About
The mission of the Howard University Libraries is to support excellence in learning, scholarship, innovation, and service in a user-centered environment as we preserve the black experience.
Our Departments
Administration
The administrative department is responsible for directing and managing the various departments within Howard University Libraries. The department and library are currently under the direction of Del Hornbuckle, Executive Director of Howard University Libraries.
Access Services
202-806-7250 | accessdept@howard.edu
Access Services Manager: Roderick Burns
The Access Services Department helps users access the library’s physical and electronic resources. Services include borrowing and returning materials, requesting items from other libraries through the Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC), Interlibrary Loan (ILL), and the Consortium Loan Service, managing course reserves, reserving group study rooms, and maintaining the library’s lost and found.
Acquisitions
The acquisitions department manages the acquisition of library materials and maintains the library databases and resource purchasing.
Business Library/Patent and Trademark Resource Center
Howard University is proud to be one of more than 100 Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) across the United States. As a designated PTRC, we serve as a valuable resource for small businesses, research and development organizations, university laboratories, entrepreneurs, and independent inventors. Through access to patent and trademark information, research assistance, and educational resources, we help innovators protect their ideas and bring new discoveries to market.
Digital Services
202-806-4324| digitalservices@howard.edu
Digital Services provides the technology infrastructure that powers Howard University Libraries. We support the systems, platforms, and digital tools that enable students, faculty, researchers, and staff to discover, access, and use library resources. Our team manages library technologies, website services, digital platforms, electronic resource access, and technology-enhanced learning spaces.
Events/Facilities
202-806-7238 | ewatkis@howard.edu
The Events and Facilities Department ensures that library spaces are safe, functional, and welcoming, and supports the planning, scheduling, and execution of events across the Libraries.
Technical Services
202-806-4301| alisha.strother@howard.edu
The Technical Services Department is responsible for organizing, cataloging, and maintaining the library's collections. Through the creation and management of accurate bibliographic and metadata records, the department ensures that library resources are easily discoverable and accessible to students, faculty, researchers, and staff.