Collections & Resources

In addition to art related books, periodicals, and DVDs, resources include access to art auction databases, an index to exhibitions held at the Museum since 1901, documentary information on the Museum’s collections, vertical files on more than 20,000 artists, and research assistance. 

Find out more about the library’s collections and resources by exploring our online catalog or checking out our curated resource lists.  All library materials are available to use in house, and those 18 and older are eligible for borrowing privileges and can apply for a library card. 

Visit Us

The public is invited to use the Library, free of charge, during public hours. Entrance to the Library is through the front doors of the Center for the Visual Arts, which is on the east side of the Museum. For more information, please contact us at (419) 254-5770 or via our Ask a Librarian form below.

Join Us

Are you interested in supporting the collections and services of the Library & Archives? Become a member of our library friends' group, the Museum Library League. 

Do you want to know more about a work of art in TMA's collections? Do you want to know about an exhibition from TMA's past? Do you need help with research or writing a paper? Do you need help with your Library account? We can help you with these questions and more via our Ask A Librarian form.  

Services

The Toledo Museum of Art Library & Archives offers: 

• Research & reference support** 

• Borrowing privileges  

• Art Book Club (bi-monthly) 

• Access to resource documents for art appraisal/valuation, conservation/restoration, & more** 

• Access to TMA collections information and TMA exhibition history**    

• On-site access to databases such as AskArt (auctions) & JSTOR (academic publications) 

• Interlibrary Loan (TMA staff only); for institutions seeking loans or copies, request via WorldShare ILL or email library@toledomuseum.org 

• On-site public access to computers (3), a printer, and an overhead scanner 

• Instruction sessions/"how-to" use the library** 

• Class or group tours (ask us about our Unshelved experiences!) 

• Rotating displays and mini-exhibits 

• ArtSpace, an art-making/craft area (open to all!) 

• Curbside pickup and material return in Herrick Lobby (Green Building) 

• & much more! 

** = in person & remotely 

Purpose

The purpose of the Toledo Museum of Art Archives is to identify, collect, preserve, and make available for use the records of the Toledo Museum of Art which possess enduring historical, administrative, legal or fiscal value. The Archives is the official repository of historical documents and permanent records of the Toledo Museum of Art, its staff, its founders, trustees, and any other related organizations, trusts or individuals which have enduring value to the Museum. The Archives provides management with historical documentation which may serve as a framework and support for decision-making, as well as making material available to scholars and researchers related to the history of art, the Museum, and the collections.

Access

The Archives serves outside researchers as well as Museum staff. Select materials in the Museum Archives are available to the public by appointment. Please contact the Library & Archives to request material.

Finding Aids

Finding aids for a number of collections can be accessed by contacting the Library & Archives. The following finding aids can be browsed and searched on the OhioLINK Finding Aid Repository:

Contact the Library & Archives

419-254-5770 or library@toledomuseum.org 

Library Hours

Location

University of Toledo Center for Visual Arts

620 Art Museum Dr, Toledo, OH 43620

Click on map below for further directions