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Access Services

Princeton University Library’s Special Collections is open to all. We welcome you to the reading rooms in Firestone and Mudd Libraries during our open hours of Monday-Friday 9am-4:45pm during the academic year and 9am-4:15pm during the summer. The information on this page will help you get started with your research.

Discovery Tools

You can start your research through our various online discovery tools. We’ve highlighted the most commonly used tools here:

  • Use the Finding Aids Database to locate archival material. Use the Library Catalog to locate printed material and other special collections items. Many of our digitized materials can be found in these resources.

  • DPUL and PUDL are also both great ways to browse some of our digitized collections.

  • Looking for a senior thesis or dissertation?  It may already be digitized and available through DataSpace or ProQuest. If it’s not already digitized, you can place a request through the Senior Thesis Order Form.

Once you’ve discovered the materials that are relevant for your research, you can plan your visit. We recommend reviewing the reading room guidelines for more information on what to expect during your time in the library. You are always welcome to reach out to us through the Ask Us! Form with any questions.

Remote Services

Email Reference:  If you have a simple question or just require information verification, drop us a note through the Ask Us! form and we can help you find the answer.

Digitization: You can place a digitization request for most materials in the collection via our Ask Us! form. Details about our digitization program can be found on our Digitization and Publication Services page. This is also where you will find our Copyright, Credit and Citation Guidelines.

Virtual Reference: You are welcome to request a virtual consultation with a staff member who can review collection materials with you over Zoom. Consultations are limited to 1 hour. This is a great way to get a sense of what’s in the collection or to help you narrow down a digitization request. You can request a virtual reference consultation by contacting us through the Ask Us! form.