Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

In this moment of reflection and action, Baker Library commits to providing access to information by building collections and licensing content that reflect a diversity of voices and opinions from a variety of sources. We will make our collections discoverable and accessible through conscious and inclusive language. 

Directions

Harvard Business School
Baker Library | Bloomberg Center
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163

Directions to HBS

Parking on campus is limited; when available, a day permit for the Harvard Business School Visitor Parking Lot can be purchased at the guard booth on the day of your visit.

The HBS campus is a short walk from the Harvard Square train station and two bus lines, the 66 and 86, stop by HBS. See the MBTA website for more information on public transportation options.

The HBS MBA program office provides local accommodation and restaurant suggestions.

Contact

Curriculum & Learning Services

Phone: 1.617.495.6040
Email: infoservices@hbs.edu

Special Collections

Phone: 1.617.495.6411
Email: specialcollectionsref@hbs.edu

To view the Baker Library staff list, use the Harvard Library Staff Directory link below. Once the new page opens, click the "Libraries" link on the left-hand side of the page and Select "Baker Library" from the list. 

GO TO DIRECTORY

Hours

Baker Library hours differ by department and may change based on the academic calendar. Before visiting, please check Library Hours to ensure your visit is successful.

Library Hours

Access Policies

Contemporary Collections Policies

Baker Library Contemporary Collections serves the Harvard Business School community, as well as Harvard University, alumni and visiting researchers. Some visitors may be required to purchase access.

Special Collections Policies

Baker Library Special Collections is open to all users free of charge.

Appointments are not necessary to use the collections, but we encourage researchers to contact Special Collections prior to visiting. Many collections are stored offsite and require 2 to 3 days advance notice for retrieval. 

  

Contemporary Collections Policies

  

  
  

Special Collections Policies

  

Library Spaces

Stamps Reading Room

The Stamps Reading Room on the third floor of Baker Library provides shared tables, individual study carrels, comfortable seating, and public computers. The Reading Room also houses our service desk, where we provide both circulation and research services.

Stamps Reading Room Annex 

This collaborative work space is located on the 3rd floor, adjacent to the Stamps Reading Room. The space features several amenities for patrons including movable tables and chairs, whiteboards, and a digital display that can accommodate multiple laptops simultaneously, as well as a charging station, copier, and scanner.

Stacks (Contemporary Collection)

The majority of Baker's circulating collection, as well as our serials and microformat materials, are located on the Stacks level. Accessible only from the elevator in the within the Stamps Reading Room Annex, the stacks are the quietest study space within the library and provide both team space and individual study carrels.

Financial Database Room

The Financial Databases room is located in the Stamps Reading Room on the third floor of Baker Library. Four dedicated workstations host several specialized financial databases that Harvard faculty, students, and staff can use for academic research. For more information, review the More Information pages for Databases.

De Gaspé Beaubien Reading Room

Special Collections materials are made available to researchers in the de Gaspé Beaubien Reading Room on the first floor of the Baker Library | Bloomberg Center. MBA students are also welcome to use the room as a quiet study space. The Beaubien Reading Room is able to offer research and study space for up to 20 people.

Baker Library Exchange

Located inside the South entrance to the Baker Library | Bloomberg Center on the ground floor, the Exchange features newspapers, comfortable seating for patrons, computer workstations, and two Bloomberg terminals for use by HBS students, faculty, and staff. (Authorized Baker visitors may use the Bloomberg terminals in the Stamps Reading Room.)

About the Library

Baker Library advances the mission of the Harvard Business School by providing distinctive information services, resources and expertise so that our community excels.

Baker Library holds the preeminent collection of contemporary and historic business information in the world. A team of close to 100 librarians, archivists, economists, statisticians, journalists, and information management professionals offer a range of custom research, teaching and learning services and products for Harvard Business School’s diverse community as well as meeting the research needs of the Harvard University community and scholars from around the globe.  

Baker Library is at the vanguard of academic library innovation, experimenting with linked data, semantic data modeling, and digital product development to disseminate faculty research thus creating an information ecosystem in which libraries are integral partners with 21st century scholars.

History of Baker Library

Harvard Business School was established in March 1908 as the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration. A $1,000 gift provided the initial funds to acquire a small library collection, housed in an alcove of Gore Hall (the predecessor to Widener Library).

The library was designated as a "special library" in 1911 and Charles C. Eaton was appointed the first full-time librarian in 1919. The present campus on Soldiers Field in Boston was dedicated in 1927, with Baker Library named for George F. Baker, who donated $5 million dollars to build the entire HBS campus.

Baker Library underwent a major renovation and expansion from 2003-2005. Designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects and built by Skanska USA, the updated Baker Library includes a restored historic lobby and third-floor Stamps Reading Room; the Exchange, a physical and virtual space that offers real-time business and financial information tools; the de Gaspé Beaubien Reading Room which houses the Special Collections Department; and a central stair hall that introduces natural light into the center of the building, with faculty and staff offices on each floor.