Arcadia Fine Arts Library
The Arcadia Fine Arts Library advances the academic mission of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts by supporting research, teaching, and learning across the institution. The library provides quiet study spaces and access to a range of resources and services, including computer workstations, color printing and copying, scanning equipment, digital cameras, and audiovisual materials. Library staff offer guidance in research methodologies, source evaluation, and the effective organization and presentation of research findings.
The library’s open stacks collection comprises approximately 29,000 volumes and 8,900 artist files. The artist files contain small exhibition catalogs, newspaper clippings, postcards, and other ephemera documenting the work of significant local and nationally recognized artists. Additional information regarding library policies is available here.
PAFA Affiliates Only: Private Study Room Reservation (Room 525B)
Library Hours
| Monday - Friday | 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Saturday - Sunday | CLOSED |
| Library hours are subject to change without notice. |
Contact Us!
Get in touch for help with research or accessing our resources and services.
Phone
Circulation Desk
215-972-2030
Location
5th floor, Samuel M. V. Hamilton Building
-Book return is available across from the water fountain
Search the Library Catalog
Search the library's collection of books, magazines, multimedia, and more.
Databases: Articles & E-Books
Access to nearly 3,000 full-text journals from JSTOR and Ebsco, and over 180,000 academic e-books covering art, criticism, philosophy, technology, and many other disciplines.
Databases: Digital Image, Video, & Media Resources
Access over 1.5 million digital images and streaming video resources through the Arcadia Fine Arts Library from providers such as ArtSTOR, Getty Open Images, and more.
Photographing & Digitizing Work
The Arcadia Fine Arts Library offers an assortment of multimedia equipment for educational use that can be used in the library or checked out. The library offers services including photographing artwork (paintings, sculptures, etc.), scanning artwork, photographs, and documents, as well as imaging services. To photograph your artwork in the Media Lab/Photo Studio, please make a reservation here.
Printing Services
To order fine-art prints, please view this page to review pricing and order prints.
Academic Research & Writing Resources
Learn more about PAFA's history and collection. The library works in conjunction with the archives to offer research services for scholarly means. Students, need help learning how to write and research an academic paper? These resources and guides will help you in your process
Interlibrary Loans
Search and request materials through Interlibrary Loan. Libraries all over the world participate in Interlibrary Loan (ILL) in a cooperative effort to provide articles, books, and other materials to researchers, students, and others.
Your Library Account
Learn how to register for a library account, renew materials, reset your account information, or gain access to Canvas, PAFA's course management platform.
PAFA is licensed through the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools and is a nonprofit institution accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Program structure and details are subject to standard academic and accreditation review and may be updated accordingly.