Research at Yenching
Harvard-Yenching Library holds the most comprehensive East Asian collection of any American university, with circulating and special collection materials in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tibetan, Manchu, Mongolian, and more.
Collection Highlights
Explore rare Chinese handscrolls, Japanese manuscripts, and Korean archives alongside rich East Asian collections in history, literature, and culture.
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CollectionDigitized Maps of East Asia
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Digital CollectionChinese Rare Books
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Digital CollectionHedda Morrison Photographs of China
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CollectionNaxi Manuscripts
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Digital CollectionEarly Photography of Japan
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Digital CollectionChinese Rubbings Collection
Exhibitions
Space at Yenching
The Harvard-Yenching Library offers a variety of spaces geared towards quiet independent study as well as collaborative group work.
Group Study Room
Reserve this cozy workspace, which fits up to 6 comfortably and features a TV monitor with laptop connectivity.
Media Room
This room fits 6 comfortably around a TV used for displaying movies and playing video games from the library's East Asian collections.
Bibliography Room
Reserve this room that fits 10 comfortably and features easy outlet access, large tables, and comfortable seating.
Study Carrels
These reservable, individual study spaces fit one person comfortably at a private desk with shelf space to hold research materials.
Special Collections Reading Room
Reserve a seat here to work with Yenching’s special collections. Materials must be requested in advance.
Research Services & Support at Harvard Library
Harvard Library offers services, tools and supports for every stage of the research journey. Whether you’re just getting started or are experienced in your field, we can help you make the most of what the Library has to offer.
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Just like how Google offers Google Scholar and Google Images, the Library offers different search tools for different types of research.
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Everything you need to know about requesting and viewing items from Harvard Library’s special collections and archives.
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Get support to help your students navigate the Library and find the materials they need.
About Harvard-Yenching Library
The Harvard-Yenching Library stands as one of the world’s premier collections of East Asian research materials, with roots stretching back one and half centuries.
Its origins date to 1879, when the Chinese scholar Ko K’un-hua (Ge Kunhua) arrived at Harvard to teach the University’s first Chinese-language courses. He brought with him a small collection of Chinese books, which he later donated to the Harvard College Library.