Dale Reading Room for Archives + Special Collections
2nd Floor, room 201 401 709-5923 risdspecial@risd.edu
By appointment only (no drop-ins).
We are offering in-person and virtual appointments.
In-person appointments:
We are currently offering in-person, hybrid, and virtual classes.
Andrew Martinez, Archivist
Doug Doe, Digital Archivist
RISD’s Archives collects, preserves and provides access to records and artifacts, including photographs and publications that document the history and development of RISD programs, policies and procedures and contributions of individuals and organizations associated with the School and Museum. Records in the Archives date from RISD’s founding in 1877 to the present.
RISD Library Special Collections
Claudia Covert, Special Collections Librarian
Special Collections includes over 20,000 important and rare printed books, periodicals, and artists' books that date from as early as the 16th century to the present. Historical as well as contemporary materials cover the fine arts, architecture, photography, decorative arts, and design. These collections provide primary resources and inspirational materials for the RISD community and outside researchers.
All Special Collections materials are in the RISD Library online catalog and distinguished by call number location prefixes: SPECIAL or ARTISTS'. Some of our collections are available via RISD Digital Commons.