Bentley Historical Library

"Bentley, the University of Michigan Archives, is a really easy-to-use archive, especially the attentiveness of the staff and the variable configurable viewing desk, which is a real advantage that Yale, LC, and NYPL don't have. The facility is full of user-oriented consideration. At the University of Michigan Library, I researched the archives of WW Bishop, who established the name of Michigan in the early 20th century, and said that the true strength of a university library is a library that preserves such materials. There is also. One of the services unique to this library is that you can work toward the courtyard, and that nutria sometimes appear to comfort users."

"As a researcher from Ohio State, it pains me to say this, but the Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan is an absolute treasure. Having made two research trips, I can say that the staff is always friendly and their systems are easy to use. Of all the libraries/archives I have visited between the United States, Taiwan, and the PRC the Bentley Historical Library was the most visitor friendly."

"I was awed by the service and all-around atmosphere of the Library. The staff is friendly and helpful. They answer all questions and provide requested materials in a fast and friendly manner. I am partially disabled, and they helped accommodate my needs. Thank you Library Staff."

"Very cool to research here!"

"This place is so cool, if I hadn't taken my history course I would have never known about it. They keep all sorts of records tangentially related to the university's history. I was unable to go with my class for the initial meeting where they explained the rules, but the staff helped me out without complaint. The staff have always been helpful, and even interested in what kind of work I was embarking on. In my quest to learn about how WWII veterans changed the university, I was able to come across other information thanks to the archivist about the Army's Japanese Intensive Language course that ultimately led to the formation of the Center for Japanese Studies. There's a crazy history of spying, moving folks from the internment camps on the west coast, and professors pulling military strings to get the cultural studies of Japan ramped up through the university. I've come across language books, letters, and amazing photos through all this. So far, this has been the highlight of my first semester at the university. The only challenge is parking. They have a really small parking lot, and you have to get a hang tag from inside. The university's bus stop isn't terribly far, and I've used that as well when I wasn't sure on parking. In the worst case scenario, parking at the VA hospital across the street would be viable."