Acquisitions and Holdings

The University’s extraordinary library system, among the world’s largest, grows apace. In fiscal year 2002, the collections grew by...

The University’s extraordinary library system, among the world’s largest, grows apace. In fiscal year 2002, the collections grew by nearly a quarter-million items—exclusive of additions to the holdings of microfilms (5.5 million), manuscripts (many millions), visual items (more than 5 million), maps (500,000), sound recordings (65,000), and thousands of shelf-feet of ephemera.

Chart by Stephen Anderson   

Most popular

New Harvard research finds octopuses go beyond sight and touch to find mates.

Lafayette’s Unexpected Gift to George Washington: Pheasants

The two birds will be on display at Harvard this summer.

An animal’s journey from grief to love shows how much humans need each other, too.

Explore More From Current Issue

Vibrant urban scene at dusk featuring a mural on a building and illuminated structures.

The Goel Center in Allston will open for performances in the fall of 2026.

Katie O’Dair in academic regalia holds a ceremonial staff outdoors at a graduation ceremony.

How Katie O’Dair makes kings, comedians, and parents feel welcome on campus.

Massachusetts Hall at Harvard Red brick building with a large clock on top, surrounded by green trees.

With a grade inflation vote and in the courts, the University argued that it’s taking steps to change.