Using the Libraries

Do I need an appointment?
You may access materials from the Libraries and the Ryerson & Burnham Archives on Thursdays without an appointment; an appointment is required  for use on Wednesdays and Fridays between 1:00 and 4:00 pm. Call 312-443-3666 to make an appointment.

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.  Ethernet cables are available at the Reference Desk if you do not have one of your own. The Libraries are not yet wireless.

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?
SAIC graduate students and faculty in the following programs have access to the Libraries MTWF, 10:30-5 and Thursdays from 10:30-8:

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

Permanent SAIC faculty in all departments have access during these same hours. Some grad students and faculty also have access to the stacks. 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 search your catalog?

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?