Accessing Special Collections

The Smithsonian Libraries Special Collections are freely accessible to researchers and the public primarily by appointment. Depending on its fragility, the use of some material may be restricted.

To discover books and manuscripts in the Special Collections relevant to your study, please search our catalog by clicking here. The online catalog contains records from each branch of the Smithsonian. If you would like to speak to a librarian about your project, determine which branch is most relevant to your research and contact that branch directly.

Walk-in researchers are welcome in Special Collection spaces if staff is available for a short tour or reference questions. For research projects, please call to make an appointment using the contact information on the library branch’s website. This allows the librarians to set aside time for a thorough reference interview if needed and to ensure your materials are prepared and on-site when you arrive.

Photography without flash is allowed in the reading room. Cameras, phones, laptops, pencils and paper can be brought into the reading room. Food and drink, pens, bags, and outerwear must all be left in one of the available lockers. Please bring a photo ID with you to your appointment.

If you require digital images of special collections material and are unable to make an appointment, please request the scans through the Smithsonian Libary’s Inter-Library Loan (ILL) service. If you are not affiliated with an ILL institution, please contact Erin Rushing, the Digital Images Librarian, at rushinge@si.edu . If you have general questions about accessing special collections material at the Smithsonian Libraries, please call 202 633 3872.