What's the best way to search for manuscripts at Harvard?

Manuscripts and/or archives

Harvard Library holds a range of unique items. We generally use the term archives and archival collections to describe a body of material produced or received by a specific person or organization. Archives can include manuscript material such as handwritten notes, drafts, and letters. We generally use the term manuscript to describe a single hand-produced document, such as a medieval book copied by a scribe or an author's draft. 

HOLLIS: Catalog Records

In HOLLIS, you will find collection-level (summary) descriptions of manuscript collections, as well as records for thousands of single manuscript items. You can also find collections of microfilmed manuscripts and archives, as well as databases that provide access to archives and manuscripts digitized from collections all over the world.

HOLLIS for Archival Discovery: Finding Aids

Some HOLLIS records include links to online versions of items or to HOLLIS for Archival Discovery finding aids. Additional finding aids and catalogs are often available only on-site. If you have trouble locating the materials you seek, please contact the specific library or archive directly.

Collection-specific staff & guidance

  • Harvard Library locations & hours
    • All of Harvard Library's repositories - follow the link to the individual repository website for contact information, guides, collection overviews, and more
    • Contact repository staff with questions or to ask for an appointment to discuss your research plan
  • Explore collections
    • Overviews of selected manuscript and archival collections in Harvard's repositories, with information on how to access the collection and who to contact

Additional Tips & Advice

For working with Harvard’s special collections and archives, see How to Use Harvard Library's Special Collections and Archives. 

For finding archives and manuscripts both at Harvard and elsewhere, please consult the Library Research Guide for Finding Manuscripts and Archival Collections.

Have another HOLLIS question? Our HOLLIS User Guide provides an overview of HOLLIS's features and functions.

Service Alert:
  • We're experiencing difficulty with our Research Appointment Request form (under "Meet"). For now, please click on "Email" and describe for us: 
    •  your Harvard affiliation
    • the project you'd like help with
    • whether it's for a particular class, faculty member or department

 

 

Chat

 

Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm
Friday 9am-5pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday 12-7pm

Chat is intended for brief inquiries from the Harvard community.

Meet

Talk to a librarian for advice on defining your topic, developing your research strategy, and locating and using sources. Make an appointment now.

These services are intended primarily for Harvard University faculty, staff and students. If you are not affiliated with Harvard, please use these services only to request information about the Library and its collections.