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Hillyer Art Library
 

Hillyer Art Library is one of three branch libraries at Smith. It provides broad-based coverage of the history, theory, criticism, and practice of the visual arts. The collections support teaching and research in almost all fields of art and include special resources in extensive microform holdings, such as American Architectural Books, the Marbuger Index, and the Biblioteca Cicognara. The library is used by scholars from the Five Colleges and throughout New England.

New Features of the Art Library's Renovated Space

The new library covers 16,200 gross square feet on three floors, with floor-to-ceiling glass on the first and second floors offering spectacular views of the campus's main green.

Improved patron areas: 100 seats for library patrons (52 at large tables, 33 individual study carrels, 15 easy chairs) with power and data at every table and seat.

Access to materials: Periodicals area is a prominent feature of the first floor and provides comfortable seating and an accessible display of new journals, magazines, and museum serials. Reference collection reconfigured into low shelving for convenience. Fifteen hundred course reserve items available in the more accessible staff area.

Convenience: Two areas to expedite check out; increased visibility and access to staff.

Collection Statistics

105,000 printed volumes

38,151 microforms

275 current periodical subscriptions

3,100 items added annually (average rate, 1996-2005)

A broad range of electronic resources, bibliographic databases, and full-text materials

Collection Highlights

Special strength in Renaissance art and architecture

Notable strength in Greek, Roman, Asian, and Medieval art

Artists' books study collection

Manuscript facsimiles

Collection Users

29,600 items circulate annually (average rate, 1996-2005)

Up to 1,000 visitors a day during peak activity

Open to the public; circulation limited to the Five Colleges community

Open 91 hours per week during the academic year

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