Kenneth Spencer Research Library

We welcome everyone to discover stories from KU, Kansas, and around the world within Spencer's remarkable collections. Here you can encounter rare and unique items ranging from 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablets to more than one million historical photographs of KU.

Video Introduction

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Location, Parking, and Accessibility

Get details about finding the library on KU's Lawrence campus.

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Aeon Login

You need a current user account in our online system, Aeon, to access collections on-site at Spencer.

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Spencer Collections

Find information about, and digitized surrogates of, materials in a variety of places.

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Citation Guide

Get help citing Spencer materials, especially archival collections, using APA, MLA, and Chicago styles.

Consult the Guide

Current Hours

May 18-August 17

Building and Exhibits

Monday-Friday: 9am - 5pm
Saturday-Sunday: Closed

Reading Room (In-Person Research)

Monday-Friday: 10am - 4pm
Saturday-Sunday: Closed

Requests for collection materials are accepted until 30 minutes before the Reading Room closes.

Exceptions

Mon., May 26: Closed, Memorial Day
Thu., Jun. 19: Closed, Juneteenth
Fri., Jul. 4: Closed, Independence Day

New at Spencer Research Library

KU Student Event

Get to know your fellow Jayhawks and Spencer’s remarkable collections through a game of mini golf! Free in the North Gallery on August 21, 1pm to 4pm.

Get Event Details

August-September Exhibit

See examples of paste papers - beautiful decorative book covers and endpapers - from Spencer's collections. Open in the North Gallery through September 30.