FAQs - Art & Architecture Division

Question: Who can use the Library?
Any visitor to the Library may use the Art & Architecture Collection.

Question: Do I need an appointment?
You do not need an appointment to access our materials.

Question: Do any of your materials circulate? Or can be checked out?
No, all materials must be used within the Library. We are a non-circulating collection.

Question: How do I find what books you own?
Please access the Libraries' online Catalog. For help, click Search Tips.

Question: How do I request a book?
All requests onsite are made by filling out a call slip and submitting it in Room 300. We may pull Art books ahead of time for you, but the request must be submitted at least a day or two before visit. Email your request to art@nypl.org.

Question: May I photocopy library materials?
Photocopiers are available, however patrons must have items approved by Librarians before photocopying as some materials are fragile, old, valuable or to large to be copied. Color copies are also available, for additional information go to Copy Services (On-Site).

Question: May I photograph library materials?
Patrons are welcome to photograph materials. Cameras without a flash may be used on any of our materials. Permissions and Reproduction Services offers photography, digital scanning, and microfilming services for personal, institutional, and commercial orders.

Question: May I place books on hold?  
Patrons anticipating to use materials again within a week's time may place items on hold. Books will be held for one week and may be renewed.

Question: What databases are available?
For a list of databases the Library subscribes to go to Articles & Databases

Question: Can I access any Art Databases online from home?  
Remote access to Art electronic resources are not available at this time. The Art & Architecture Collection has a selection of electronic resources offered to the reader only in Room 300. These resources include: Art Sales Index, ArtNet, Artfact, and others. If you go to Articles & Databases, you may locate a selection of resources which are available over the Internet with art related subjects.  

Question: Is any of the Art & Architecture Collection available online?  
Although most of the books and periodical collections of Art & Architecture are now listed in the online Catalog, you must come to the Library to read them.  NYPL Digital Gallery is an online resource of more than 600,000 images from the collections of the New York Public Library. 

Question: For those unable to visit the Library, can you supply the names of researchers for hire?  
The Library has a fee-based service, Interlibrary, Document and Research Services, which can provide research services.  

Question: Do you have slides or picture collections?
No. However, the Picture Collection at the Mid-Manhattan Library houses over 1 million images organized by subject. It is recommended that picture research by subject begin there.

Question: Can I bring a class to the Library?
The Art & Architecture Collection offers general library orientations for graduate and undergraduate classes. An appointment for a class must be scheduled. For more information please contact us at art@nypl.org.

Question: Do you accept book donations?
Donations of materials are gratefully received by the Art & Architecture Collection. To discuss a donation, please contact us at art@nypl.org.