Where is the Art Library located and where can I park?

The Library is located in the Education Building on the south side of the campus. You may either park in the Visitor’s Parking next to the Asolo Theater and then walk or take the tram, or you may park in the few visitor’s parking spaces next to the library.

Do I need to purchase a ticket to The Ringling in order to use the Library?

No. Museum Admission is not required to visit the Art Library.

What are the Library hours?

The Library is open to the public Monday-Friday 1:00 to 4:00 p.m, and open for Ringling Members Monday-Friday 10:00-4:00pm. If you wish to come at another time, please contact the library to make an appointment.

Can I check out materials from the Library?

No.  The Library is a non-circulating research library. The Library has open stacks, and you may browse through the collection and enjoy the materials in the Library’s Reading Room. We are always happy to hold the materials you are using for several weeks so that they are available to you on your next visit to the Library.

Is reference assistance available?  Do I need to come to the Library to ask a question?

There are three professional librarians to assist you.  If you have a reference question and cannot come to the library, you may call the Library at (941-359-5700, ex. 2703) or fill out the Ask a Librarian form on the library’s website.

What may I bring into the Library?

All large bags and backpacks must be left in a locker at the Security Desk outside of the Library door. You may take your laptop and a notebook into the Library, but please do not use pens or sticky notes.  You may bring water, but food is not allowed in the Reading Room.

Can I make photocopies from Art Library materials?

The Library offers a complimentary photocopying service up to 25 pages, as long as copying does not compromise the binding of the book.  For assistance, please see a Librarian.

Does the Library authenticate or appraise works of art?

No. The library, though, is happy to help with finding materials that may be of help to the researcher. 

Does the library have special programs?

The Library hosts a monthly book discussion group called Literati. (Please see the Library web site for a full listing of titles and dates for Literati)
Conversations with the Library is an informal lecture series related to the Art Library’s special collections, with plenty of time for questions, discussion, and coffee. For program details, please consult the Museum’s website under “What’s On,” and then “Programs.”

Does the Library have a Friends of the Library group?

Yes. Our Friends provide support with funds for the library. Friends are invited to attend exclusive receptions and programs with opportunities to view rare items from the Library’s Special Collections.

Can I access the Library’s catalog remotely?

Yes. The Library’s holdings are included in the Florida State University catalog.  This can be accessed either through The Ringling website (Ringling.org) under “Education Center,” then “Art Library Resources,” and finally, “Library Catalog,” or by going directly to the Florida State University Strozier Library website: https://www.lib.fsu.edu/

How can I read the e-books found in the Library’s catalog?

If you are not a Florida State University student or faculty/staff member, then you will need to come to the Library to access the e-books listed in the catalog.

Can I access the Library’s databases remotely?

If you are not a Florida State University student or faculty/staff member, then you will need to come to the Library to use the databases.  In addition to the Florida State University databases, the Library also subscribes to several additional databases, including; Who’s Who in American Art, AskArt and ArtNet.

May I donate books to the library?

Yes, but please contact the Library first to discuss the donation.  Gifted books have added substantially to the Library’s collection and we appreciate it when donors think of the Library, but we are unable to take everything.  After a gift has been presented to the Library, we reserve the right to determine whether or not a book will be retained in the collection and whether it will be sold, recycled or donated to another library.