The Archives and Special Collections Reading Room, housed in Houghton Library, provides researchers access to archival and special collections materials.
Here you can access requested materials from Harvard University Archives, Houghton Library, Harvard Film Archive, and Loeb Music Library in a single convenient and accessible location.
Appointments are encouraged, but not required.
Visit & Appointments
Starting Monday, February 2, 2026, appointments are encouraged but not required for the Archives and Special Collections reading room.
The reading room is located inside Houghton Library and serves materials from: Houghton, Film Archive, Loeb Music, and the University Archives.
- Appointments encouraged, not required
- Book a seat up to 6 months in advance, through the day before your visit
- Walk-ins seated if space is available
Make an Appointment
- Request materials first. Before making an appointment, request the materials you are looking to use at least three business days before through HOLLIS, HOLLIS for Archival Discovery, or HOLLIS Special Request. Read more about finding and requesting materials.
- Book your seat by making an appointment. Step-by-step guide to making an appointment.
Make an Appointment
Same-day help: If seating is available, staff can help you make a same-day appointment for ready reference materials, items already on hold, or class holds.
Using the Reading Room
Before your visit, please review the requirements below to ensure a smooth check-in and research experience.
- Photo ID required: All users must present a valid photo ID when checking in. This may be a non-expired government-issued ID or an active school ID. Harvard ID or affiliation not required.
- Materials you can consult: Researchers may consult items you placed on hold, items on hold for a class or activity, and reading room reference materials.
- Request lead time: Submit requests at least 3 business days before your visit (many materials are offsite or require review).
- Hold limit: Up to 6 items on hold at a time, placed in the order submitted (or, ask staff if you would like to reprioritize requests).
- Reference copies available: For users who need copies of materials for their research, reference copies may be requested; not all items can be copied, and availability may be limited or subject to restrictions.
- Researchers under 14: Researchers younger than 14 are welcome when accompanied by an adult (18+). Both the child and accompanying adult must follow all reading room policies and have a Special Collections account.
Reading Room Policies
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.
Need Help?
Reference staff can answer questions, provide research support, and assist with submitting requests for later retrieval.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am–4pm ET
- Houghton Library Reference: Ask a Houghton Librarian
- Loeb Music Library Reference: muslib@fas.harvard.edu
- Harvard Film Archive Reference: hfa@fas.harvard.edu
- Harvard University Archives Reference: archives_reference@harvard.edu
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, please contact Houghton Library.