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

The Supreme Court Affirmative Action Rulings: An Analysis

The underlying arguments project clashing worldviews of race and appropriate remedies.

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

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

Lafayette’s Unexpected Gift to George Washington: Pheasants

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

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.

A profile illustration of a man surrounded by colorful, whimsical text in multiple languages.

For both American and international students, growing up is like learning a new language.

A woman with long, silver hair rests her chin on her hand, wearing a black top.

Author and Harvard Divinity School writer-in-residence Terry Tempest Williams finds beauty in the world around us.