Know what you want to see in Special Collections?

Use the "Request Appointment to View" link in the online catalog or click the "Make an Appointment" button.

Not sure what you would like to see?

Email us at risdspecial@risd.edu and discuss with us what you would like to find. Please note we need at least 24 hours to prepare for an appointment and all services are contingent upon staffing being available.

By appointment only (no drop-ins).

We are offering in-person and virtual appointments. Appointments must be made with 24 hours of notice. Once your appointment request is submitted, a staff member will reach out to confirm. 

In-person appointments:

• Masks are optional. 
• Hands must be washed before handling materials.
• Appointments can be for individuals or up to three people.
• Outside researchers are welcome.  

Virtual appointments

• Via Zoom, we will send you a google calendar invite with the Zoom link.

For both in-person and virtual appointments up to ten items can be pulled per appointment and must be done prior to the appointment.  

Making an appointment in Special Collections: 

Making a Special Collections Appointment - PDF

1. Visit library.risd.edu and Select Special Collections. 

2. Click Make An Appointment. 

3. Create an account and login:

RISD users login with their RISD login

Non-RISD users create an account

The first time you login you will be asked for your email and phone as well as accepting the Reading Room guidelines.

4.  To select items to view for an appointment click New Requests.  

Choose one:

Books & Printed Materials Request

Periodicals Request

Archives Request

5.  Enter Title, Call Number, and Location (if you are not looking for specific item, please tell us what you are looking for using the required fields)

To find this information you can search the online catalog and limit location to RISD Special Collections

6.  Scroll down and under heading Schedule Appointment

Choose Reading Room - Dale Reading Room (In-Person) or Virtual

Click New Appointment - choose date and time and name your appointment (Appointments must be made 24 hours in advance)

Click Submit Request

7.  Step 5 and 6 can be repeated as necessary to add more items to your appointment list - under Schedule Appointment choose your appointment by name.

8.  To edit or cancel your appointment

• Click on Appointments
• Find your appointment name
• Click on Actions beside your appointment name. You will have the following choices:

- Edit Appointment

- Cancel Appointment

- Download iCalendar