The Harvard Library: Historical Sources

Publications of the Library comprise a valuable resource for documenting its history. Ranging from intermittent subject catalogs to serials, these materials include pamphlets, journals, news bulletins, and collated reports detailing the management of the Library’s collections and their use by researchers. Significant collections include:

• Documentary History of the Library, 1773-1879. [Call number: HUF 523.6.73].
  • This collection is a collection of printed documents, both published and unpublished. It includes Visiting Committee reports, library and sales catalogues, library regulations, circular letters to patrons and alumni, magazine articles, newspaper clippings, fundraising appeals, blank receipts for gifts to the library, and blank forms regarding borrowing privileges, book order requests, and arrival notifications.

 

• Library annual reports. [Call number: HUF 523.901]
  • Issued annually from 1878-2010, the Harvard University Library annual report documents major activities of the Library: the renovations of library buildings, acquisition of new materials, circulation statistics, and library expenditures.
  • Harvard University Library Annual Report 2002/2003-2009/2010 are available online from the Harvard University Library archived website.

 

• HUL Notes. [Call number: HUF 523.840]
  • Published from 1968-2010, HUL Notes was a periodical for the Library staff. It featured news about the Library as well as updates on personnel milestones, appointments, and retirements.
  • Harvard University Library Notes, 1999-2010 are available online from the Harvard University Library archived website.

 

• Harvard Library Bulletin. [Call number: HUF 523.836]
  • First published in 1947, the Harvard Library Bulletin is a scholarly journal featuring articles pertaining to the research collections of Harvard Library.

 

• Harvard University Library Letters. [Call number: HUF 523.2001.49].
  • Issued in hard-copy and digitally from 2001-2011, HUL Letters was a semiannual publication for Harvard alumni/ae and friends who contributed to the Library.
  • Harvard University Library Letters are available online from the Harvard University Library archived website.