Library

The Library is the heart of the Ricci Institute and the online catalog is its primary gateway. For details on our special collections, see under Archives and Rare Books.

The Ricci Library Online Catalog

The Library provides service to Ricci Institute scholars and the Boston College community.

All items in the collection, including digital resources, are non-circulating and must be used on site in the reading room.

Requests should be placed by email to Dr. Mårten Söderblom Saarela.

For each requested item, please include:

  • Title
  • Call number
  • Shelf (Stacks, Rare Book Stacks, etc.)
  • A link to the catalog record. E.g.:

We encourage you to request all of your materials at once and as soon as possible to prevent delays.

Bound special collection materials can be used 3 items at a time. Unbound special collection materials (e.g., boxes, folders, etc.) can be used 1 at a time. The remainder will be kept on hold for you. Special collections materials can be used concurrently with other materials.

All other materials can be used 10 items at a time.

If special collections materials have been digitized, we kindly ask that you use the digitized copies. The use of the originals will have to be justified when placing the request.

Digital materials must be consulted on the designated library computer. Digital materials must not be copied or photographed.

We have a small staff. Please allow until 1:30pm on the following business day for newly requested items to be retrieved for use.

The Library is open every working weekday, including during the summer.

The Library is open Monday-Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm and 1:30-4:30pm. Please begin vacating your seat 10 minutes before closing.

You can leave your personal items in Seminar Room 102-103 during the lunch break. The doors will be locked when the Library is closed.

The Library regularly hosts group and class visits. The Library might close during such visits.

Upon arrival at the Institute, place your coats, bags, and other non-valuable items in the lockers and closet in Room 105 (next to Conference Room 108 on the right as you enter). Do not engage the lock, as the lockers have malfunctioned in the past. The Institute is not responsible for any lost items.

If you will be using special collection materials, wash your hands with soap in one of the restrooms located on either side of the entrance.

Only computers, cell phones, paper and pencil, books, and water in a container with a tight lid are allowed to be brought into the reading room. Please keep your water bottle closed and keep it placed on the floor, not on the table.

Power outlets are available on the floor by each table. Internet access is offered via eduroam for users with eduroam credentials from their home institutions, or via the BostonCollege network. Only eduroam will allow access to Boston College Libraries databases and digital collections.

The Institute has a small kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, coffee maker, hot water kettle, coffee pods and tea leaves, cups, plates, and cutlery which visitors are welcome to use, including between 12:00-1:30pm when the Library is closed.

The Library is easily accessible by public transportation and conveniently located to several dining options.

The Ricci Institute is located on the Brighton Campus at 2125 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02135. It is accessible by public transportation. Tap your credit card on the reader upon boarding buses and trolleys. We do not recommend that you buy a CharlieCard. Stops around the Institute include:

  • The MBTA’s Green Line, B Branch to its southwestern terminus, Boston College. (Recommended if arriving from downtown Boston.)
  • MBTA Bus 86 to Chestnut Hill Ave @ Commonwealth Ave. (Recommended if arriving from Harvard.)
  • MBTA Bus 57 to Washington St @ Brock St. (Further to walk, recommended only if arriving from Watertown.)
  • Parking on the Brighton Campus requires a parking pass. The Library has a limited number of visitor passes available for patrons, please inquire ahead of your visit regarding availability.
  • Food options around the Institute include:

If you want to continue working when the Library is closed, BC’s Theology and Ministry Library (TML) is located a five-minute walk away, on the Brighton Campus north of the Insitute. The TML is open to the public.

The closest post office (USPS) is located on 424 Washington St.

The closest UPS store is located by the Boston College trolley stop.

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