Monday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
Open by appointment only.
At this time we do not allow drop-ins.
Holidays: Closed September 2, September 17, November 27,28,29, 2024
Ringling College of Art + Design, 2nd floor of the Alfred R. Goldstein Library
2700 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34234
Sign-up for a Special Collections
Research Consultation
or Viewing Appointment
Cheri Marks (she, her) MFA, MSI
Special Collections Librarian and Archivist
specialcollections@c.ringling.edu
Our educational mission is to introduce our publics to diverse voices and ideas that challenge staid constructions of the canon and the master work. The Center routinely juxtaposes the familiar and widely recognized with the lesser known and the underrepresented. Through our work, we hope that the next generation of thinkers and makers will draw inspiration from a nuanced web of references.
Hands-On Object-Based Research
At the Special Collections Center, you can gather ideas for a creative project, engage in scholarly research, or discover something new. Gain hands-on experience utilizing primary sources in our reading room, and explore our unique collections through an active exhibition program and campus events. From social justice activism to international folktales to the latest in fabrication techniques, the material objects at the Center can be a great way to explore questions about conception, production, circulation, readership, and cultural histories.
Collection Types
The collections namely consist of artists’ books and photo-bookworks from the 1960s to the present; illustrated books and periodicals from the 1700s forward; historic and contemporary prints and printed matter from the 1450s forward; specialty archives and collections; and a new institutional archive.
You'll find: broadsides, campus materials, democratic multiples, documentation of time-based and performance projects, engravings, exhibition publications, experimental writing, fine press books, flip books, handmade editions, historic facsimiles, parlor toys, photographs, pop-up books, prints, rare books, zines, and more. See our SC Collection Guide for highlights and more in-depth info.
Open to Everyone
Open to students, staff, faculty, art and design practitioners, and the general public. Our Center functions as a reading room, classroom, print study center, and gallery. To schedule an individual appointment, research consultation, class visit, or group tour please contact our Center staff in advance.
Faculty Resources & Curricular Support
As a teaching resource for faculty, the Center can be utilized for class visits, critique sessions, performances, and extracurricular activities. For class visits, see How to Use the Center for a brief overview. Interested faculty/classes are also invited to collaborate with the Center on Exhibitions and Special Projects.
BALLOT BOX
EXHIBITION
Curated by Special Collections Librarian and Archivist, Cheri Marks and Student Assistant, Muling Tzai.
On view October 21 through December 6, 2024*
"Ballot Box" traces the evolution of the voting system in the U.S. This exhibition highlights historical news articles that shaped public perception, engages with opposing viewpoints on pivotal issues, and investigates the impact of social movements. Explore works from The Vault that highlights factors influencing elections, including policies and social and structural issues. Our right to vote is what sets the stage for the future of democracy.
*Please note the Alfred R. Goldstein Library is currently swipe-access only, accessible with a Ringling College ID. Members of the public can phone the front desk at 941-359-7587 to see the exhibition during library hours.
Photo: Poster of exhibition information. Created by Special Collections Student Assistant, Muling Tzai
Sketchbook Library Exhibition 2025
November 1- December 6, 2024
We are back! Join us for the upcoming Sketchbook Library Exhibition 2025! This exhibition is a culmination of the curiosity and wonder of the individuals, allowing us to peek into our peers' imaginative worlds being transcribed onto paper.
To participate, please fill out the submission form before December 6, 2024. We encourage all Ringling students to submit sketchbooks to share with our Ringling community!.
Where: The Brizdle-Schoenberg Special Collections Center, 2nd floor of the Alfred R. Goldstein Library
When: January 17 - February 14, 2025
Contact: Follow us on Instagram @sketchbook.library, or visit us at The Brizdle-Schoenberg Special Collections Center.
Organized by Ringling students Muling Tzai and Kiu Cheung, Brizdle-Schoenberg Special Collections Center, and Alfred R. Goldstein Library