Art Research Library
For everything from detailed research to casual reading to entertainment, the MWPAI Art Research Library is home to an extensive collection of more than 30,500 fine art books, 35 art periodical titles, 3,100 music CDs, 2,500 entertainment and educational DVDs, and 2,000 artists’ files. The collection concentrates primarily on 19th and 20th century American and European art, contemporary international art, and 19th-century decorative arts.
You can access our catalog online.
Additional reference tools include full and partial-text databases, art auction catalogs, and biographical dictionaries and encyclopedias. There are multiple internet-connected research stations with access to a color printer and photocopier. There is free Wi-Fi access.
Access to the Art Research Library is open to the public. Borrowing privileges are only available to Munson-Williams members, Munson-Williams faculty and staff, and PrattMWP and Utica College students.
Library Hours
Regular Hours of Operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday noon to 5 p.m.
During the Academic Year (September to May) while classes are in session, hours are extended for students and staff Monday through Thursdays and Sundays until 8 pm.
For research assistance or more information, please contact our library staff by calling (315) 797-0000, ext. 2123 or email them at library@mwpai.edu .
To get quick answers to your questions check out the library's Frequently Asked Questions.
These Frequently Asked Questions and their answers are questions that have not been covered on our primary page.
If you have further questions you can contact us via email at library@mwpai.edu.
Do I need a library card?
No, you do not. To check out items MWPAI Members use their membership cards, Employees, PrattMWP Students and Pre-College Students use their MWPAI IDs and Utica College Students use their Utica college IDs.
What may I borrow, and for how long may I sign it out?
What may be borrowed, how many and for how long varies depending on your relationship with the institution. The table below will help answer these questions.
| Relationship to Library |
Books |
Music CD's |
Video DVD's |
Periodicals |
| MWPAI Member |
Eight Books for 3 Weeks |
Five CD's for 3 Weeks |
Three DVD's for 1 Week |
Not Allowed |
| MWPAI Employees |
Eight Books for 2 Months |
Five CD's for 2 Months |
Three DVD's for 2 Weeks |
Two for 2 Weeks |
| MWPAI Employee & PrattMWp Students |
Eight Books for 3 Weeks |
Five CD's for 3 Weeks |
Three DVD's for 1 Week |
Not Allowed |
| Pre College Students |
Three Books for the Length of Your Stay on Campus |
Three CD's for the Length of Your Stay on Campus |
One DVD for 1 Week |
Not Allowed |
| Utica College Students |
Two Books for 3 Weeks |
One CD for 3 Weeks |
One DVD for 1 Week |
Not Allowed |
| Other Visitors |
May not borrow items unless becoming a Member |
Are there late return fees on borrowed items?
Yes, it is the borrowers' responsibility to return items prior to the due date. If that does not happen the borrower will be charged the following:
What happens if I do not return an item or the item becomes damaged?
It is the borrowers' responsibility for the safe care and timely return of items borrowed from the library. If the item becomes lost, damaged or is just not returned then the borrower will be charged the replacement cost of the item along with a $40.00 processing fee.
What can not be borrowed from the library?
There are certain items that are for in-library only use. They are as follows:
-
Reference Books
-
Oversized Books
-
Artist File items
-
Periodicals
Although these items can not be removed from the library, a copier is available to scan needed text or images to take with you or upload to your personal folders.
What additional services and resources are offered by the Library?
- Information Literacy Sessions
- The Library offers class and assignment specific instruction in library usage, research techniques, and Internet search methodologies. To schedule an information literacy session, contact the librarian.
- Class Reserves
- Library materials may be placed on reserve for your classes. These items may be held on reserve for all or part of the semester and may be designated as in-Library use only or circulating for a specific period among your students.
- Research & Reference Assistance
- The Library offers research and reference assistance in-person, by phone ((315)-797-0000 ext. 2123), and by e-mail to (Email Us>Library@mwpai.edu).
- Acquisition Requests
- Recommendations for additions to the Library’s collection are welcome and may be directed to the librarian.
- Interlibrary Loan
- The Library offers a free interlibrary loan (ILL) service to employees and PrattMWP students.
- You may request any item through ILL to supplement your instruction or area of responsibility.
- The ability to fulfill your request is based upon whether an outside library can lend the item. ILLs may take up to 7 – 10 days based upon mail or package delivery services. ILL requests may be directed to any of the library staff .
- Online Catalog
- Computers
- There are computers available for use in the Library: All computers are connected to the online catalog and the Internet. One PC is also connected to a scanning and digitization system.
- New Acquisitions Display
- New books, DVDs, and CDs are on display near the Circulation Desk and these items may be borrowed.
Why students should use the library...
- Free professional research assistance.
- Free access to fine art databases to use for your academic assignments or arts career.
- Fine art books that you don’t have to buy because you can borrow them for free with your Library card.
- Most of these books are not available online for free.
- Free DVD and music CD rentals.
- Most of these movies and music CDs are not available through fee streaming services.
- A lounge is available where you can bring in your snacks, lunch, dinner, or beverages.
- A welcoming space to visit with your friends, or enjoy quiet time alone, at the study tables or in the stacks.
- Free help from the Writing Lab tutor two nights a week.
Directions
The Library is located on the second floor of the PrattMWP Academic Building at State and Henry Streets.
Parking is available on Henry Street as well as in any Institute parking lot. There is a parking lot in back of the Museum (facing State Street - Get Directions) and a parking lot in back of Library (513 Williams Street - Get Directions).
To gain access to the Academic Center, you must use the entrance by the PrattMWP Studio building (north side). You can use the intercom for access or if a member, obtain the entrance code from the Receptionist. The building is handicap accessible from the north side entrance there is an elevator located in the center of the building.
Back to Library Home Page
