Why are some art books non-circulating?
Certain types of items in the art collection have non-circulating status to preserve them and to keep them available for use in the reading rooms by any patron of the library. These include serials (journals and periodicals), multi-volume sets and catalogues raisonnés (catalogues of an artist’s entire body of work), reference books (marked ART REF), folio-sized books (these are 35 cm and larger and marked F before the call number), large photography books (call numbers L770-L779), and books that are very fragile or published before 1930. Art books are often difficult and expensive to replace; original art journals are mostly irreplaceable. Art books go out of print quickly, usually within one year, and their value inflates as soon as they are out of print. Circulation significantly adds to the risk of damage and loss. For more details, read the Art Collection Circulation Policy or pick up a brochure in the reading room.
