Special Borrowers
Special Borrowers are non-Harvard affiliates who have acquired a Library Borrowing Card. This includes Harvard alums, domestic partners of Harvard affiliates, affiliates of Ivy Plus institutions, and other researchers who meet the eligibility requirements.
- Information on eligibility options and associated fees can be found under "How to request library access," on the Visitor Access of the Harvard Library website.
- Alums also have access to a selection of electronic resources. For details and links, visit: How to Use Harvard Library as an Alum
A Library Borrowing Card gives you all of the same access described under Visiting Researchers, plus special borrowing privileges.
Additional HOLLIS options available to Special Borrowers:
- "Request pick up" options for Harvard Library collections
- Find details about HOLLIS Access Options on the HOLLIS User Guide
- For special borrowers, the loan period is typically 28 days, with automatic renewals up to 12 months
- Materials must be borrowed in person, but may be returned by mail
- Lamont and Countway make circulating items from their collections available for Special Borrowers to request via HOLLIS: you must select a different Harvard Library as your pickup location due to restrictions on Special Borrowers' access to the Lamont and Countway buildings.
- Find details about HOLLIS Access Options on the HOLLIS User Guide
- My Favorites: saved ("pinned") items, searches, and alerts.
Scan & Deliver, InteribraryLoan, and ONLINE ACCESS links that require HarvardKey login are available only to current Harvard students, staff, and faculty.
Pro Tip: if you find an item that lists a Harvard Library location but is not currently available for pickup, you may contact Access Services to inquire about access options. In some limited cases, we may be able to retrieve the Harvard copy for your use.
