Find & Request Materials
Access & View Materials
Once you've requested your materials and made a reading room appointment, it's time to prepare for your visit. Here are some things to keep in mind.
- Library staff will be able to provide tips and guidance for handling any fragile materials.
- Archives and special collections stacks are closed to researchers and materials do not circulate beyond reading rooms.
- There may be limits on the amount of material that can be used at any one time.
- Staff may limit what you can bring into the reading room, including bags and other personal property.
- Bags may be subject to search by staff.
- You can use pencils, notepaper and laptop computers for note taking. Pens and highlighters are not allowed.
- There's no food or drink, including gum and candy, allowed in the reading rooms.
Students looking at a rare book in Houghton Library
Visiting Researchers
Harvard Library's special collections and archives are open to all by appointment.
Once you've found the materials you need, submitted your request to view them, and made a reading room appointment with the holding library, you're welcome to contact the holding library ahead of your visit with any questions. It can take time to fulfill requests, so please plan ahead. You can find contact information and more information on each library here.