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Middle East and Islamic Studies Library Resources

A guide designed for graduate students and researchers.

Remote Research

What to do when your access to print materials is extremely limited?
Review Harvard Middle East Division Library Guides for online materials:

Triangulate, Search in Three Places:

1) HOLLIS: Read the catalog record for ebook version as some items may lack a "View Online" button and yet still be available online.  And note there may be more than one record.

2) Databases with Full Text Platforms: Add some of the major full-text platforms to your list of go-to resources as many of these vendors are expanding access for Harvard Key holders.

3) Internet Search of the Publisher's Website, Try a general web search ( via Google, Duckduckgo, etc.) as there is a growing list of publishers and vendors that are removing paywalls and donating temporarily access to collections.

Ask us for suggestions and ideas!

Can't access something? Learn *about* it

Don't forget to browse!

Most experts recommend browsing (walking the library shelves, flipping through an entire volume) as the best method to gain a sense of the "landscape" and to find overlooked or unexpected material

  • Starts with/browse option in HOLLIS - call number is especially helpful. (See the HOLLIS User Guide for tips.)
  • Most platforms offer ways to explore serendipitously. Look for:
    • "collections"
    • "browse"
    • "publications"
    • "about"
  • When you find good content, look at the top of the web page and on side menus for links back to the larger container so you can explore that---the specific issue an article appeared in, the journal, the book or book series, the themed collection, etc.

Need primary sources? Try these: