Acquisitions and Holdings

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

From The May-June 2004 Issue

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   

Published in the May-June 2004 print issue under the headline “Acquisitions and Holdings,” in the John Harvard's Journal section.

Most popular

The Franklin Stove—A Historical Climate Change Adaptation

Historian Joyce E. Chaplin reinterprets an early era of invention, industrialization, and climate challenge

Ronny Chieng Tells Harvard to ‘Destroy AI’ as Graduates Cheer

The comedian and The Daily Show host gave the keynote address for Class Day 2026.

Meet Harvard’s 2026 Student Commencement Speakers

Two undergraduates and a Ph.D. candidate will address the graduating class on May 28.

House - Email

Explore More From Current Issue

Woman with long hair, smiling, wearing a black sweater, in a textured beige background.

Arts & Culture

For This Poet, AI Is a Writing Partner

Sasha Stiles trained a chatbot on her manuscripts. Now, her poems rewrite themselves.

White House and Harvard University buildings split diagonally with contrasting colors.

Harvard in the Crosshairs

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.

Woman in historical dress standing in front of green foliage, smiling brightly.

Alumni Profiles

This Harvard Graduate Brings Women of the Revolution to Life

Historical reenactor Lauren Shear reveals tricks of the trade for playing Tory loyalists, Revolutionary poets, and more.