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Haverford College

About the Library

Haverford’s Libraries give information and research support to students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the College. Library staff focus their energies on helping individual users identify what they need, retrieve it quickly, and use it effectively. Most of Haverford’s varied collections of print, visual, audio, and electronic media are tied to the academic curriculum, but rare materials unique to the College attract researchers worldwide.

The Libraries share both catalog and collections with Bryn Mawr and Swarthmore Colleges. The Tri-College library consortium leverages the strengths of its combined collections and staff to provide a broader range of resources and stronger specialist guidance than is possible in the typical small liberal arts college.

Library Facts & Figures

Library History

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Early photograph of Magill Library Reference Room, Magill Library Researchers working in Quaker and Special Collections The Sharpless Gallery Studying in the Library Browsing Collections, Magill Library David Conners, Digital Collections Librarian Reference Help in the Library In-office Consultation with a Librarian Magill Library Information Hub White Science Library Current Periodicals Quaker and Special Collections Reading Room Contact us at the Library
Haverford's main library, named for James P. Magill (HC 1907), has been located on the same site since 1865.
Numerous renovations over time have sustained its reputation as one of the most attractive buildings on campus. It houses the bulk of Haverford's collection of 572,539 print volumes.
Haverford's collections attract researchers from across the country, particularly those interested in Quakers and Quaker history.
The Sharpless Gallery houses exhibitions featuring treasures from Haverford's libraries, special collections, and archives.
Throughout the Library there are secluded spots for quiet study.
The Library atrium is a more public area, featuring browsing collections of fiction, videos, and cds.
Twenty-nine professional and paraprofessional staff work in Haverford's libraries. The libraries are also one of the largest employers of students on campus. Collectively, student library assistants work more than 20,000 hours each year.
During regular business hours, professional reference librarians are on-call, ready to help you find what you need.
You can also schedule an in-office consultation with a subject specialist.
Public access computers and printers are located in all of Haverford's libraries.
The White Science Library is the newest campus branch, a bright, open space to study and relax.
The Libraries maintain collections of print and electronic periodicals related to research and teaching at Haverford. Currently, Haverford spends 47% of its annual materials budget on subscriptions to 13,637 electronic journals.
The Quaker and Special Collections, located in Magill Library, are open to the public. Faculty and student researchers frequently use its rare materials in their work.
If you have a question about Haverford's Libraries, collections, or services, please get in touch.
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