About the Library

The Academy of Art Library is located on the 6th floor of the 180 New Montgomery building. To meet the diverse needs of our undergraduate and graduate programs the library has a well currated and diverse collection that supports the university’s art and design curriculum.

The library’s collection is focused on the visual and technical arts and houses over 50,000 volumes. The resources in the library include print and electronic materials. The library’s periodical collection includes over 275 current subscriptions as well as an extensive collection of bound back issues that are of significant research value in the field of art and design. Our online resources include 18 databases that offer access to hundreds of thousands of full text articles, eBooks, and digital images. We have a digital image library (LUNA) that houses over 250,000 digital images. The online resources are delivered though our dynamic website that provides access to the online catalog, subject guides created by Academy of Art librarians, as well as other instructional guides and tutorials. Please see our "Collections" page for a detailed description of the library’s special collections and holdings.

The Academy of Art Library has a long history of being a "no-shush" zone. Students are encouraged to work together to exchange ideas and inspiration. To facilitate this we offer a vibrant atmosphere where artists can conduct visual research, collaborate, learn, and create. The Library maintains this synergistic environment with group study space, a 15-seat theater available for classes, clubs, and directed study, and several visual resource areas where students can practice hands-on techniques learned in the classroom.

Sculpture located at the library entrance

Artist: Killean Evans

Title: Dwelling

Medium: Steel

Course: FASCU 623: Forging and Welding