.
- The Archives and Special Collections Reading Room has adjustable-height chairs and one adjustable-height table.
- Houghton Library exhibition spaces and classrooms can be accessed by elevator.
- With advance notice, we can arrange accommodation for groups.
- For questions about accessibility, contact Houghton Library Administrative Coordinator Le Huong Huynh: lehuong_huynh@harvard.edu or (617) 495-2443
Cambridge, MA 02138