Housed in the special collections reading room of the JTS library , these records serve as indispensable primary sources for the historians of the Conservative movement and American Jewry who regularly consult them. Ratner Center collections are available for scholars and other researchers who need to use primary source materials in order to carry out original research. The Ratner Center's collections are housed in the JTS library's special collections reading room . Appointments are requested. Photocopying is available in the special collections reading room on a limited basis.
Some items are too fragile to withstand photocopying.
Please come prepared to take notes. In general, it is a good idea to look at relevant inventories before coming in to do research. Inventories contain descriptions of each collection, a box list, and information about any restrictions that may apply. With the help of a generous grant from the Lucius N. Littauer Foundation, all of the Ratner Center's inventories have been added to this website. Click on Archives, then click on Records of the Jewish Theological Seminary or Papers of Conservative Rabbis and Synagogues then click on highlighted collection names to get the inventory for each collection.