The Academy Library provides written, visual, and electronic resources to meet the intellectual and creative needs of the Academy’s community of artists. Through specialized collections, bibliographic instruction, and outstanding services, the Library is a space for technical study, critical exploration, and idea generation, and equips students with the skills necessary to embark on a lifetime of learning and artistic growth. The Library collects in the areas of the visual arts and includes titles specifically selected to support the MFA curriculum.

The Print Collection Features

• Over 9,000 books, with a focus on the work of figurative artists, art history, criticism, and anatomical studies
• A lending library of DVDs, fiction and philosophy
• Periodical subscriptions covering contemporary art, culture, and literature
• Oversize books and prints
• Rare books and special collection items

Other Library Features

• Mac computers, scanners, and audio-visual equipment
• Epson Stylus Pro 7900 – wide-format printer
• Color printer and copier
• Internet access in the Library and WiFi throughout the building (ask the Librarian for password)
• Electronic resources and database subscriptions, including access to JSTOR, Gale Academic One File and ARTstor image library
• Collection of casts, taxidermy and organic specimen for visual reference.

Access and Hours

The library is open to students, faculty, and alumni of the New York Academy of Art and is located on the first floor of 105 Franklin Street. While classes are in session library hours are Monday-Friday 9:00-9:30, Saturday and Sunday 1:00-7:00. Limited hours over winter, spring and summer breaks. Visiting researchers must make an appointment with the Academy Librarian and must obtain a referral card from an affiliate METRO library.

Services

Library orientation sessions are held at the start of each academic year to provide bibliographic instruction and introduce library resources and policies. Incoming students are required to attend one session. A separate information session held later in the Fall is aimed toward second year students beginning their thesis research. The Academy Librarian is available throughout the year for one-on-one instruction with research tools and strategies.

In addition to research guidance, the Academy Writing Center assists students with planning, organizing, writing, and citing research papers in the visual arts.