Division of Rare & Manuscript Collections

Image: Cornell University Library's Rare and Manuscript Collections website banner

Housed on the lowest level of Kroch Library, the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections is open by appointment for research Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, and on some Saturday afternoons. Please consult their web site for specific hours. This is Cornell's largest collection of archival and rare book materials. While books are listed in the library catalog, archival collections are described at the collection (rather than at the item) level, and many have further details on collection contents and arrangement listed on finding guides. Notable photography collections described here.

Researchers must register to use the Rare collections. To register: Fill out this online form, then bring a photo ID to the RMC Reference Desk when you come in to do your research.

Cornell's Collections

The Cornell University Library and the Johnson Museum of Art have digitized some of their many collections and made them available online. Here are a few collections of Cornell-held photographic materials that are available to peruse online:

Cameras in the Archives

Victorian Spy Camera Watch, by Brett Jordan. Source: Flickr.

Victorian Spy Camera Watch, by Brett Jordan. Source: Flickr.

Archival material cannot typically be checked out or interlibrary loaned, and usually not photocopied or scanned (except by a staff member, and for a fee). However, many archival institutions will allow you to take photos of pages.

Tips for using a camera in the archives