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Using the Institute of Fine Arts Library

Information about using the Institute of Fine Arts Library for NYU community members.

Using the Reading Rooms

All Institute of Fine Arts researchers should be aware that the library reading rooms are designated for quiet study.

Food & Drink Policy

The Institute of Fine Arts Library's Food & Drink Policy is here to help us keep our library spaces a welcoming and comfortable space for everyone. We truly appreciate your cooperation!

You’re welcome to enjoy non-alcoholic drinks in approved containers while you’re here. These include spill-proof mugs with secure lids, sports bottles with closable spouts, capped plastic water bottles, and paper or Styrofoam cups with lids.

Please avoid using open cups or mugs, aluminum cans, or glass bottles inside the library.

We want to ask that you not bring any food into the reading rooms to keep the environment clean and pleasant for all researchers.

If you have food or drinks, please take them to a designated area to enjoy. Any unattended food or beverages in unapproved containers will need to be discarded, so please keep an eye on your belongings. Thank you so much for helping us create a friendly and respectful space!

Unless otherwise posted, non-alcoholic drinks in approved containers may be consumed in the library. 

Approved containers include:

  • Spill-proof mugs with secure lids and a drinking hole that can be closed

  • Sports bottles with a drinking spout that can be closed

  • Water in capped plastic water bottles

  • Paper or Styrofoam cups with a lid

Containers that are not considered acceptable include:

  • Open cups or mugs

  • Aluminum cans

  • Glass bottles

No food is allowed in the reading rooms.

Readers not complying with these policies will be asked to take the food or drink to a designated area. 

Unattended food in library spaces will be discarded, as well as unattended drinks in unapproved containers.

Reading Room Guidelines

  • All cell phones and other electronic devices must be silenced.

  • Adhesives, including glue, tape, and adhesive notes are prohibited in the reading room.

  • Materials may not be marked, folded, or handled in any way that is likely to damage them.

  • Shelve book returns in designated areas in the library.

Personal Shelves

To request a personal shelf in one of the Library’s reading rooms, please email ifa.library@nyu.edu.

Your personal reserve shelf may be used to store Institute of Fine Arts Library books that are checked out to you, as well as personal books and books from other libraries.