The Art Institute of Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions

Using the Libraries

Who can use the Library?
The Library is open to college-age readers and above.

Do I need an appointment?
No appointment is required to use the Libraries and the Ryerson & Burnham Archives. Check here to view our current hours. 

You do need to make an appointment to consult items from the Institutional Archives. Please contact the department via email at archives@artic.edu or phone at (312) 443-4777.

Where is the Library located?

What do I do upon arrival?

Do your items circulate?
We are a non-circulating library.

May I put materials on hold?

Can I get on the internet with my laptop?
Yes.  Wireless Connectivity is available in the Reading Room.

May I photocopy or photograph library materials?

Do you accept long-distance requests?
Yes, please  contact the Libraries for more information.

Does the Library provide interlibrary loan services?
Borrowing Information: The Ryerson & Burnham Libraries provide interlibrary loan services for museum staff only. 

Lending Information:  The Library is a memeber of SHARES, the Research Libraries Group Shared Resources Service. As such, we do lend some materials through interlibrary loan to other SHARES institutions.

Students, members, and outside researchers should contact their local libraries for all interlibrary loan requests.

   
I'm a grad student at the School of the Art Institute. Do I have any access privileges?

After the completion of an orientation, SAIC graduate students and faculty in the following programs have access to the Library stacks and reading room MTWF, 10:30-5 and Thursdays from 10:30-8:

Historic Preservation
AIADO
Art History
VCS
Arts Admin
Art Education
Art Therapy

Please contact the Libraries for more details.

Can I bring my class to the Library?

How do I find out what books you have?
Please consult the Libraries' catalog.

What databases are available at the Library?

How do I become a volunteer or intern?

How can I support the Libraries?

Do you accept donations?

What is a pamphlet file?
A collection of approximately 34,000 files on individual artists, architects, art galleries, and buildings. The files contain items ranging from small exhibition catalogs and pamphlets, exhibition announcements, newspaper clippings, press releases, and other ephemeral items.


Research Questions

How do I research a work of art in the Museum's collection?

How do I find information about AIC exhibitions (current & past)?

How do I find information about former SAIC students and faculty?

How can I research a building in Chicago?

Where can I find images of art on the internet?

How do I find out more information on the World's Columbian Exposition?

How do I care for my books/art work?

How do I determine the value of my art work?

What does "fair use" mean?
The term "fair use" relates to the right to copy any copyrighted materials. The right to make copies without the permission of the copyright owner is subject to some limitations.  For more information, please see:

http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html.


About the Libraries & Museum

What art is displayed in the Library?

How did the Library get its name?  Who were Ryerson and Burnham?

How do I research a work of art in the Museum's collection?

How do I find information about AIC exhibitions (current & past)?

Can I find out more about the lions?