The Research Center library contains approximately 25,000  volumes on the art, history, theory and technology of photography, film, the book arts, and related media. The library also features books in contextualizing disciplines of art history, cultural studies, history and science.

  • Nathan Lyons Research Center
  • The Research Center also houses over 3,000 rare books and photographic albums covering the history of image reproduction from 15th century woodcut, to 19th century photographic albums, to contemporary digital printing. The rare books are complemented by the Illustrated Book Collection containing illustrated books published from 1694 to the present day that display all aspects of engraving and photo-engraving practices and all forms of imaging technologies from wood engraving to xerography.

    These collections are supported by additional holdings concentrating on the areas of photography, filmmaking, video, bookmaking, media studies, and the cultural practices of image making. Our periodicals collection is an extensive resource of publications on photography, the arts, culture, and media.

    Search the library here.