The Greenfield Library houses a collection of over 400 artists' books in a room on the first floor near the reference stacks. Members of the University community as well as outside scholars are welcome to view the collection.
Also see our Book Arts subject Guide.
Searching Artist's Books
It is easy to browse the entire collection online before you arrive. In the library catalog, select OTHER CALL NUMBER and type BA in the search box. BA stands for Book Arts and is at the beginning of the call number.
If you are looking for a specific book, search the catalog by TITLE.
If you know the name of artist or author, search by AUTHOR or KEYWORD.
Artist's books may also be searched in UArts Libraries Digital Collections.
Policies & Procedures
The University Libraries collect artists' books as a valuable teaching and study resource to support the curriculum of programs in the College of Art & Design. Artists' books can be delicate. They may be produced as a one-of-a-kind item or in a limited edition. They may be handmade, may contain unorthodox materials or come in unusual shapes.
For these reasons, certain procedures are necessary to protect and maintain them. The nature of the Book Arts Collection demands that access to it be limited, that it be used with supervision and be handled with care. Anyone using Book Arts materials must wash their hands before handling the materials. White cotton gloves are available and should be worn unless seen to cause damage.
Book Arts materials do not circulate outside of the library and photocopying is prohibited.
Both the University of the Arts community and outside scholars are invited to access the Book Arts Collection. Before the visit, it is advisable to browse the collection online. To schedule time either in the Book Arts room or downstairs in the Special Collections room, make an appointment with Mary Louise Castaldi, Reference Librarian.
Students who want to browse the collection in the Book Arts room should be sure to make an appointment and bring a validated University I.D.
Faculty who want to view artists' books with their class in the Special Collections room should schedule additional time before class to select the books. Faculty should pull the items and put them on the blue book cart. Staff will check out the materials to the faculty member, then send the cart to the Special Collections room before the class time and date.
Visitors who want to use this collection must submit a written request by letter or e-mail at least 2 weeks in advance. Requests should be as specific as possible.
To schedule use of Book Arts or the Special Collections room, please contact:
Mary Louise Castaldi
Reference Librarian
215-717-6283
MCastaldi@uarts.edu
