Special Collections Center: Visit

Spring Hours for SC

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 January 20, February 11, and May 12, 2025. 

Ringling College of Art + Design, 2nd floor of the Alfred R. Goldstein Library
2700 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34234

Download a campus map

Sign-up for a Special Collections
Research Consultation
or Viewing Appointment

Contact the Special Collections Librarian, Cheri:

cmarks@ringling.edu 

Call Cheri: 941-359-7583

Cheri Marks (she, her) MFA, MSI
Special Collections Librarian and Archivist

specialcollections@c.ringling.edu 

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Image: Ping Ho, a 2024 Ringling College of Art and Design graduate setting up an exhibition in our Reading Room. 

Special Collections Reading Room

We welcome students, staff, faculty, art and design practitioners, and the general public to visit our Center and use our collections. The Center is located on the 2nd floor of the Alfred R. Goldstein Library. Materials are for in-center use only and cannot be checked out. Items from the vault can be reserved for a researcher to consult over multiple visits. A large-format overhead scanner is available to researchers in the reading room.

Prior to visiting:

• Please make an appointment during our open hours. If you know which materials to request, you can schedule an individual appointment. If you are unsure, please schedule a research consultation, and we would be happy to help you find relevant sources.
• To locate sources on your own, brainstorm keywords, concepts, and search terms. Our SC Collection Guide is a helpful tool for identifying popular research categories and subjects represented in our collections. You may also want to search for physical item characteristics—such as printing or production methods (e.g., letterpress printing), binding types (e.g., accordion), and materials used (e.g., wax).
• You can search the library catalog for additional resources.
• You can also email your requests to specialcollections@c.ringling.edu. Please include the title, vault location, and LC call number (e.g., Dog Ear, SCSTAX, PS3602.A945 D64 2016).

On Your Visit:

• Swipe into the library building with your Ringling College ID. Appointments for alumni, art and design practitioners, and the general public can be scheduled by emailing specialcollections@c.ringling.edu. A staff member will meet you at the front entrance of the library during your scheduled appointment.
• Wash your hands. Restrooms are located near the elevators.
• Ring the doorbell and sign in with a staff member.
• Stow your belongings, as well as any food or drink, in the cubbies in the check-in area. (Please pack light to reduce the number of personal belongings stored in the check-in area.)
• Handle materials carefully. Materials will be brought out from the vault and set up on the tables for you. Keep materials supported on foam cradles or tables, as instructed by staff.
• Take notes with pencils or electronic devices—no ink pens allowed.

• We recommend contacting Cheri Marks, Special Collections Librarian and Archivist, at least two weeks in advance for group tours or class lessons. (The more time, the better.)
• Schedule a brief meeting or virtual coffee with the Special Collections Librarian to discuss ideas and objectives in advance.
• Provide the class syllabus, project unit, and/or assignment details to the Special Collections Librarian.
• The reading room on the 2nd floor can accommodate small classes. The 3rd floor space behind the elevators, or the project room (GLDLB 140) on the first floor, can accommodate medium-sized classes.

• All duplication requests for scanning and photocopying are subject to copyright and fair use restrictions, as well as the condition of the materials. Readers may take digital photographs and use the overhead book scanner for research purposes.
• For rights information, please contact the Special Collections Librarian.
• For one-on-one training on the overhead book scanner, please contact us. Video training and group sessions are also available.