Printed Book & Periodical Collection

The Printed Book & Periodical Collection contains more than 70,000 volumes in open stacks adjacent to the main reading room and about 17,000 rare American and European imprints in closed stacks. The strength of this collection concentrates on the documentation of American household goods and their use, decorative arts and design, and the material culture of everyday life in America from the 17th through the early 20th centuries.

The holdings of rare books are particularly strong in architecture and design books; travel narratives; American painting and graphics; children's books; descriptions of craft techniques; women's magazines and the literature of domestic economy and etiquette; periodicals that promote or describe lifestyles; and city directories and guidebooks. A sizable portion of t he rare book collection offers insights into the European antecedents that informed American taste and design. American and British manufacturers' and retailers' trade catalogues provide an invaluable record of product designs, technological developments, and marketing strategies.

In addition to monographs, rare books, and trade catalogues, the Printed Book & Periodical Collection offers currently published periodicals as well as auction and exhibition catalogues.

Reference contact: 302.888.4681