About the Collections
We build our collections to support the curriculum, research, and creative exploration of the SMFA community, and to reflect what’s happening in art today all over the world. Focusing on contemporary art and studio practice, our collections include exhibition catalogs, artist monographs, theoretical and art historical texts, technical manuals, comics and graphic novels, periodicals, media, artists' books, zines, and more. Collecting publications by and about underrepresented artists is an ongoing part of our mission.
We are always happy to consider recommendations of materials to add to our collection. Feel free to fill out our Purchase Request Form or email requests directly to Lauren at lauren.kimball_brown@tufts.edu.
Circulating Collections
Books
The SMFA Library's circulating collection is primarily focused on books related to the areas of study at SMFA: animation, ceramics, digital media, drawing, film and video, graphic arts, installation, metals, painting, performance, photography, print and paper, sculpture, sound, virtual reality, and visual and material studies. Circulating books are shelved in our regular stacks and our New Books section, where recent acquisitions are featured for one year before moving to the stacks.
- For tips on finding books on specific subjects, see our Art and Art History Research Guides.
- For information on accessing the circulating collection, see Borrowing from the SMFA Library.
DVDs
The SMFA Library's DVD collection includes art documentaries, experimental film and animation, video art, and classic feature films. The collection supplements the streaming content available through databases such as Alexander Street Press, Docuseek, Electronic Arts Intermix, and Kanopy.
- For information on accessing the DVD collection, see Borrowing from the SMFA Library.
- To search for DVDs and other audiovisual content, use JumboSearch’s Advanced Search feature. Click the radio button next to "Library Catalog," and select "Audio Visual" from the dropdown menu under "Material Type." Your search results will now be limited to music, film and television shows.
Print Periodicals
The SMFA Library subscribes to dozens of print periodicals on a range of art and cultural topics. Current issues are in-library use only, and most back issues can be borrowed for 1 week.
- Many of our subscriptions are also available online and can be accessed through JumboSearch.
- Check out BrowZine for an online browsing experience of thousands of scholarly journals.
- See our SMFA Library Print Periodicals guide for a list of the publications we subscribe to, with links.
Zines
The SMFA Library collects zines created by the SMFA community and by local and international artists. Our collection features varied techniques, styles, and subjects, including photocopier and risograph printing, photography, collage, drawing, comics, poetry, autobiography, social activism, and more. Zines can be checked out for 14 days at a time.
- For more information about zines, see our Zines and Alternative Publishing Research Guide.
- If you want to sell or donate your publications to the SMFA Library, please email Carrie Salazar at carrie.salazar@tufts.edu or fill out our SMFA Library Zine Collection Creator Donation Form.
Special Collections
Artists' Books
Our artists' books collection showcases a wide range of conceptual and structural approaches to book arts, from one-of-a-kind handmade books to print-on-demand editions. We collect artists’ books featuring a variety of techniques and mediums, such as screenprinting, letterpress, handmade paper, altered books, and photography books. The collection is in-library use only and viewable by appointment.
- To request access to the collection, email Darin at darin.murphy@tufts.edu.