Archives Policies

The archival collections of the Botany Libraries are open without fee to all adult researchers regardless of academic affiliation.

Researchers may consult materials from the archives only by advance appointment. To make an appointment please contact botref@oeb.harvard.edu. In general, appointments are available Monday-Friday, from 10 am-1 pm and 2 pm-4 pm, and depend on staff availability. We can only accommodate one archives researcher at a time. Please allow one week for the processing of requests.

Once an appointment is confirmed materials must be requested using HOLLIS Special Request. Visit the HOLLIS Special Request instructions for information on creating an account, placing a request, ordering reproductions, and saving lists of materials in which you are interested.

Researchers can also add items to their HOLLIS Special Request account directly from Harvard’s finding aid portal HOLLIS for Archival Discovery. Learn more about requesting items from HOLLIS for Archival Discovery. If you do not already have a HOLLIS Special Request account, you will be prompted to create one upon submitting your requests from the finding aid. 

For information about requesting reproductions of archival materials, please consult our reproductions policy. 

Please review our Special Collections Handling Guidelines for proper care and handling our materials. Library staff will also offer instruction onsite.

In addition to our General Policies, please be advised of the following when using archival material:

  • Books, notebooks, files, laptop cases, and all bags and purses must be stored in the spaces provided in the reading rooms. Archives researchers may have only loose colored paper (library will provide), pencil, laptop computer, and camera/cell phone with you at the table. No pens or highlighters.
  • Unrestricted material may be photographed for research purposes with a hand held camera or mobile phone.
  • Photocopies, flash photography, tripods, or hand held scanners are not allowed.
  • Materials should be kept in the order in which they are presented.
  • Researchers should not mark, annotate, trace, or alter original material in any manner.
  • Materials may not be removed from clear sleeves.
  • Paperclips and other fasteners should not be removed.
  • Materials should be kept flat on the table and handled as gently as possible.
  • A video is available explaining when to use gloves while handling our materials and Library staff will offer instruction.