Get Started with the Library

This guide provides helpful tips on finding library material at Harvard and beyond. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me via email, phone, or Zoom.

Harvard Library homepage

library.harvard.edu - start here to find the library catalog (HOLLIS) or library hours, locate a study space, ask for help, explore our collections, learn about upcoming events and special exhibits, and much more.

Library Catalog - HOLLIS

HOLLIS - search for books, articles, media and more.  Be sure to sign in to get the most out of the catalog. For more information, check out the HOLLIS User Guide or Ask a Librarian.

All Databases

Go to HOLLIS and, at the top, click on DATABASES - You can search for databases in a variety of ways e.g. top picks, by academic disciplines, or view all 1000+ databases with which Harvard provides access.

Helpful Tools

  • Overleaf Pro is a LaTeX and Rich Text collaborative writing and publishing tool that makes the process of academic writing, editing and publishing much quicker and easier.
  • Open Knowledge Maps - Use OK Maps to visualize related topics and research areas with AI.
  • Zotero - An easy-to-use citation tool to help you collect, organize, cite, and share research.
  • LinkedIn Learning - Watch video tutorials and short courses that can teach you a new skill or how to use a specific computer program. (Formerly known as Lynda.com)
  • Journal Citation Reports -  helps you understand key trends across 21,000+ journals through a rich array of indicators, descriptive data and visualizations. JCR provides unbiased, publisher-neutral information which does not promote or endorse any specific publishers.
  • Syllabus Explorer - explore course syllabi, discover new courses, and find course reading lists - all collected through Canvas.

Tech Lending

Multimedia Production Resources - Find and learn how to use audiovisual production tools, including cameras, microphones, studio spaces, and other equipment at Cabot Science Library and Lamont Library.

Journal Search 

Go to HOLLIS and click on Starts With / Browse and using the dropdown option select Browse by Title to search for any newspaper, magazine or journal title and see if Harvard provides access and in what format. 

Short Cuts to Popular Titles

Additional steps are necessary for free individual accounts, follow the links for more information:

Library Guides

Harvard Library provides hundreds of tailor-made research guides on a wide variety of services and subject areas.

Ask a Librarian 

ask.library.harvard.edu is a service that allows you to email, chat, or request an appointment with a library specialist.  This site also has a really helpful set of FAQs.