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FLEET LIBRARY | Research Guides

Rhode Island School of Design

Faculty Guide to Library Resources

An outline of library's services and resources for faculty: course reserves, off campus access to databases, e-journals, interlibrary loan, instruction, research assistance, and more

Archives & Special Collections

Dale Reading Room for Archives + Special Collections 

2nd Floor, room 201   401 709-5923 

About Appointments

  • By appointment only (no drop-ins).
  • We are offering in-person and virtual appointments for faculty.
    • In-person appointments:
      • Hands must be washed before handling materials.

About Class Visits

We are currently offering in-person and virtual classes.

  • Class requests for the semester are due by then end of the first week of classes (Fall 2023 - September 15).
  • Classes can be recorded with the Special Collections Librarian and Faculty Member for asynchronous instruction.                    
  • Questions about Special Collections classes? Please contact Angela DiVeglia, Research and Instruction Librarian, Special Collections.
  • Questions about Archives classes? Please contact Emma Metcalfe Hurst, Special Collections Librarian / Archivist (term appointment). 

Contact RISD Archives

About RISD Archives

Andrew Martinez, Archivist (on-leave)
Doug Doe, Digital Archivist (on sabbatical, January 2025)
Emma Metcalfe Hurst, Special Collections Librarian / Archivist (term appointment) 
risdarchives@risd.edu

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.

Contact Special Collections

About RISD Special Collections

Claudia Covert, Special Collections Librarian (on sabbatical) 
Angela DiVeglia, Instruction and Outreach Librarian
Emma Metcalfe Hurst, Special Collections Librarian / Archivist (term appointment) 
risdspecial@risd.edu

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.