My Account Faqs

You are searching the:

Like a traditional library catalog, this will help you find published materials such as books or maps. Learn More.

Go to Catalog

Finding Aids are like a table of contents for collections to help you find specific boxes and folders. Learn More

Go to Finding Aids

The website search allows you to search and find content on the website.

Ask an Archivist
Ask an Archivist

How to Research In Person

Before You Visit

You’ll want to request your materials in advance of your visit so we can have them ready when you arrive.

To find materials you want to request, you can explore Bentley collections through the finding aids and catalog.

Both options will let you request the material you’d like to see by adding requests to your Bentley research account.

Please make an appointment if you want to guarantee your desired material will be available during your visit. However, you’re also welcome to visit without an appointment provided there is space available in our reading room.

Welcome to the Bentley Library

Watch this short video about coming to the Bentley:

Once You Arrive

Please check in with our front desk staff, who will help you get settled.

If you parked in our lot, let us know your license plate number and car’s make.

Stow coats, bags, and notebooks in lockers. You can bring items like your computer and pencil to your research table.

If you specified material in advance, your first box or item will be waiting for you in our reading room. You can have one box or up to five books at your research table at a time.

If you need additional materials for your research, our reference staff can help. In general, our staff will explain procedures and get you settled in.

Best Practices During Your Visit

We try our best to keep the material safe and usable for as many researchers as we can, and we ask that you help us in that effort.

Please do:

  1. Wash your hands before working with material
  2. Use one folder at a time and mark your place with an out card
  3. Silence your phone
  4. Leave food, drinks, pens, markers, and highlighters in a locker or at home
  5. Use your phone or camera to take photos of most collections for your own reference (check with staff for details)
  6. Leave extra notes, papers, apparel, and bags in a locker

We have tools to assist you, including:

  1. Foam supports for delicate books
  2. Snake weights to gently prop open pages
  3. Magnifiers
  4. Nitrile gloves to handle photos
  5. Light boxes for slides and negatives
  6. Phone/tablet holders to help you take steady photos
  7. Wifi access

Breaks and Food

We don’t offer a researcher break room, but Pierpont Commons and the Duderstadt Center’s Mujo Cafe are a 5-10 minute walk from the Bentley.

We have small wellness room usable on a first-come, first serve basis; please ask front-desk staff. You can also sit in our courtyard outside the Reading Room or at the Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building across the street.

What if I need more help?

You can always reach out to the Bentley and ask an archivist! We are here to assist.

Ask an Archivist