Using the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room

Except for material placed on hold for courses and reference material kept in the reading room, researchers must place requests for collection material at least 3 business days in advance.

Requests must be placed through HOLLIS Special Request. Harvard Library's guide to HOLLIS Special Request explains how to create an account and place your requests.

If your course instructor has put material on hold for your class in the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room you do not need to place a request. Simply create an appointment and when you arrive let the staff member in the reading room know your course title and which item you wish to consult.

Likewise, you do not need to place requests for reference material that is stored in the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room. Those items will appear in HOLLIS with a location of Houghton Library Reading Room.

Harvard College Yearbooks and Class Reports (Red Books) held by the Harvard University Archives are not located in the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room at this time. We anticipate relocating them to the reading room in early 2026.

Please place requests for the years you wish to see at least 3 business days in advance using HOLLIS Special Request.