Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division

The Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division holds and provides access to books, serials, and microforms containing information by and about people of African descent throughout the world, concentrating on the humanities, social sciences, and the arts. Geographically, the collection emphasizes the Americas, the Caribbean, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

To search this collection, use the NYPL Research Catalog or the NYPL Legacy Catalog (you can limit your search to the Schomburg Center in this catalog).  Collections stored onsite take around 5-10 minutes to be delivered for use in the Reading Room. Some collections are stored offsite and require 2–3 days for delivery. The NYPL Research Catalog now offers an option to request onsite materials in advance of your visit and another option to request a scan, of up to 50 pages, for most of the materials in the division. 

Learn more about this division. | Plan your research visit.

Can researchers walk in to access the collection?
Yes, we are open for research and quiet study, and to access the Library's general collections, which include books, periodicals, newspapers, microforms and library databases.

Are research appointments required to access the collection onsite?
No appointment is required to access this division. 

Who can researchers contact with further questions? 
For your convenience, fill out this form: Ask a librarian