Making a Book: Looking at artists' book examples

The Institute's nationally recognized artists' book collection has more than 1,760 books from the 1960s to the present, and is international in scope. The collection is especially strong in early conceptual artists’ books and contains many of the most historically significant books of this genre. It also includes artists who have focused more on the book’s physical characteristics. In total, the collection reflects the history of this dynamic art form since the genre’s emergence in the second half of the 20th century. All of the books are listed in the library’s online catalog.

The Library’s artists’ books collection requires special care and is shelved in a secure area.

• Selections from the collection are displayed in the library several times during the year.
• To find artists’ books in special collections, search ARTISTS BOOKS as a subject in the online catalog -- or ask the staff.
• You may request individual artists’ books to look at in the library.

To learn more about this art genre, please visit the library's guide to artists' books.