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A Research Guide to Black Librarianship at the Schomburg Center: Jean Blackwell Hutson Research & Reference Division

Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division

The Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division holds and provides access to books, serials, microforms, and maps containing information by and about people of African descent throughout the world, concentrating on the humanities, social sciences, and the arts. Geographically, the collection emphasizes the Americas, the Caribbean, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Visiting the Collection


Reading room of the Schomburg CollectionCan researchers walk in to access the collection?
We are open for research and quiet study, and to access the Library's general collections.

Are research appointments required to access the collection onsite?
General collections are available to view without an appointment.

Who can researchers contact with further questions?
Please email us at schomburgreference@nypl.org with any additional queries.

Learn more about this division

Ask a librarian

Contact Us

Emailing us is always the best option: schomburgreference@nypl.org or fill out this online reference form

You can also reach us by phone during our operating hours: 212-491-2218

Visit us in person:

Research and Reference Division Hours

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 11am - 5pm

Wednesday: 11am - 5pm

Thursday: 11am - 5pm

Friday: 11am - 5pm

Saturday: 11am - 5pm

Sunday: Closed

Holiday Closing Hours