Collection Reconfiguration

To our readers,

It’s been wonderful to see all of you back in the Folger’s Reading Room these past several months. As you know, our team worked as quickly as possible to safely and efficiently return the collection to the Folger after construction was completed. The work was complex, in part because we not only returned the collection, but we also re-organized books by size in order to maximize space in our stacks. As we approach the end of the move, we need to take some additional time to make sure everything is configured as efficiently as possible.

This is how this work will impact you: Beginning November 25, we are asking that you make requests for materials at least one week before you would like to use them. For example, if you would like to use materials on December 2 (the first day that collection access will be affected by the collection reconfiguration), please submit your requests through the catalog using your OpenAthens account by November 25.

While most materials will be available for researchers, this advance notice will ensure that the process runs more smoothly. This work will be completed by the end of March.

The reconfiguration of our collection ensures that our entire collection can remain here at the Folger and readily accessible to everyone using the Reading Room. It will give us room to add to our collection in the years ahead as well.

The building renovation and the collection move and reconfiguration that the construction necessitated have been a once-in-a-generation project. Thank you for supporting us in our stewardship of this incredible collection.