Adding requests

You can place requests through HOLLIS Special Request directly from HOLLIS for Archival Discovery.

Select items to request using the ADD TO MY REQUEST LIST button, which appears in search results and finding aids. In the search results, the button will appear next to items available for request.

In the finding aid, you will need to open the contents until you get to the level that has ADD TO MY REQUEST LIST buttons. If the request button is not available, check the items listed below that series or subseries. You can add multiple items to your request list.

Not every repository at Harvard uses the HOLLIS Special Request system. If a particular finding aid does not have any request buttons, contact the repository for information about placing a request.

Submitting requests

When you have finished selecting items, scroll to the top of the page and look for My Request List in the top right of the page.

In My Request List, you have three options for requests:

  • Reading Room Request (plan to visit the reading room to view the material in person)
  • Copy Request (this includes both reference and publication quality copies)
  • Save for Later (use this if you have not yet decided what type of request you want to place, or if you are not ready to submit them to the repository)

Once you have made your decision, select Submit. A new tab will open on the Request List page, where you can either log in to your HOLLIS Special Request account or create a new account.

NOTE: As soon as the Submit button is selected, these requests will no longer be available in your Request List in HOLLIS for Archival Discovery. You must create or log in to your HOLLIS Special Request account to send the requests to the repository or save the request information for review at a later date.

If you have no Harvard affiliation, select All Other Patrons when creating a HOLLIS Special Request account. Find more information about using HOLLIS Special Request here. 

If you have questions about your requests once they have been placed, reach out to the appropriate repository.