Exterior of the North Gallery at Spencer Research Library.

Kenneth Spencer Research Library

We welcome everyone to discover stories from KU, Kansas, and around the world within Spencer's remarkable and diverse 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.

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Service Updates

We are ready to welcome you safely for the fall semester.
Learn What to Expect

Research Appointments

You can schedule an appointment to use the Reading Room. Appointments are not required.
Schedule an Appointment

Aeon Login

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

Spencer Collections

You can find information about, and digitized surrogates of, materials in a variety of places.
Start Your Research

Fall 2021 Hours

Building Hours

August 23-October 1
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: Closed

October 2-January 17
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Sunday: Closed

Reading Room Hours

August 23-October 1
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: Closed

October 2-January 17
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 12: 30 p.m. | Sunday: Closed

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

Exceptions

  • Mon., Sep. 6: Closed, Labor Day Holiday
  • Sat., Oct. 9: Closed, Fall Break
  • Thu., Nov. 25-Sat., Nov. 27: Closed, Thanksgiving Holiday
  • Sat., Dec. 18: Closed, Winter Break
  • Fri., Dec. 24-Sun., Jan. 2: Closed, Christmas Holiday
  • Sat., Jan. 8: Closed, Winter Break
  • Sat., Jan. 15: Closed, Winter Break
  • Mon., Jan. 17: Closed, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
Aerial view of the KU campus prominently featuring Spencer Research Library, the Campanile, and Strong Hall.

New at Spencer Research Library

Graphic with the exhibit name, "Mary Huntoon: Artist and Art Therapist,” and a black-and-white photograph of Huntoon standing at an easel with paintings behind her.

Current Exhibition

Learn about the career of Kansas artist Mary Huntoon (1896–1970), a key figure in printmaking and the founding of art therapy.
Learn More
Graphic that says "KU Common Book, 2021-22" and the title of the work, "Braiding Sweetgrass."

Common Book Guide

Discover archival collections and print sources at Spencer that relate to the 2021-2022 KU Common Book, "Braiding Sweetgrass."
Explore Resources
Multiple volumes of medieval manuscripts arranged on a table.

Upcoming Workshops

Attend upcoming library workshops that focus on medieval manuscripts. Workshops are open to everyone.
Learn More/Register
Exterior of Spencer Research Library's North Gallery with a "play video" icon and the words "Learn more about Kenneth Spencer Research Library."

Introductory Video

Find out what makes Spencer Research Library a special and inspiring place on the KU campus.
Watch on YouTube