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Search the Herskovits catalog to begin. Use the dropdown menu to narrow results to images, Arabic Manuscripts, or Africana Posters.
Use the Herskovits Library Collection
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Explore the Collection
The Herskovits Library collection includes photographs, maps, posters, videos, books, archival materials and manuscripts, as well as art objects and other material artifacts. Key collections include an extensive poster collection, the Winterton Photograph Collection and Arabic manuscripts from West Africa.
Research & Instruction Services
We are available for research, reference, consultation and instruction to support the exploration and use of our collections.
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University Library, 5th Floor
1970 Campus Drive
Evanston, IL 60208
Hours
Space open for all University Library hours.
Set up an appointment for research assistance or to review rare materials.
About
Established in 1954, the Melville J. Herskovits Library of African Studies at Northwestern University is the largest separate Africana collection in existence. Its scope is as wide as the continent of Africa itself; its subject matter ranges from art, history, literature, music, science, technology and religion to communications, engineering, management and cooking. The Africana collection is a resource for the entire university, and most of Northwestern's disciplinary programs are reflected in the collection. In addition to serving the Northwestern community, the Herskovits Library also serves regional, national and international scholars.