Library Services
Schedule a Library Visit
The Othmer Library is open to researchers by appointment only. Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm (except major holidays) and must be made and confirmed 24 hours in advance.
Ask a Reference Question
Our librarians and archivists are happy to provide research assistance and reference services free of charge.
Apply for a Travel Grant
The Othmer Library offers $1,000-per-week travel grants for periods of up to two weeks for researchers who live more than 75 miles from Philadelphia. Applications and research visits are accepted and approved on a rolling basis.
Copy Requests
To request photocopies and document delivery, please email us at documents@sciencehistory.org or call us at 215.629.5146. Interlibrary loan requests can be made through WorldShare, OCLC Symbol: C8F.
Reading Room Policies
Please follow these simple procedures when you arrive:
- Provide a current photo ID
- Fill out a registration form
- Place umbrellas and bags into a locker
- Use only pencils or laptops for note taking
- Use of digital cameras is allowed for research purposes
- Further procedures for archival collections and rare books will be provided
Library Staff
Contact members of the Othmer Library staff.

Jahna Auerbach
Digital Collections Librarian

Phillip Bellizzi
Public Services Librarian

Michelle DiMeo
Vice President of Collections and Programs; Arnold Thackray Director of the Othmer Library

Erin Gavin
Assistant Collections Manager

Kenton Jaehnig
Senior Archivist

Caroline Meehan
Librarian

Sarah Newhouse
Digital Preservation Archivist

Jonathan Rochkind
Software Developer/Technical Lead

Eddie Rubeiz
Library Applications Developer

Patrick H. Shea
Chief Curator of Archives and Manuscripts

James Voelkel
Curator of Rare Books

Gabriela Zoller
Director of Library Services