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Home > About Us > Alumni > Resources > Harvard Library Access
Harvard Library Access
Even after you have earned your degree, you still have access to the vast Harvard library system, on campus and online. Visit the HKS Library Alumni Services site to learn more about access for your professional, academic, or personal research.
HKS Library Access
HKS alumni are welcome to use the HKS Library during regular hours. On weekends, building access is through the courtyard entrance and photo identification is required. An HKS special borrower's card is available to HKS alumni who wish to borrow materials from the Kennedy School Library only. Application forms are available at the Circulation Desk. Please allow one hour for processing of the application.
- HOLLIS, Harvard's online library catalog, is searchable from anywhere in the world.
- Ask A Librarian is a resource where HKS research librarians are available to assist in locating materials and information not found in Harvard’s subscription databases.
- EBSCO's Academic Search Alumni Edition database provides full-text for more than 3,350 journals and covers many areas of academic study including public policy, international affairs, economics, environment, religion, education, the sciences, and more. To register for free access, e-mail Library Research.
Note: The HKS special borrower’s card is for the Kennedy School library only. For access to other Harvard College Libraries, see information below.
Harvard College Libraries
The HCL Library Privileges Office at Widener Library grants various library cards to alumni, depending on the nature of the visit: temporary pass, stacks access, limited borrowing and regular borrowing. Fees apply for a Special Borrower card. For more information on alumni library privileges, please consult the Widener Library web site or visit the Library Privileges Office on the first floor of Widener Library.
Note: Alumni may only access electronic resources such as LexisNexis and Academic Search Premier from the public computers in the Harvard College libraries if they have an HCL Special Borrowers Card. Harvard’s contracts with vendors restrict remote access to these resources.
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