Discover the history and reach of Harvard University’s library system, from Gore Hall to the wide web of special collections.
This work presents a detailed portrait of the Library of Harvard University, outlining its structure, growth, and the breadth of its holdings. It covers the College Library, ten departmental libraries, and twenty-nine Special Reference Libraries, with a combined total of hundreds of thousands of volumes and extensive maps, pamphlets, and coins. It also explains how the library has evolved through gifts, fires, and careful stewardship over more than two centuries.
Structured to show both scope and significance, the notes highlight major collections, governance, and the resources available to scholars. The text emphasizes the Library’s development, the role of dedicated faculty, and the way Harvard’s holdings are organized to support research across many fields.
- A clear inventory of volumes by library type, including counts for College, departmental, and special collections.
- Historical context on gifts, bequests, and the 1764 fire and subsequent restorations.
- Explanations of governance, staffing, and library rules intended to aid researchers and students.
- Descriptions of notable special collections and the resources they contain.
Ideal for readers interested in the history of the Harvard Library, its structure, and its role in supporting scholarship across disciplines.