The Hayes Research Library and Perkins Archives offer a range of resources for researchers covering both historical and current topics related to blindness and deafblindness education. Perkins Archives provides an overview of resources available in our collections including digitized assets. Many of our items are available digitally, including the most commonly used archives collections.  Samuel P. Hayes Research Library provides more information about research library resources including online catalog and holdings. 

Have a research question?

Please contact the Research Library with the details of your question or project. It’s helpful if your initial email shares details about your project or question, including: 

Access to resources

Once we receive your initial inquiry, we’ll reply and share relevant resources in our collection. At that time, we’ll also let you know about options for scanning or digitization of materials that aren’t already digitized, including any applicable costs and timeframe. You can generally expect a reply within two working days. We are also glad to schedule a research consultation by video call to talk about materials in our collections and other resources. 

Thanks to digital options, most research can now be done without visiting Perkins. However, we’re glad to discuss research on site on a case by case basis for relevant items.

Frequently asked questions

We schedule these calls when the Research Library is open (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, Eastern time.) We are closed on weekends and Perkins holidays.

We will do our best to find a time that works for you, but available time slots may be limited and vary. We have a small staff and appreciate your patience.

Yes! Please select “Virtual research visit” and describe the topics you are interested in. We will ask for your main questions in advance so we can have information about your topic ready and confirm dates and other details. 

Please allow at least three working days for us to find a time to talk, and have at least three times you might be available when we are open to help us schedule a call. We are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, Eastern time and closed on weekends and Perkins holidays.

Absolutely. Please select “virtual research visit” and describe the project or topics.

Contact Us

Have a question?

Contact the Research Library and Archives staff for help. We look forward to assisting you!

Wooden filing cabinets in the Research Library hold a display of books. Additional shelves are visible in the back.

Learn about our materials and resources.

Our catalog offers practitioner resources including historical materials about how practices and teaching approaches have changed over time.