Library
Because the streets have still not been plowed and staff cannot reach parking and their workplace, and because another storm is on the way, Dumbarton Oaks gardens, museum, library, and refectory will be closed to the public once again on Tuesday, February 9th. Non-essential staff will not be expected to work.
The library and main house will be open only to fellows and staff on Tuesday. The library and main house will also be open on Wednesday to fellows and those staff who wish to use them: a decision will be reached on Tuesday about non-essential staff.
© 2007 Sheila KlosMission statement
The Research Library exists to advance scholarship in Byzantine, Garden and Landscape, and Pre-Columbian studies through the comprehensive collection of materials in multiple media, published and unpublished; description and arrangement of those materials and presence of informed staff to ensure efficient access; exhibition of collections; and preservation of knowledge in these disciplines whether in print or digital formats for use by future generations.
Overview
The Dumbarton Oaks Research Library collects materials to support scholarship in Byzantine studies, Pre-Columbian studies, and garden and landscape studies. It comprises four formerly independent collections-the above-mentioned three plus the photo archives. In 1999, the collections came together administratively to form the Research Library as it exists today.
The general library collections contain more than 200,000 items in a variety of formats. All materials are non-circulating.
The Rare Book Collection contains more than 10,000 volumes, prints, drawings, photographs, and blueprints.
The Image Collections & Fieldwork Archives holds more than 500,000 images in a variety of formats, the majority of which are Byzantine subject matter. Photographs and archival collections supporting Pre-Columbian studies and garden and landscape studies are being actively developed.
Use of the collections requires prior authorization as a reader. Due to space limitations, the Rare Book Collection and Image Collections & Fieldwork Archives require appointments to be made in advance of every use.