Main Menu

Library & Archives

Expand your knowledge

The TMA Library & Archives welcomes all curious visitors, researchers, art enthusiasts, and students. Reflecting the Museum’s purpose of art education, the Library collections focus on the Museum's works of art, exhibitions and history. In addition to serving Museum staff and members, the library serves both the public and the University of Toledo Art Department.

Interested in finding out more about a work of art in the museum? Working on an art history paper? Looking for information on an antique? Our resources are available to everyone both in the Library and online. We are located on the first floor of the University or Toledo Center for Visual Arts (CVA) on the east side of the Museum. Access to the CVA and the Library is through the front entrance to the CVA or via the Museum during Library open hours.

If you have any questions, please reach out via our Ask a Librarian form below.

About the Library

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. 

Contact Us

To get in touch with the Library & Archives, please email library@toledomuseum.org. If you'd like to stay up-to-date with the Library & Archives happenings, sign up for our Quarterly Newsletter or our Art Book Club email list!

Ask Us

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 & Programs

Services

The Toledo Museum of Art Library & Archives offers: 

  • Research & reference support** 

  • Borrowing privileges  

  • Art Book Club

  • 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 

Museum Archives

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 

Hours & Location

Library Hours

During UT Semesters
Monday – Thursday10 am – 6 pm
FridayNoon – 4 pm 
Summer Break
Tuesday – Thursday10 am – 5 pm
FridayNoon – 4 pm 

Membership

Become a TMA member today

Support TMA

Help support the TMA mission