Frequently Asked Questions

Your first step to exploring the archives is creating a research account. Then, we recommend visiting our Discover page to locate resources that will shed light on whatever you’re researching.

When you find items you’re interested in, you can visit the library’s reading room to see them in person. The first step in any visit is to request the items you want to see. Unlike a regular library where you find things on the shelf, we actually bring items directly to your reading room table when you’re here. Can’t visit in person? You can always request digital copies.

While in the Bentley’s reading room, you are welcome to view one item, or up to 5 books, at a time. Some materials may be stored offsite and need extra time for retrieval; rest assured, we will email you if that is the case.
If you get stuck, don’t worry. You’re welcome to reach out to us, and we can help!

Visit the research account login page. Then, please click the University of Michigan login option if you are a student, faculty, or staff member, or click the Guest Login option if you are a visitor from outside of U-M, or an alum.

If you have forgotten your password, click the “Forgot Password” option. If you are unable to reset your password using the “Forgot Password” option, reach out to us at: [email protected] and we can help you reset it.

There are two main ways to search what the Bentley has: finding aids and the catalog. We recommend using both! Keep in mind that searching for material at an archive can be complicated. Things that make sense in a “google” world don’t always translate. Our how-to guide on using finding aids may help.

We also offer research guides for some of our most popular topics to get you started.

So many! You can start here to explore our online materials. These are materials you can access right now, from wherever you are. These are often part of a larger physical collection.

Yes, you certainly can! There are lots of places in the archives to look for people who attended U-M, but some of the best places are listed on this guide!

When you find items you’re interested in, the best thing to do is to visit the library’s reading room to see them in person. The first step in any visit is to request the items you want to see. Unlike a regular library where you find things on the shelf, we actually bring items directly to your reading room table when you’re here.

Appointments are strongly encouraged but not required. Here’s a helpful guide on what to know for an in-person visit.

For the most part, yes. Because many archival documents are unique and fragile, most of them need to be viewed in person.

However, some archival materials from the Bentley have been digitized so that you can view them from your computer. You can start here to explore our online materials, which you can access right now, from wherever you are

You can ask questions via our Ask An Archivist form and request digital copies online by following the steps in this how to order digital copies guide.

You can request copies online by following the steps in this how to order digital copies guide. Questions about our copying process? Let us know, at: [email protected]

Yes, everyone is welcome at the Bentley. The library is free to use, and open to the public.

The Bentley is located at 1150 Beal Avenue in Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-2113. We are on the University of Michigan’s North Campus, directly next door to the Ford Presidential Library.

See our Visiting page for our current hours and exceptions. Our doors will unlock automatically at the start of our business hours.

Free parking is available in the lot on the south side of the library (Lot NC42). Make sure to write down your license plate number and share it with the front desk when you arrive.

No, you are welcome to drop in during our open hours, and we’ll help you! Appointments are optional but are recommended if you want to guarantee space in the reading room will be available during your visit. Learn more about how to make an appointment.