How do I know where in the Widener stacks to find a book or other item, and how do I get to it?

Find the item in the HOLLIS library catalog.

• Select the item title to open the detailed record
• Scroll to the “ACCESS OPTIONS” section
• Confirm that the Widener copy does not say “OFFSITE” and that its status is “in library or storage”
• Locate the call number: it is an alphanumeric code that begins with “Widener WID-LC” or “Widener Old Widener” 
  • The two call number types usually look very different but there is some overlap, so including “WID-LC” Or “Old Widener” is very important regardless of what method you use to find its place on the shelf.

Determine which stacks level you need:

• HOLLIS may list the Widener floor and row number, under “MAP IT.” In Widener, row numbers are marked with small brass plates at the top of each row end.
• Otherwise, use the The Widener Stacks Call Number Location Chart to match the item call number to the correct Widener stacks level, Once in the correct area, use the call number ranges posted at the top of each row end to find the right row.
• Take the entire call number with you into the stacks.

Pro tip: once you get to the correct area of the stacks, you will need to pay attention to the number ranges noted at the end of each stack row. If the call number you are looking for is PS 3600, it may be several rows from the beginning of PS 1.

Entering the stacks: 

The stacks entrance is on the 1st floor of Widener, in the Widener Circulation Room just off the Harvard Yard lobby. 

• You will need to tap your Harvard ID at the stacks entrance
• The staff at the stacks entrance are available to help you locate books: if you don’t find the item you’re looking for, return to the stacks entrance to ask for help.

Navigating the stacks: 

• You enter (and exit) the stacks on Level 1-East. There are large floor maps posted on the wall near the stairs and elevators on each floor.  Each level of the Widener stacks (1-6, A-D) has an East and a West side. You can cross over from East to West on levels D and levels 1-6.
• The Widener Stacks Call Number Location chart also shows a map of the stacks. 
• Pusey 2 and Pusey 3 (P2 & P3) are part of an underground annex to the Widener stacks, accessed from Level D-East. 

Sample routes 

• For an item on 3 West, go up to level 3 and walk around to the West side. 
• For one on Pusey 3 (P3), go down to Level D and follow the signs down a long corridor and large tunnel to Pusey. Continue into Pusey 2 until you come to the elevator and/or stairs down to Pusey 3.

Additional Tips:

• Does your call number end with F or PF? It's an oversized book. Look at the end of the section where it would normally be. You’ll find it with other oversized materials from surrounding sections.
• Does the HOLLIS listing say Offsite Storage? Use “Request Pickup” in HOLLIS instead. *Request Pick Up is available for most onsite items if you prefer not to visit the stacks.

Related FAQs:  

How do I read a Widener call number in order to find something in the stacks? 

Why does Widener Library use more than one call number system?