Bentley Historical Library

Houses the Michigan Historical Collections of primary resource material on state and local history, as well as the U-M archives. Archivists help with specific inquiries. Items may be used only on site. Sept.–mid-Apr.: Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Mid-Mar.–mid-Apr.: also open Wed. 6–9 p.m. Mid-Apr.–Aug.: Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. bentley.ref@umich.edu, www.bentley.umich.edu/

Clements Library

World-famous collection of historical material about American history and culture from 1492 to 1950, including rare books, manuscripts, prints, maps, music, and photographs. Its resources are available for historical research. Regular exhibits open to the public; tours available by appointment. Reading room: Mon.–Fri. 9–11:45 a.m. & 1–4:45 p.m. Exhibits: Mon.–Fri. 1–4:45 p.m. clements@umich.edu, www.clements.umich.edu

College, school, and departmental libraries

The system includes many specialized libraries. Call for locations and hours. Libraries open to the public include Area Programs, 936–2347; Asia, 764–0406; Dentistry, 764–1526; Fine Arts, 764–5405; Information (includes library science), 936–3038; Law, 764–9324; Museums, 764–0467; and Social Work, 764–5169. Some independent college, school, and departmental libraries have more specialized collections or more limited public access. These include the Center for Afroamerican and African Studies Library, 764–5518, and the Kresge Business Administration Library, 764–1375.

Gerald R. Ford Library

This library, run by the National Archives and built after Ford (a U-M grad) left the presidency, offers more than 20 million memos, minutes, cables, photos, news videos, oral histories, and more. The focus is on domestic and foreign affairs and national politics, mostly during the 1960s and 1970s. Anyone may use this material. Mon.–Fri. (except federal holidays) 8:45 a.m.–4:45 p.m. ford.library@nara.gov, www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov