Art Library FAQ

When is the Library open?
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Library is open to researchers, students, and the public Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Library is located in the Education/Conservation Building on the south side of the Ringling Museum estate off Bay Shore Road. To access the library, sign-in at the Security desk located in the lobby of the Education building. Limited parking is available at the Library.

The Library is open to Museum staff, docents, and volunteers Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Reference questions can be submitted to library@ringling.org.

What materials are available?
The Library contains more than 75,000 volumes, exhibition and sale catalogs, and more than 100 current periodical titles. The Library conducts and supports research on the Museum's collection of Italian and European Baroque art, 20th Century Art, Decorative Arts, Peter Paul Rubens, Contemporary Art, and Photography. The Library collects research materials encompassing the entire history of art, art education, and conservation and houses a collection of rare books from the 16th - 20th centuries, including the personal library of John Ringling.

The Library has extensive ephemeral files on artists in the Ringling collection, the Museum complex, and artist and museum files from around the world.

How do I search your Library catalog?
You can access the catalog from within the Library or www.ringling.org.

Can I check out materials?
No, the Library is non-circulating.

Can I make photocopies?
A photocopier is available for materials in good condition. Please note that the copyright law of the United States (Title 17 U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material.

Are digital files and images available?
The Library has started a project to digitize materials in its holdings. Please ask a staff member what is available. Some out-of-print books are available as full-text PDFs under Research Resources.

How do I find information on an exhibit at the Museum?
Please visit the Museum's Exhibitions page for information on current, future, and past exhibitions or the Library's Research Resources for recommended reading materials.