Women Creators in Music: Library Guide

Many, but not all, archival collections at Harvard are listed in these catalogs. Consult an archivist or curator at the collection for help finding uncataloged materials.

Many of Harvard's special collections use an online request system called HOLLIS Special Request; after filling out a quick registration form, you can:

• submit requests in advance of a visit or while at the library
• track the status of each request
• access detailed information about past requests

Plan ahead! Many items are kept in offsite storage or need to be transferred to a reading room for your use. Access to the Music Library's paper-based special collections is provided through the Houghton Library Reading Room.

See How to Use Harvard Library's Special Collections and Archives for more information, or register for a HOLLIS Special Request Account.

The Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America is a prime resource for archival and special collections related to women in music. 

• This guide to musicians represented in the Schlesinger's collections will help you locate archival materials (personal papers of musicians and musical groups, and records of music-related groups, activist organizations, etc.), magazines, and newsletters related to music at the library.  Use it as a starting point for your archival research!
• Learn more about planning a visit to the library: how to make an appointment, how to request archival or published materials in advance of your visit, what to expect in the reading room, etc.
• When you are ready to get started with your research, please reach out and Ask a Schlesinger Librarian!

Follow these guidelines to help preserve Harvard's rare materials for the future.

Many of Harvard's collections allow photography - without flash - of materials for personal research use.

If in doubt, if a document is particularly fragile, or if you need a better-quality image, please ask a library staff member for help.