Frequently Asked Questions
HSP welcomes researchers to its library at 1300 Locust Street. However, we also realize that not everyone can come and do research themselves. Don’t worry; we have a couple of options. If you have a quick question (such as: Do you have the records for Mt. Moriah Cemetery?), you can click here to submit your question to our library staff. If your question is a bit more involved (such as: Is my Aunt Edna buried in Mt. Moriah Cemetery?), try our Research-by-Mail service. For a pre-paid fee, a skilled staff researcher at HSP will work on your research topic and search through our extensive archive. While we cannot guarantee results, we will make every effort to help you by documenting all sources consulted during our research. HSP members receive a discount on these research services.
The short answer is no. HSP has over 22 million items in its collections. Only a small fraction of the material is digitized and searchable.
Items which are digitized (mostly graphic material) can be searched and browsed in our Digital Library.
Discover, our online catalog, includes information about HSP’s print materials, manuscript collections, maps, microfilm, and more. Check this catalog to see if an item is in our collections; you will still need to come to HSP (or contact HSP staff) to use the materials.
For a more detailed overview of how to find the materials you seek in HSP's collections, see our Overview of Research Tools.
Due to staffing and space constraints, HSP librarians cannot page material prior to your visit. However, paging is a relatively quick process as all HSP materials are located on-site.
The staff at HSP want to make sure that our material will be around for generations of researchers to come. Unfortunately, a few bad apples can ruin it for others. To minimize collection loss, researchers may only bring in personal devices (laptops, phones, etc.) or bound items such as notepads or books. Portfolio cases, briefcases, computer cases, etc. are not permitted. HSP provides free lockers in our Lobby for storing your personal items while you're here.
Any item which may make a permanent mark (pens, markers, highlighters, lipstick, etc.) are prohibited in the library. Additionally, anything which could leave a stain, like food or drink, is not allowed (food also invites critters into our building). Patrons are welcome to enjoy a snack or beverage in the new patron lounge in our recently renovated lobby!
The Reading Room is on the same HVAC system, unfortunately, as the vaults. The vaults are kept at 68 degrees for the preservation of paper items. Researchers are welcome to wear sweaters, blazers, or sports coats in the library to weather the cool conditions.
We are always pleased when someone finds an image or wishes to use a quote from one of our documents. Simply contact our Rights & Reproductions Department for permission: [email protected].
If you have a manuscript or graphic item, please contact Cary Hutto. If you have a printed book or serial, contact Anthony DiGiovanni.
Please contact our development office for details on how to support HSP: [email protected].
