Request Access
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REQUEST ACCESS
General Library Access
You must be registered and approved as a reader in order to use the library.
Not yet registered as a library reader? Please read the Admittance policy and fill out and submit the registration form below. If approved, you will receive an email.
Special Collections Access
In order to consult special collections materials (rare books, historical, and photograph archives) you must register as a library reader, reserve a slot in the Ahmanson Reading Room, and request materials through Hollis at least 1 working day in advance. Please make a booking for every visit to the Ahmanson Room, including repeat visits as well as first-time consultations.
- Read the Admittance policy below and register as a reader if necessary.
- Once registered, reserve your place in the Ahmanson Reading Room.
- Conduct a search in the HOLLIS catalog for the materials you wish to consult.
- Once the correct catalog record is located and expanded, click Request to Scan or Visit next to the item(s) to be directed to this appointment system.
- Follow the instructions for category All Other Patrons: Login or Register.
- If you have any difficulties or questions, please contact us.
Because of Covid safety protocols, only two readers at a time may use the Special Collections Reading Room.
Admittance
The Berenson Library is a research facility whose primary mission is to support the research needs of current appointees of the Harvard Center and, secondarily, those of former I Tatti appointees and the Harvard University community. The library also welcomes other qualified scholars, post-graduate researchers, and visitors with legitimate reasons to consult our collections.
Exceptions for students or others may be made only on written request to the Director of the Library. In these special cases admittance will be granted for a maximum of two months or ten visits.
Researchers unaffiliated with I Tatti or who do not hold a valid Harvard University ID should present a letter of introduction or, in the case of university faculty members, current university identification. Registration as a reader also requires a government-issued ID. All patrons, including current I Tatti appointees, must obtain a Berenson Library reader's card.
In order to maintain the library as a place of quiet study, tours of groups or individuals are not permitted. Visits of groups for educational purposes, however, may be arranged on written request.
The following users do NOT need to fill out this form:
- Current and Former I Tatti Appointees
- Previously registered readers