Using the library

The Library is open to public researchers by appointment. Our staff are happy to provide reference consultations and research recommendations on the history of design, decorative arts, architecture, and related fields. To request a research appointment please contact: CooperHewittLibrary@si.edu 

The Library features a reading room with public computer stations, open stacks for approximately 30,000 volumes, and scanning equipment.  Onsite researchers will also have access to the complete collection of databases, electronic journals, and other online resources provided through Smithsonian Libraries and Archives. All library collections are non-circulating and must be consulted in the reading room. Reserve shelves are available upon request.

Explore Library Collections

The Library catalog is available through the SLA Discovery search platform. Smithsonian Libraries and Archives’ holdings are also included in WorldCat, an international database of library and research collections.

To see results held at Cooper Hewitt in the Discovery catalog, please enter your keyword search, select the “held in library” button, and limit to Cooper Hewitt Library using the facets menu on the left side of the page. Books listed in the collection “Cooper-Hewitt Smithsonian Design Library Main” are browsable in open stacks during your appointment. Rare and restricted use items require a request in advance (see directions below). 

Cooper Hewitt Library holds several special collections with archival contexts, including the E.F. Caldwell & Co. Lighting Collection, the Therese Bonney Photographs Collection, and the Kubler picture collection. Please note, designer-related archives are housed and overseen by the Cooper Hewitt Museum. Researchers can access more information about Smithsonian archives through SOVA: Smithsonian Online Virtual Archives

How to Find the library

On the day of your appointment, please enter at the staff entrance, 9 East 90th Street (Miller-Fox Townhouses), and check in at the Security Desk with a photo ID. A member of the Library staff will come to guide you upstairs to the Library on the 2nd Floor.  

Reading Room policies  

Personal belongings may be left in the secure reference desk area.
Phones are permitted but must be muted.
The following items may not be brought into the Reading Room: 

  • Bags, backpacks, briefcases, purses
  • Cases (for computers and cameras)
  • Coats, hats
  • Food, drinks, gum, candy
  • Pens, markers, highlighters 

Only pencils/paper or personal computers may be used to take notes. Library materials may not be written on, altered, leaned on, folded, traced, or otherwise stressed. 

Reserve shelves are available for long-term readers, staff, fellows, and Parsons History of Design & Curatorial Studies students and faculty. Please email the Library staff to request a shelf. 

Book cradles are provided by Library staff. 

An overhead scanner is available free of charge for use with general collection books. Scans may be emailed or downloaded to a personal flash drive. 

Security and preservation standards must be observed at all times. Library staff will recall books if improper use or intent to damage is observed. Readers who do not follow Smithsonian Libraries and Archives’ policies will be asked to leave the library. 

requesting Rare Books & Special Collections for an appointment

Cooper Hewitt Library holds rare books, restricted use books, trade catalogs, World’s Fairs catalogs, and other special collections that require a request in advance to consult.  

  • All rare books and special collections items must be examined in the Library reading room.
  • Rare materials are available for use at the discretion of Library staff and may be restricted because of fragility or poor condition.  
  • Please use Smithsonian Libraries and Archives Discovery catalog to search for rare books and special collections.  All rare books and special collections are kept in a secure area. Readers must ask for a specific item before their appointment.  
  • Rare book/special collections requests must be received 1 week before an appointment takes place. Same-day rare book appointments are not permitted. 
  • Rare items are brought to the reader by Library staff in morning and afternoon sessions. No more than 5 items may be used per session.  
  • Readers must wash their hands prior to a rare book/special collections appointment. 
  • Please refrain from wearing fingernail polish or fingernail extensions as it can leave residue on or damage rare materials. 
  • Readers should be aware of long hair, scarves, or jewelry dragging across rare materials if they are looking closely. 
  • Photocopying, flat scanning, and handheld scanning of rare materials is not permitted. Readers may take reference photographs in the reading room (with a camera or phone), without flash or tripods.
  • Readers who require images for publication, commercial, or other official uses may place a request through Smithsonian Libraries and Archives: Copyright and reuse