Artists’ Book Collection

The Clarence Ward Art Library has a growing collection of more than 700 artists' books by established artists (such as Edward Ruscha, Damien Hirst, and Kiki Smith) as well as Oberlin faculty, students, alumni, and Oberlin town artists. This dynamic collection is a valuable instruction and research tool for students, faculty, and museum staff. 

In the spring of 2010 the Oberlin College Library received a remarkable gift of 100 artists' books given in honor of alumna Ruth Hughes (Oberlin class of 1985).  Explore our virtual exhibition of the Ruth Hughes Collection of Artists' Books. 

Using the Collection

Artists' books are available by appointment during normal business hours. Books are paged by library staff using the call number

The titles in the collection can be found two ways:

• All artists' books are listed in OBIS
• Selected books have screen-sized images in the Artists’ Book Imagebase (ABI)

All artists' books are non-circulating and must be read within sight of library staff

Artists’ books from the collection are often displayed in the Art Library. Books on display may be available for closer inspection on weekdays, but not in the evenings or weekends.