Bentley Historical Library

In-Person Research

The Bentley Historical Library is open to all researchers, including the general public. Please see below for some updated policies in July 2025!

Please see our Visiting page for hours, location, and parking information. If you need help, please email us at bentley.ref@umich.edu or call the library at 734-764-3482!

Before You Visit

  • Each visitor must register for their own Bentley research account (including all group members).
    • Our Reading Room is a large open area for all researchers, so we can’t accomodate large groups. AS OF JULY 21: we can accomodate 14 people total in the Reading Room, and with a limit of two people per table. Email bentley.ref@umich.edu to ask about your visit or arrange a group/class instruction session.
    • Please register at home to allow more research time with your material (if needed, you can register on our computers or paper when you arrive).
    • Each person should schedule an appointment using their research account at least 24 hours before arrival. Appointments are no longer required; however, they help guarantee an available table in the Reading Room (especially if you’re traveling a long way). We get busy at certain times of the year!
    • If it’s closer than 24 hours to your scheduled date/time, the online system won’t let you make or edit an appointment. Please email bentley.ref@umich.edu or call if you need to change or cancel an appointment.
    • Filming or recording in the Reading Room must be approved in advance by the Assistant Director for Reference Services and/or discussed by administration when necessary. Filming or recording must follow U-M guidelines if necessary.
  • Use your Bentley research account to request all material that interests you.
    • We bring material out to you (we are “closed stacks;” you can’t walk around to look at shelves).
    • If you select a checkbox for one folder in a box, we will retrieve the entire box for your use.
    • You don’t need to assign an appointment to every request. Please use that option to assign one or two boxes/items to your appointment or first day of research. We’ll place one box at your table so you may begin research right away.
    • You can place as many requests as you’d like to create a list of research material in your account; use “No appointment” to submit your request.
  • If you need research help, you can email our Reference staff at bentley.ref@umich.edu.

 When You’re Here

  • We have limited free visitor parking on the south side of the building (Lot NC42); our permits do not apply to the lot across the street. Our doors unlock automatically at the start of our business hours. AS OF JULY 14: the university started a new parking system that relies on license plate numbers; you will need to provide us with 1) your license plate number, 2) make of your vehicle (ex. Ford, Toyota, etc.), and 3) your name.
  • Please check into the Reading Room at the Welcome desk by letting them know you’re here for a research appointment. Let staff know when you leave.
  • Hang coats and jackets in our coatroom and store small personal items in our free lockers. AS OF JULY 21: we don’t allow pens, highlighters, personal notes or books, bags, purses, laptop cases, food/drink (including gum or cough drops), or outside coats in the Reading Room.
  • AS OF JULY 21: you may bring your own laptop/tablet (leave the case in the lockers), cell phone/camera, tripod, headphones, and pencils to your Reading Room table. We have pencils and paper available in the Reading Room, as well as magnifying glasses, light boxes, and foam supports. Please leave your personal notebooks or research materials in your locker. You may take photographs of most material with your own camera or cell phone, but personal scanners are not allowed. We don’t have a public printer or photocopier, but you can place a duplication order if you need better quality scans–ask staff for help.
  • Wash your hands before starting research to protect material for future researchers. Restrooms and water fountains are located off our foyer.
  • To minimize distractions, please silence your phone. If you need to take a phone call, please use the foyer or step outside.
  • The free guest wifi network is “MGuest”. We also have three computer stations to view digital files and search the library catalog, databases, and finding aids. There are two microfilm stations that can scan and save images to your USB drive. We have one height-adjustable table; please email bentley.ref@umich.edu if you’d like to reserve this table.
  • You can have one box or up to five books at your research table at one time. Return material to the circulation staff and ask them when you would like to switch to new material. Because we retrieve materials as you return them, please be patient–it may take 10-15 minutes for us to return with your material (or longer) if the Reading Room is busy.
  • Pierpont Commons and the Duderstadt Center’s Mujo Cafe are a 5-10 minute walk from the Bentley if you would like a coffee or lunch break (please check their websites for open hours); we don’t have vending machines or a break room. If you bring food and need a space to sit, our courtyard outside the Reading Room has a few small benches, and the Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building across the street has a Commons area with an atrium and other seating.
  • If you need research help during your visit, we have Reference archivists available — just ask!