September 11, 2024

The Schlesinger Library Reading Room is open Monday–Friday from 10:00am to 4:45pm, with the building closing to researchers at 5:00pm. Please review current access policies.

On Thursday, September 26th, the Reading Room will close early at 1:00pm. The exhibit space on the first floor of the Library will remain open until 5:00pm.

The Library will be closed on Monday, October 14th in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day and Monday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day

On Friday, November 8th, the Reading Room will be open from 1:00pm-4:45pm.

While masks are not required in the Reading Room, we have a supply of masks available in the Reading Room for anyone interested. For assistance, please ask at the desk.

1. Contact us in advance of your visit
 

• Please visit the Ask a Schlesinger Librarian web page to start a conversation with a Research Librarian. In addition to answering your questions about collections and planning your visit, we can:
  • recommend additional sources and provide in-depth research assistance.
  • coordinate access to the materials. Many of our collections are stored off-site and some have access restrictions.
  • assist with access to other formats such as A/V materials and oversized items, as those items require advance notice.
• Information for research teams or researchers coordinating with a research proxy is available on our Research Teams Guide.

2. Request materials for your visit

• Schlesinger Library materials can be requested online using your HOLLIS Special Request account. HOLLIS Special Request is available to Harvard and non-Harvard researchers and can be used at any participating Harvard library or archives. This account allows you to place and manage your requests for access to Schlesinger Library’s materials – learn more in the Requesting Materials guide. If you have questions, please reach out through the Ask a Schlesinger Librarian webform.

3. Imaging Equipment and Tech for Loan in the Reading Room
 

• Each table is equipped with overhead document cameras. Learn more about Hovercams and download the software.
• Prefer to use your own camera or phone? No problem, just turn off your flash and leave your camera case and free-standing tripod behind.
  • The Library has two camera mounts, which can support a smart phone or DSLR camera, and two remote clickers, which can be connected to a smart phone's camera app via bluetooth, that are available for loan on a first come, first served basis.
• Additional equipment available on a first come, first served basis:
  • Wireless Mouse
  • Three PC laptops
  • USB-C to USB-A/HDMI adapter
  • Flash drives
  • iPhone charger

4. What to bring
 

• You will present your identification at the reception desk and register for your HOLLIS Special Request account if you have not already done so. 
• Pencils, phones, digital cameras, laptops or tablets, and flash drives are welcome in the Reading Room.
• Leave pens/markers, notebooks, folders, coats and outwear, wallets, computer and camera cases, food/drink, and bags in the lockers. We provide loose-leaf paper if you wish to take notes.