Research Services Overview
Elizabeth Reed Rare Book and Manuscript Reading Room
Located on the 2B level of the Carl A. Kroch Library on the central Cornell campus, The Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections is open to the public—to students, faculty, visiting researchers and members of the community. We provide on-site and remote reference services, and instruction sessions for all levels of students. We also offer exhibitions in the Samuel L. Hirshland Exhibition Gallery and provide on-line versions of our current and past exhibitions.
Anyone may visit Cornell to see materials held by the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections (Kroch Library hours). However, because the Division's collections are old, scarce, and often fragile, they do not circulate, and are stored in a secure vault with carefully controlled temperature and humidity. Collection items will be retrieved by library staff upon request for use in the Division's Reading Room in Kroch Library.
Our collections page offers a descriptive overview of Cornell's strongest rare book and manuscript collections. Please consult How to Find Rare Books and Manuscripts, our registration procedures, and our visitor information page for more information.
For questions concerning reproducing Cornell University building plans and drawings, please contact Planning, Design and Construction (PDC).