Harold T. Clark Library

Open Tuesday through Friday
9:30 am to 2:30 pm
Public access by appointment only

The Harold T. Clark Library consists of more than 20,000 books and a 40,000-plus periodical collection that includes over 3,000 individual titles. Holdings focus on natural history and science topics that reflect the Museum's interests and ongoing research initiatives. Subjects covered include paleontology, archaeology, anthropology, astronomy, botany, entomology, ecology, geology, mineralogy, zoology, ornithology, and natural history art. 

Rare Book Collection

The Library also possesses a 1,000-volume Rare Book Collection kept in secure, environmentally controlled compacted storage. The collection includes works by John James Audubon, John Gould, and Edward Curtis. View selected highlights from the Rare Book Collection here. 

The Library participates in an institutional exchange program with other libraries, museums, and universities around the world. Current partners include more than 300 institutions from as near as the Cleveland region to as far away as China, Germany, and South Africa. Exchanged titles include scientific and news-related publications spanning many languages and interests. Such exchange initiatives help to enrich our collection and distribute our original research to other institutions throughout the world.

Using the Library

The Library's mission is to serve the ongoing needs of the Museum's researchers and curators. Although our books do not circulate to the public, the Library's collections are open for browsing and onsite reference. If you wish to view any of the Library's holdings, please make an appointment in advance by contacting Museum Librarian Wendy Wasman by phone at (216) 231-4600 ext. 3222 or email at wwasman@cmnh.org. 

Research requests and inquiries from Museum visitors and the general public are also welcome by phone or email at any time. 

The Library also encourages individuals interested in library work to inquire about volunteer opportunities, internships, or practicum projects. Visit our Library Blog to learn more about upcoming opportunities and other Library news.

For more information please contact:
Wendy Wasman, Librarian, (216) 231-4600, ext. 3222, wwasman@cmnh.org