Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street
Third Floor
Room 315
New York, NY 10018
917-275-6975
Directions
Fully Accessible
Open today
10 AM–5:45 PM
Regular Hours
General Research Division
Day Hours
Monday: 10 AM–5:45 PM
Tuesday: 10 AM–7:45 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM–7:45 PM
Thursday: 10 AM–5:45 PM
Friday: 10 AM–5:45 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–5:45 PM
Sunday: 1 PM–4:45 PM

About the Division

Archival image of the General Research Division.

The General Research Division serves as the central research hub in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. The collections are primarily focused in the humanities and social sciences and include literary and scholarly works in over 380 languages with a global reach, from the United States to Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Along with authoritative and scholarly holdings, the library collects many popular, idiosyncratic, and ephemeral materials such as genre fiction, comic books, and pamphlets.

The General Research Division staff welcomes research questions within the broad fields of humanities and social sciences. We're your first stop for navigating the Library's vast collection of print and digital resources, and services. Our expert reference staff provides guidance on how to access our collections, while also sharing research methodologies and skills that aid independent research. We offer free reference services in person and by email, as well as research consultations tailored to your needs. Visiting for research? Email us in advance or schedule a consultation. Explore our online catalog, research guides and databases beforehand to make the most of your visit.

Visiting the Collection

Can researchers access the collection without an appointment?
The Library’s historic Rose Main Reading Room is open for research and quiet study, and to access the Library’s general collections. Visitors wishing to view the room are welcome to join our open hours from 10 AM to 11 AM. 

What else do researchers need to know about accessing the collection?
Use the catalog to browse collections that may be useful to you in order to request them for your visit. Some collections are stored offsite and require 2–3 days for delivery.

Can I book an appointment to speak with a librarian about my research or on the best ways to get started?
Consultations are available for patrons wanting to discuss their research projects and to prepare for a visit to the Library. We offer both virtual and in person consultations. You do not have to have a consultation prior to your visit to the General Research Division. Book a consultation with one of our librarians.

Who can researchers contact with further questions?

Please email us at generalresearch@nypl.org or fill out this form: Ask a Question

Request a Class Visit

Three researchers sit at a table filled with books in the Rose Main Reading Room.

Our staff welcomes students and instructors to explore the collections and resources at our landmark 42nd Street building. We work with instructors to design sessions that use the Library’s remarkable collections to foster creative inquiry, cultivate critical thinking, and develop information literacy skills. Learn more.

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