Glass Plate Collection FAQ

Are the Glass Plate Collection and Wolbach Library the same?

Harvard's Astronomical Photographic Glass Plate Collection is a special collection administered by the Wolbach Library. The Wolbach Library contains collections owned by both the Harvard College Observatory and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The Glass Plate Collection is a Harvard College Observatory collection.

What are the Plate Stacks?

The term "Plate Stacks" refers to the physical location in which the Glass Plate Collection is housed. The Plate Stacks are located at 60 Garden Street within D building

How do I access high resolution images of glass plates?

Please email harvardplatestacks@cfa.harvard.edu for assistance accessing images of glass plates. We are currently updating systems that will allow you to access images directly, but this work is ongoing. 

How do I request permission to publish glass plate images?

Please complete this short reproduction request form. A member of the Wolbach staff will follow up with you. Image credit lines should read: "Harvard College Observatory, Astronomical Photographic Glass Plate Collection."

How do I arrange a tour of the Plate Stacks?

Please email harvardplatestacks@cfa.harvard.edu to arrange a tour.

How do I arrange a research visit to the Plate Stacks?

Please email harvardplatestacks@cfa.harvard.edu.

The Plate Stacks are open to researchers by appointment only. Researchers are not permitted access the Glass Plate Collection without a staff member present.

How do I cite a specific glass plate photograph?

Citation guide coming soon.

Where can I find out more about the Women Astronomical Computers?

More information is available through our continuously updated list of Women Astronomical Computers. You can also contact us for research support.