Established in 1995, the Ayn Rand Archives is a corporate repository maintained by the Ayn Rand Institute. In 1992 the Estate of Ayn Rand donated a portion of the Ayn Rand Papers to the Library of Congress. In 1995, the Estate placed the remaining papers with the Ayn Rand Institute, to which it is gradually transferring ownership.
In addition to housing the Ayn Rand Papers (which occupy 150 linear feet), the Ayn Rand Archives collects items by and about Ayn Rand and her influence—including institutional records, personal papers, A/V collections, personal libraries, artworks, furniture, and realia.
Scholars, general writers, journalists, and university students seeking to study Ayn Rand’s development and cultural impact are encouraged to apply for research privileges. High school students under the supervision of a teacher or school official are also welcome.
No, agreement with Ayn Rand’s philosophy is not a condition of access. Since 2000, more than sixty scholars and researchers from across the critical spectrum have used the resources in the Ayn Rand Archives.
Prospective researchers may send inquiries to
[email protected]; please include a description of your project and its scope. Access privileges are granted at the discretion of the Ayn Rand Institute. A reference interview and signed researcher agreement are required of all first-time users.
Findings aids at varying levels of description are available for researchers. Requests to examine unprocessed materials or materials requiring special handling are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Yes. Our reading room offers a reference collection that includes a facsimile of the Ayn Rand Papers held in the Manuscript Division of the Library of Congress, English and foreign editions of Rand’s works, and secondary literature. Reading room hours are Monday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., by appointment.
Yes, digital access to the Ayn Rand Papers and other collections is available on a limited basis.
The Ayn Rand Archives has contributed objects to museum and online exhibitions around the world. Institutions seeking to incorporate objects from our collections into their exhibits are welcome to contact us at
[email protected].
Since 1984 the Estate of Ayn Rand has prepared numerous anthologies based on materials from the Ayn Rand Papers and other collections. These works were edited for the general reader, according to standards set forth in their introductions. Scholars wishing to explore the underlying originals may do so at the Ayn Rand Archives.
The Ayn Rand Archives welcomes donations of enduring historical value. Prospective donors of personal papers, corporate records, A/V materials, and realia are encouraged to contact us at
[email protected].
The Ayn Rand Archives welcomes volunteers! Opportunities are available either on-site or off-site, and include (but are not limited to) research and transcription projects. For further details, please contact us at
[email protected].