Our Teaching Philosophy
We believe that learners of all levels of experience benefit from discovering, accessing, and connecting with The New York Public Library’s research collections.
To create positive and meaningful learning experiences, we:
- Create thoughtful, objective-driven learning experiences with the Library’s collections
- Design class visits that provide students with ample time and tools to analyze resources
- Approach collaboration with external educators as partnerships in which all parties contribute knowledge and preparatory work toward a positive student experience
- Transform students into regular library users
Planning Your Class Visit
Our teams work closely with educators to design and facilitate thoughtful class visits using the Library’s collections.
1. Request
Instructors should fill out and submit the instruction request form. Within 7 to 10 days, a librarian or curator will reach out to set up a planning meeting.
Submit the form at least six weeks before your preferred visit. We encourage you to plan your visit before the start of the semester.
2. Meet
Meet with your NYPL liaison in-person or virtually. At the meeting, you will:
- Review your learning objectives
- Discuss materials
- Establish date and time of visit
- Lay out a preliminary agenda for the visit
- Determine roles and responsibilities
3. Select Materials
We may ask you to research and select class visit materials in advance. Your NYPL liaison will help you identify pertinent collections and, if needed, ask that you come into the Library to locate and select documents.
Items should be finalized no less than two weeks before the class visit.
4. Visit
Please arrive promptly. Your NYPL liaison will meet you and your students at a predesignated location in the building.
5. Reflect
We would love to hear about your experience, and work with you again! Shortly after your visit, your NYPL liaison will ask you to share brief feedback on your class visit.
Request a Class Visit
Instructors interested in planning a class visit should start by filling out this form at least six weeks before your desired visit. A librarian, archivist, or curator will follow up with you shortly.
Discover Our Research Divisions
The New York Public Library's flagship location, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, is one of the Library's premier research centers, renowned for its extraordinary historical collections and its commitment to providing free and equal access to its resources. Find out more about each of our divisions.
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Visits for K–12th Grade Classes
If you are an instructor for a K-12th grade class and would like to bring your students to the Library for an exhibition tour, please contact The New York Public Library’s Center for Educators & Schools.
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Building Tours
If you are interested in a tour of the Stephen A. Schwarzman building, please contact Visitor Services for more information.