Browsing for books is a quick and engaging way to discover new sources, whether for an assignment or inspiration for your studio practice.

• Fun and important to the creative process - feed your imagination
• Great way to discover new ideas and cross-disciplinary interests
• Cultivates the habit of being open to new influences
• Find things you didn't know existed - authors, artists, books, art forms, historic exhibitions...
• Spend time looking at a lot of stuff
• Gather first, discard later (create a pile, edit it later)
• Each person has their own browsing style
• Browse with a partner or group to jump-start your project

Get Started

Come in to the first floor of the library. We have printed copies of the First Floor Library Map to help you locate an area to browse. Stop by the Circulation Desk or Research Help Desk to ask a question or get directions. We're happy to help you! You can also Ask a Research Librarian by writing to researchhelp@risd.edu.
 

The library uses the Library of Congress classification system to arrange the books on the shelf. Many art & design books will be found within the N Classification. See this page for the N Class. Click on a Subclass to see a more detailed list.

Are you reading this when the library's closed?
Browse our Thematic Collections virtually. Many include E-Books which are available 24/7.