Art Library FAQ
Where is the library?
The Library is located in the Johnson-Blalock Education Center 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 Center. Limited parking is available at the Library.
When is the Library open?
The Library is open to researchers, students, and the public Monday - Friday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Library is open to Museum staff, docents, and volunteers Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
What materials are available?
The Library contains more than 85,000 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? Reference?
You can access the catalog from within the Library or http://www.lib.fsu.edu/.
Reference questions can be submitted to library@ringling.org if you cannot come in to see a librarian.
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 a digital collection freely available at http://ringlinglibrary.contentdm.oclc.org.
Are laptop computers allowed in the Library? Is wireless Internet access available at the Library?
Laptop computers are permitted in the Reading Room. Wireless Internet access is available in the Reading Room for researchers who have computers with wireless capabilities. This service is provided as a convenience to our researchers. See the library staff for information about how to log on to our wireless network.
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.
What is the library's collection development policy? To clarify what we collect and what donations we accept, our policy can be viewed here.
Does the Library authenticate or valuate works of art?
The Art Library does not authenticate or valuate works of art. The staff is happy to provide researchers with information and/or materials to allow them to draw their own conclusions. The Library usually refers researchers to the professional appraiser and dealer associations listed below.
Art Dealers Association of America
575 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-940-8590
Fax: 212-940-7013
http://www.artdealers.org
National Antique and Art Dealers Association of America
12 East 56th Street
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-826-9707
Fax: 212-319-0471
http://www.naadaa.org
Appraisers Association of America Inc.
386 Park Avenue South, Suite 2000
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-889-5404
Fax: 212-889-5503
http://www.appraisersassoc.org
Private Art Dealers Association of America
Daisy Walker and Juliet O'Brien Administrator
P.O. Box 872, Lenox Hill Station
New York, NY 10021
Phone: 212-572-0772
Fax: 212-572-8398
http://www.pada.net
IFAR Authentication Research Service
500 Fifth Avenue, Suite 935
New York, NY 10110
Phone: 212-391-6234
http://www.ifar.org/auth_main.htm