Cheri Marks (she, her) MFA, MSI Special Collections Curator and Archivist
Cmarks@ringling.edu
941- 359-7583
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How To Use the Center
Check-in Area (left) and Reading Room (right).
We welcome students, staff, faculty, art and design practitioners, and the general public to visit our Center and use our collections. We are located on the 2nd floor of the Alfred R. Goldstein Library. Materials are for use within the Center and cannot be checked out. Items from the vault can be set aside for a researcher to consult over multiple visits. There is a large-format overhead scanner in the reading room available to researchers.
Prior to visiting:
Please make an appointment during our open hours. If you know what materials to request, you can schedule an individual appointment. If you do not know what materials to request, please schedule a research consultation. 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 great tool for identifying popular research categories and subjects represented in our collections. You may also want to search for physical item characteristics--in which case, decide on terms for printing or production methods (e.g. letterpress printing), binding types (e.g. accordion), and/or the materials used (e.g. wax). The Artists' Book Thesaurus is helpful for book binding terms.
You can email us your requests: 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 are available by emailing specialcollections@c.ringling.edu. A staff member will meet you at the front entrance of the library during your scheduled appointment.
Wash hands. Restrooms are located near the elevators.
Ring door bell and sign in with a staff member.
Stow belongings and 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. The 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 inks.
As of 3/24/22, face coverings indoors are OPTIONAL. We are currently asking patrons to:
Conduct your own wellness check before arriving. If you feel generally like you have a cold or flu, or if you have specific symptoms of COVID-19,RESCHEDULE YOUR VISIT.
Classes and Group Tours
We recommend contacting the Special Collections Librarian at least two weeks in advanced for group tours or class lessons. (More time is better.)
Schedule a brief meeting or a virtual coffee with the Special Collections Librarian prior to discuss ideas and objectives.
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.
Visit the SC Educator Guide for more information about our educational offerings, lesson plan ideas, and ways to browse and learn about the collections.
Reproduction Guidelines
All duplication requests for scanning and photocopies are subject to copyright and fair use restrictions and condition of the materials. Readers may take digital photographs and use the overhead book scanner for research use.
For rights information please contact the Special Collections Librarian.
For one-on-one training on the overhead book scanner please contact the Archivist. Video training and group training sessions are also available.
