Collections

The Cleveland Institute of Art Library has collections specifically developed for the visual artist, designer, and craftsperson. The library contains 47,000 books, exhibition catalogs, and CD-ROMs; 145 current periodical subscriptions; access to a broad range of digital images; 1,600 sound recordings; 600 videotapes, DVDs, and films; a picture file for visual reference; access to online databases and full text resources; and an extensive collection of “artists’ books” (books made by artists as works of art). In addition, the library has AV and digital equipment and color as well as black and white photocopiers.

Together the library’s collections support the Institute’s accredited degree programs, with a special focus on providing materials for studio-intensive instruction. The library documents the major participants, events, and trends of international contemporary art, photography, craft, and design; includes theory and technical information as well as visual resources; and makes available a variety of professional, legal, and business information for artists. The library’s collection of contemporary art publications ranks with the best American colleges and universities, and its collection of “artists’ books” is nationally recognized.

Click here for more information about our collection of artists’ books.

Image Collections

CIA faculty, students and staff have access to a wealth of digital images for educational purposes. ARTstor is a digital library of art images, associated descriptive information, and software tools designed to enhance teaching, learning, and scholarship. ARTstor contains over one million digital images of art, architecture and archaeology from a wide-range of cultures and time periods. This image collection continues to grow, adding subject-specific collections and expanding coverage for modern art.

The library staff also maintains a local collection of digital images not available through ARTstor, as well as providing access to other high-quality image resources.

For more information about the library’s image collections, please contact Laura Ponikvar, Image and Instructional Services Librarian at 216.421.7442, or lponikvar@cia.edu.