ABOUT THE LIBRARY
The Clark houses one of the most distinguished art research libraries in the country, with more than 295,000 volumes in over 72 languages. Focusing on post-medieval European and American art, the collection is outstanding in the fields of Italian and Northern Renaissance, Baroque, and nineteenth-century French art, the history of photography, and international contemporary art, as well as theory and visual culture.
The library’s special collections enhance both library and museum holdings. Highlights include the founding collection of Robert Sterling Clark's rare books, the history of photomechanical reproduction, early illustrated printed books, decorative arts and sample books, twentieth- and twenty-first century artists’ books, and archival collections.
special collections book of the month
Artists' Book Collection
Six booklets housed in a folding case with die-cut and embossing, string closure; mini-books, multiple fold-outs and accordion folds. Using rich visual language and poetic text, Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson tells stories full of humor and universal truths about her family, her community, African American history, and her own life experiences, expressing her intention “to celebrate the everyday lives and culture of Black people and their endurance through centuries of injustice.” This book, with its lively mix of formats and intricate design, evokes the experience of paging through Robinson's ten one-of-a-kind artist's books, The Ragmud Collection, now in the Toledo Museum of Art's collection. Click this link to find out more about Aminah Robinson’s art and her legacy at the Columbus Museum of Art, to which she bequeathed much of her estate.
FOLLOW THE LIBRARY
Serving the general public as well as visiting scholars and local students and faculty, the Clark library welcomes all visitors to use its reference and research services and enjoy its collections. An extensive array of electronic resources and reference materials support scholarly research in the field of Art History. Library staff are dedicated to assisting all users to access the library’s wide-ranging and diverse collections.
MORE
New Acquisitions Book of the Week
Imprinted: Illustrating Race examines the role of published images in shaping attitudes toward race and culture. The exhibition at the Norman Rockwell Museum in 2022 featured over 300 artworks and objects of widely circulated illustrated imagery, produced from the late eighteenth century to the present, which have had an impact on public perception about race in the United States. The catalog explores stereotypical racial representations that have been imprinted upon us through the mass publication of images. It culminates with the creative accomplishments of contemporary artists and publishers who have shifted the cultural narrative through the creation of positive, inclusive imagery emphasizing full agency and equity for all.
LIBRARY HOURS
PUBLIC HOURS
The library is open without appointment. Hours are:
Monday - Friday, 9 am to 5 pm
Click here for information on library COVID-19 protocols.
All are welcome to email the library with reference/research questions.
HOLIDAYS
The Library is closed to the public on the following holidays:
New Year's Day
Presidents' Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Indigenous Peoples Day
Thanksgiving (2 days)
Christmas (2 days)
EXTENDED HOURS
Extended hours are available to holders of a Clark badge or a Reader's Card. Reader's cards are given by application to qualified researchers.
Mon-Thurs 8 am to 11 pm
Friday 8 am to 6 pm
Saturday 9 am to 6 pm
Sunday 9 am to 11 pm
HOLIDAYS
With the exception of Christmas Day and New Year's Day the library is open during holidays to anyone eligible for extended hours.