About
The ArtCenter College of Design Library offers a comprehensive collection of resources on art and design. In addition to providing both quiet spaces for students to work independently and areas for collaboration in groups, the ArtCenter Library also features extensive collections of books, magazines, videos as well as zines and video games. The Library also provides access to dozens of subscription online databases. Research Librarians are available for research assistance and online resource instruction to aid students in fulfilling their creative vision.
Checkout Policies

You need your ArtCenter ID, Alumni or Reciprocal Borrower card to check out books EVERY TIME! How many books and items you can check out depends on the kind of patron you are. Library materials can be renewed by logging into your account or by calling 626 396-2233.

Undergraduate
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ItemLoan PeriodCheckout Limit
Circulating books7 weeks, 1 renewal25 total
Magazines (back issues)7 weeks, 1 renewal25 total
Zines7 weeks, 1 renewal25 total
Reserve books2 hours, 1 renewal25 total
Audio books7 weeks, 1 renewal3
DVDs/VHS tapes7 days, no renewals5
CD-ROMs/DVD-ROMs7 days, no renewals2
Sound effect CDs7 days, no renewals8
Video games7 days, no renewals3
Reference booksNo checkoutLibrary use only
Reference magazinesNo checkoutLibrary use only
Magazines (current)No checkoutLibrary use only
Special booksNo checkoutLibrary use only
Online resourcesOn & off campus access
Graduate
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ItemLoan PeriodCheckout Limit
Circulating books14 weeks, no renewals50 total
Magazines (back issues)14 weeks, no renewals50 total
Zines14 weeks, no renewals50 total
Reserve books2 hours, 1 renewals50 total
Audio books7 weeks, 1 renewal3
DVDs/VHS tapes7 days, no renewals5
CD-ROMs/DVD-ROMs7 days, no renewals2
Sound effect CDs7 days, no renewals8
Video games7 days, no renewals3
Reference booksNo checkoutLibrary use only
Reference magazinesNo checkoutLibrary use only
Magazines (current)No checkoutLibrary use only
Special booksNo checkoutLibrary use only
Online resourcesOn & off campus access
Faculty
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ItemLoan PeriodCheckout Limit
Circulating books14 weeks, no renewals50 total
Magazines (back issues)14 weeks, no renewals50 total
Zines14 weeks, no renewals50 total
Reserve books2 hours, 1 renewal50 total
Audio books7 weeks, 1 renewal3
DVDs/VHS tapes7 days, no renewals12
CD-ROMs/DVD-ROMs7 days, no renewals2
Sound effect CDs7 days, no renewals8
Video games7 days, 1 renewal3
Reference booksNo checkoutLibrary use only
Reference magazinesNo checkoutLibrary use only
Magazines (current)No checkoutLibrary use only
Special booksNo checkoutLibrary use only
Online resourcesOn & off campus access
Alumni
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ItemLoan PeriodCheckout Limit
Circulating books4 weeks, 1 renewal6 total
Magazines (back issues)4 weeks, 1 renewal6 total
Zines4 weeks, 1 renewal6 total
Reserve books2 hours, 1 renewal6 total
Audio books4 weeks, 1 renewal3
DVDs/VHS tapesNo checkoutLibrary use only
CD-ROMs/DVD-ROMsNo checkoutLibrary use only
Sound effect CDsNo checkoutLibrary use only
Video gamesNo checkoutLibrary use only
Reference booksNo checkoutLibrary use only
Reference magazinesNo checkoutLibrary use only
Magazines (current)No checkoutLibrary use only
Special booksNo checkoutLibrary use only
Online resourcesOn campus access
Staff
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ItemLoan PeriodCheckout Limit
Circulating books7 weeks, 1 renewal25 total
Magazines (back issues)7 weeks, 1 renewal25 total
Zines7 weeks, 1 renewal25 total
Reserve books2 hours, 1 renewal25 total
Audio books7 weeks, 1 renewal3
DVDs/VHS tapes7 days, 1 renewal5
CD-ROMs/DVD-ROMs7 days, no renewals2
Sound effect CDs7 days, no renewals8
Video games7 days, no renewals3
Reference booksNo checkoutLibrary use only
Reference magazinesNo checkoutLibrary use only
Magazines (current)No checkoutLibrary use only
Special booksNo checkoutLibrary use only
Online resourcesOn & off campus access
ACX
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ItemLoan PeriodCheckout Limit
Circulating books7 weeks, 1 renewal6 total
Magazines (back issues)7 weeks, 1 renewal6 total
Zines7 weeks, 1 renewal6 total
Reserve books2 hours, 1 renewal6 total
Audio books7 weeks, 1 renewal3
CD-ROMs/DVD-ROMs7 days, no renewals2
DVDs/VHS tapesNo checkoutLibrary use only
Sound effect CDsNo checkoutLibrary use only
Video gamesNo checkoutLibrary use only
Reference booksNo checkoutLibrary use only
Reference magazinesNo checkoutLibrary use only
Magazines (current)No checkoutLibrary use only
Special booksNo checkoutLibrary use only
Online resourcesOn & off campus access
ACX Teens
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ItemLoan PeriodCheckout Limit
Circulating books7 weeks, 1 renewal3 total
Magazines (back issues)7 weeks, 1 renewal3 total
Zines7 weeks, 1 renewal3 total
Reserve books2 hours, 1 renewal3 total
Audio books7 weeks, 1 renewal3
DVDs/VHS tapesNo checkoutLibrary use only
CD-ROMs/DVD-ROMsNo checkoutLibrary use only
Sound effect CDsNo checkoutLibrary use only
Video gamesNo checkoutLibrary use only
Reference booksNo checkoutLibrary use only
Reference magazinesNo checkoutLibrary use only
Magazines (current)No checkoutLibrary use only
Special booksNo checkoutLibrary use only
Online resourcesOn & off campus access
Reciprocal Borrowers and Guests
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ItemLoan PeriodCheckout Limit
Circulating books4 weeks, 1 renewal6 total
Magazines (back issues)4 weeks, 1 renewal6 total
Zines4 weeks, 1 renewal6 total
Reserve books2 hours, 1 renewalLibrary use only
Audio booksNo checkoutLibrary use only
DVDs/VHS tapesNo checkoutLibrary use only
CD-ROMs/DVD-ROMsNo checkoutLibrary use only
Sound effect CDsNo checkoutLibrary use only
ImagesNo checkoutLibrary use only
Video gamesNo checkoutLibrary use only
Reference booksNo checkoutLibrary use only
Reference magazinesNo checkoutLibrary use only
Magazines (current)No checkoutLibrary use only
Special booksNo checkoutLibrary use only
Online resourcesOn campus access
Guest Faculty and Staff
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ItemLoan PeriodCheckout Limit
Circulating books4 weeks, 1 renewal6 total
Magazines (back issues)4 weeks, 1 renewal6 total
Zines4 weeks, 1 renewal6 total
Reserve books2 hours, 1 renewal6 total
Audio books4 weeks, 1 renewal3
DVDs/VHS tapes7 days, no renewals5
CD-ROMs/DVD-ROMs7 days, no renewals2
Sound effect CDs7 days, no renewals8
Video games7 days, no renewals3
Reference booksNo checkoutLibrary use only
Reference magazinesNo checkoutLibrary use only
Magazines (current)No checkoutLibrary use only
Special booksNo checkoutLibrary use only
Online resourcesOn & off campus access
Library Policies

When visiting the Library, please observe the rules and policies and be considerate of other library patrons.

Library Rules
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In consideration of your fellow classmates, please limit all conversations to school related matters in a low voice. The east side of the Fogg Library is for quiet study only. Groups working in collaboration can use the west side of the Fogg Library.

No food, use of chalk, charcoal, glue, X-Acto knives, paints or inks are allowed in the library.

Eating and drinking are not allowed in the Library while we follow current health and safety guidelines.

Masks are to be worn at all times while indoors.

Please silence your cell phones.

Please put your trash in the trash can.

Internet Access
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The entire collection, including internet access, is open to all patrons. Library staff is not responsible for an individual’s selection of materials. Parents and legal guardians have the right and responsibility to restrict their children’s access to library materials. Parents and legal guardians should instruct their children on appropriate limits, and visit the library with their children if they are concerned about access. Disclaimer: the ArtCenter Library is an art library, containing materials that may be inappropriate for teenagers. Please note that the library does not have filtering software on its computers.

Booking the Game Zone
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The Game Zone is located on the west side of the Fogg Library on the Hillside Campus. Play games and collaborate in the flexible space with fellow students. We have an 85" screen, several video gaming consoles (PlayStation 3, 4 & 5, XBox Series X, Nintendo Swtich, NES & SNES Classic Editions), HDMI input, as well as board games.

Please use the booking form to schedule your time slot. You can book up to two hours during regular Library open hours. Contact us if you have any questions. Faculty can also email us to reserve the space for a class.

Alumni Library Privileges
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All ArtCenter alumni can visit and use the library resources on site during library hours and request books to be held for them. In accordance with ArtCenter policy, all persons who wish to access the ArtCenter campuses must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including booster vaccines when eligible. Visitors may provide proof of vaccination when they arrive on campus. Check in at the Security Desk. If you have any questions, please email Environmental Health and Safety.

All local ArtCenter alumni (local is defined as living in Los Angeles County or in an adjacent county, with proof of local residence such as a driver's license or utility bill) have access to borrowing privileges for up to six items from the ArtCenter library book and periodical collections free of charge by obtaining an alumni library card. Alumni includes persons who have received a degree from ArtCenter or completed at least three terms in good standing and have withdrawn from the college after a year's absence. The alumni library card must be renewed annually according to the steps listed below. Your expiration date is indicated in the orange dot on the back of your library card.

To determine if a resource is available in advance of driving to campus, you can search the ArtCenter library book and periodical collections from the home page.

Please do your part to help us continue extending this privilege free of charge to alumni by returning all items on time and in their original condition. If items are not returned on time, borrowing privileges are suspended until the borrower has returned late items and paid the corresponding fines. If significant abuse of this policy is identified, it will have to be discontinued or a fee will be required to offset library losses.

To Obtain/Renew an Alumni Library Card

Send an email with your name, graduation year and major to alumni@artcenter.edu or visit the Alumni Office in person during regular office hours. The office is located at:

ArtCenter's South Campus
1111 South Arroyo Parkway, 4th floor
Pasadena, CA 91105

If you would like to pick up your library card in person after office hours, please indicate this by email and arrangements will be made to leave your card with the Library's Circulation Desk. Photo identity will be required when using or picking up your new library card.

You must have a clear borrowing record (no missing books or existing fines) to be able to obtain or renew your alumni library card. If you have existing fines, we will notify you of the amount due and will require a clearance of this issue before mailing or providing a library card. If you need to place a claims returned dispute regarding a lost item you believe you returned, we can assist with this matter, or you can fill out the claims returned form in the library in person.

Once you have met the requirements listed above, we will mail you your library card with first class postage within 2-3 business days or provide the card in person at the Alumni Office during office hours, and at the Library's Circulation Desk by advance arrangement after hours.

Reciprocal Borrowing Privileges
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While the ArtCenter Library is open to the public for browsing, faculty and currently enrolled students from Occidental and Caltech as well as faculty from SCELC member institutions are eligible for borrowing privileges. If you are eligible and are interested in borrowing materials, please fill out our online registration form and bring your valid college ID to the Front Desk at the Fogg Library on the Hillside Campus. You will be given an ArtCenter Library borrowers card which you will need to present upon checkout of library materials.

In accordance with ArtCenter policy, all persons who wish to access the ArtCenter campuses must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including booster vaccines when eligible. Visitors may provide proof of vaccination when they arrive on campus. Check in at the Security Desk and get your visitor's wristband. If you have any questions concerning campus access, please email Environmental Health and Safety.

Students on Leave of Absence
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Students who have completed three terms in good standing, and are on an official leave of absence from the college with an intent to return the following term, may register for borrowing privileges provided that they live in Los Angeles County or an adjacent county. Their Library account must be clear with all books returned and fines cleared. Undergrads on leave may borrow up to six items for four weeks with one renewal. Graduates on leave may borrow up to 10 items for the entire term with no renewals. Standard fine policies apply.

Lost Books
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When an item a patron believes they have returned is still showing on their account, a claims returned search process is initiated. We will check the shelves to see if the item is here in the library. During the time the item search is being conducted, the item will stay on the patron record and notices will continue to be sent. We ask that the patron also check their home, car and locker, as well as with their friends for the item.

If the item is located in the library, we will remove it from the patron record and any blocks and/or fees will be removed. If we can’t find the item, the book is considered lost. The patron will be responsible for the replacement cost of the item plus a processing fee. Replacement fees reflect the actual or average cost of replacing particular items. The patron can see the amount of the replacement cost and processing fees by logging into their account and clicking on the unpaid fines and bills link . If the patron finds they do have the item and returns it within the search period, the patron will be responsible for any overdue charges incurred after the due date of the item. If the patron pays for the item as a lost book and finds the item within six months after paying the fine, the replacement fee will be refunded, but not the processing fee. After six months, replacement fees will not be refunded.

All library fees and fines are used to buy new material for the library.

Overdue Fines
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Students, staff and faculty will not be charged overdue fines; however, a replacement fee will be charged for lost items.

The Library charges alumni and reciprocal borrowers overdue fines for materials that are not returned or renewed by their due date. Fees and fines for overdue materials have been intentionally set to encourage the timely return of these items. Users with unpaid fees and fines will be blocked from checking out and requesting library materials.

Item Fine
Books$0.25 per day
Audio Books$0.25 per day
Zines$0.25 per day
Magazines$0.25 per day
Board Games$0.25 per day
DVDs/VHS tapes$1.00 per day
CD-ROMs/DVD-ROMs$1.00 per day
Sound Effect CDs$1.00 per day
Video Games$1.00 per day
Reserve Books$1.00 per hour
Supplies & Accessories$1.00 per hour
Electronic Devices$1.00 per hour
Blu-ray Drives$1.00 per hour
Special Books$2.00 per hour (Library use only)

Once an item is five days overdue, it is considered lost. All patrons will be charged the replacement cost for the lost item, and a hold will be placed on their library account. Students who do not return their materials by their due dates will also have a hold placed on their Inside account.

Filming in the Library
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Students who would like to film in the library must submit a request form. Students who request the library space for filming/photography, must follow these guidelines:

• Any space in the library for filming/photography must be preapproved by the Director, Access and Outreach.
• Request must submitted no less than 2 weeks prior to filming/photography.
• Library open hours will not be modified to accommodate filming.
• Students must be able to accommodate staff or students in need of any library resources in the film/photography’s proximity at any time.
• Student is responsible for arranging crew members as the library staff cannot assist with filming.
• Please limit your crew to six people.
• You may not film any student or staff that are in the library that are not part of your crew.
• Lighting accommodations will be limited due to library operating conditions.
• Staff offices are not available as a filming location.
• Students are allowed to use library furniture, with these exceptions:
• All library furniture must remain in the library.
• Furniture and space cannot be altered in any way that will cause permanent damage.
• Any materials and/or furniture used must be returned to their original location.
• A library staff member must be present when the library is open while filming is in progress.
• When the library is closed, a security guard must accompany the student in the library at all times during shooting. Prior arrangements must be made with the head of security at (626) 396-2299. *Students are required to pay a fee to have security present; the cost is not covered by the library.
• Library staff can refuse filming if it creates an unnecessary burden on staff or compromises the services of the library.
• Staff have the right to halt filming at any time if guidelines are not followed.
• All financial responsibilities are that of the student for any damage; the library will not collect damages from the student’s department.

In-Kind Donations
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Thank you for your interest and support of the ArtCenter Library. Due to a growing lack of space, we are currently unable to accept in-kind donations of library materials. We greatly appreciate your support and look forward to accepting in-kind donations in the future. If you would like to make a monetary donation to the ArtCenter Library or to ArtCenter College of Design, please visit Art Center’s online donation form.

Please note, the moratorium excludes the ArtCenter Archives. To inquire about making a donation to the ArtCenter Archives, please contact College Archivist, Robert Dirig at robert.dirig@artcenter.edu or 626 396-2208.

For questions about the moratorium, please contact the College Librarian, Mario Ascencio, at mario.ascencio@artcenter.edu or 626 396-2231.

Working in the Library
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Interested in working in the Library? We have jobs available in the following departments:

-Library Assistant (Front Desk, Hillside Campus) - check books in and out, answer questions, re-shelve items, etc.

-Library Assistant (Collections & Systems, Hillside Campus) - magazine/book processing, slide & flatbed scanning, color correction

-Archives Assistant (Archives & Special Collections, 950 Building) - scanning photos and printed materials, inventory, archival processing

-Visual Learning Assistant/Graphic Designer (Collections & Systems - Hybrid) - work with the Library's branding team to design social media campaigns, imagery, typography, and more

To apply, please fill out the form here.

Please Note: Some of these positions may be filled. If all our positions are currently filled, your application will be kept on file and reviewed again when positions become available. Thank you for your interest in working for the Library.

Questions? Please email our Director, Access & Research.

Fogg Library
1700 Lida Street
Pasadena, CA 91103
Mon – Thurs : 10am – 9pm
Fri – Sat : 10am – 5pm
Sun : Closed
Archives & Special Collections
950 S. Raymond Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105
Mon – Fri: 9am – 4pm
Sat – Sun: Closed
South Campus hold pickup shelf available at 1111 Lobby