RISD : Rhode Island School of Design : COLLECTIONS

THE
RISD LIBRARY: COLLECTIONS

ARCHIVES
The RISD Archives collects, preserves, and provides access to records and artifacts, including photographs and publications that document the history and development of RISD programs, policies, procedures and contributions of individuals and organizations associated with the School and Museum. Records in the Archives date from RISD’s founding in 1877 to the present. The Archives is located on the second floor of 15 Westminster and use of the collection is available on site by appointment with the Archivists (401-709-5920 or 5922). Scholars outside of the RISD community may also send requests for information in writing; a fee may be charged for services.

ARTISTS’ BOOKS
The Artists’ Books Collection includes over 1,300 handmade and limited edition books, multiples, copier art, book objects and zines, as well as numerous related book arts references, ephemera, artists’ files and book artists’ process archives. These works of art in book form date from the mid-1960’s to present and offer unique resources for research, personal study, and inspiration. Artists’ Books are housed in Special Collections on the second floor. Because of the their fragility and value, artists’ books do not circulate. Photocopying of these materials is also prohibited. Requests to see individual titles are made in the Archives + Special Collections Reading Room. For more in-depth study of this collection, for individual book arts consultations, or for group presentations, call the Special Collections Librarian/Curator of Artists’ Books, Laurie Whitehill Chong (401-709-5927, lwhitehi@risd.edu) in advance for an appointment.

DIGITAL COLLECTIONS
The Library has begun a number of digital projects, focusing on special collections, artists’ books, archives and images needed for teaching. Links to these projects are forthcoming.

ELECTRONIC RESOURCES
The RISD Library subscribes to a range of electronic resources; these are available to the RISD community only and may be accessed on and off campus. Find the links to these resources at library.risd.edu.

PERIODICALS
The Library has a collection of 15,000 periodical volumes and subscribes to nearly 400 American and international journals covering all aspects of art, architecture and design. Current issues of most titles are displayed on the Periodicals Balcony off the first floor. Bound volumes of periodicals published since 1980 are on open shelves in the north end of the first floor; periodicals dated 1979 and earlier are shelved in Storage or in Special Collections. Except for second copies, periodicals do not circulate. Check Featured Collections in the online catalog for a list of the library’s periodicals or search by title for holdings and locations.

PICTURE COLLECTION
Located in room 207 on the second floor, east side, the Picture Collection is a unique resource for research and studio purposes. The collection includes more than 500,000 images divided into three sections: clippings, the art file, and mounted reproductions. The clipping file includes images of almost every conceivable subject. The art file contains images and articles about architecture, sculpture, and art. Mounted reproductions of works of art and architecture and postcards complete this collection. A scanner, computer, color printer and photocopier are available for use in the Picture Collection. Tel: 401-709-5938

REFERENCE COLLECTION
The reference collection of more than 3400 volumes features a wide range of dictionaries, encyclopedias, directories and technical handbooks that support RISD’s curriculum and the research needs of designers, artists, curators and scholars. In addition to materials on the visual arts, encyclopedias and general overviews are available in supporting areas. A broad range of electronic resources complements the print collection.

SLIDE COLLECTION
The Slide Collection, located in room 204 on the second floor, is comprised of over 170,000 slides covering the areas of art, architecture, and decorative arts. The collection also offers a digital imaging service, which allows RISD faculty to order digital versions of images that are not available from RISD’s online databases. Students wishing to make their own digital images may use the copy stand in room 113 under the study island in the first floor. Tel: 401-709-5934.

SOUND RECORDINGS
A small collection of music CDs is available for a loan period of 3 days. This collection is shelved in open shelves to the right of the Reference collection. Sound Effects CDs, kept at the Circulation Desk, are available for 24-hour loan. A loose-leaf binder listing all sound effects CDs can be viewed at the Circulation Desk.

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
Special Collections includes nearly 17,500 important and rare printed books and periodicals from the late 16th century to present. Among the Library’s Special Collections are the Lowthorpe Collection of Landscape Architecture, various late 19th and early 20th century design portfolios, and research materials in the fine arts, architecture, photography, apparel, decorative arts, typography, and design. Because of their age, condition, size, scarcity, and value, the resources are housed in a closed, environmentally controlled stack area on the second floor and do not circulate. Utmost care must be used when handling these materials and photocopying privileges are restricted. Requests for on-site use of these materials are made in the Archives + Special Collections Reading Room, to your left off the elevators on the second floor; there is a locker room for coats and backpacks. Individual research consultation and group presentations are available by appointment. Tel: 401-709-5923 or 401-709-5927.

VIDEO COLLECTIONS
The Video Collection, with more than 3,000 titles, encompasses the fields of animation, poetry, drama, experimental video and art documentation, as well as musical performances, theater productions, and feature films. Most videos are on open shelves and circulate for 3 days. A portion of the collection is on Media Reserves behind the circulation desk; these items are available for classroom use or onsite viewing. Video equipment is available in rooms 104, 107, and 114. Find a list of videos under Featured Lists in at library.risd.edu/ftlist