Using Harvard's Libraries

Guidelines for Students, Faculty & Researchers 

In order to access to Harvard Libraries, an online form must first be completed.
Registration Process:

1. Online Form:
   • Select the "Non-Harvard Researcher/Non-Harvard Student" option.
   • On the subsequent screen, choose "Fletcher."
   • Use your Tufts email and your name as it appears on formal documents (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
2. Access Levels:

• Library Access Card:
  A one-time $25 charge is levied for a plastic library access card. This card allows entry but does not permit borrowing from Harvard Libraries. You can access public computers and certain databases that permit "Visitor Access" (check the respective library’s website for details).
• Library Access and Borrowing Card:
  • 6 months: $250 (includes Restricted Access Stacks)
  • 12 months: $450 (includes Restricted Access Stacks)

For borrowing, we recommend you use the Interlibrary Loan Service at Ginn Library.

Post-Registration:

1. After submitting the form, the Harvard Library Access and Borrowing Office will email you within 3-5 business days with a link to schedule an appointment.
2. At the appointment, bring your Fletcher ID and a valid government-issued ID.
3. Pay the $25 ID card fee and any additional charges (eg, for borrowing privileges).
4. You will be directed to the Harvard University ID office to pick-up your plastic card.

Renewal:

1. Renew your access each year by filling out the online registration form and scheduling another appointment with the Borrowing Office.
2. Students can renew until the graduation date specified on their ID card.

Levels of Library access:

The Library Access card allows entry to all Harvard Libraries during normal opening hours, except:

• Countway Library (Harvard Medical School): Access only on Saturdays.
• Lamont Library: No access permitted.

1. Libraries with Restricted Stacks access: 
   • Fine Arts Library
   • Schlesinger Library
   • Widener Library--  NB: A large percentage of the collection is in off-site storage and requires a request for retrieval.
      
2. Libraries with Open Stacks access:
   • Baker Library at Harvard Business School
   • Cabot Science Library
   • Countway Medical Library
   • Design School Library
   • Divinity School Library
   • Fung Library
   • Gutman Education School Library
   • Harvard Law Library
   • Kennedy School Library
   • Tozzer Anthropology Library
   • Yenching Library

Additional Information:

• Access and Borrowing Office
  • Office Hours: M-F, 9am-6pm
  • Location: Widener Library, Room 130
  • Email contact: hl_accessborrowing@harvard.edu
  • Phone: 617-495-4166
  • Harvard Libraries - Visitors Access Website
• Harvard Libraries Hours
• Harvard Online Library Catalog

For questions about these procedures, please contact the Ginn Librarians.