American Academy in Rome Library
- Via Angelo Masina 5
- phone: (06) 58.461
Library
- hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-18:00
- email: library@aarome.org
- online catalog: http://www-urbs.vatlib.it/urbs/index.asp (URBS)
For instructions on using the URBS online catalog, click here
Photo Archive
- hours: Mon & Thur 10:00-13:00, Tue and Thur afternoons by appointment
- email: photoarchive@aarome.org
- online catalog: http://www-urbs.vatlib.it/urbs/index.asp (URBS)
For instructions on using the URBS online catalog, click here
Library
The Library of the American Academy in Rome contains over 136,000 volumes in the fields of Classical studies and the history of art and architecture. Especially strong are the collections in ancient Mediterranean archaeology and art, Greek and Latin literature, ancient topography (including the history of the city of Rome), ancient religions, and related fields such as epigraphy, numismatics and papyrology. There is a good working collection in the history of art and architecture, especially Italian. The rare book collection comprises chiefly 16th-18th century imprints in classical studies, archaeology, art and architecture, including sizeable collections of Roman guidebooks and early art treatises. The Library also houses small but noteworthy collections in contemporary art and architecture, landscape architecture, Italian history and literature, American literature, historical travel books and music.
The main users of the Library are the Fellows and Residents of the American Academy, but reading passes are also issued to Italian scholars, qualified Roman residents, and Visiting Artists and Scholars. Persons applying for a reading pass are generally expected to have a graduate degree and to bring a letter of introduction, but exceptions are made for the use of publications not available elsewhere.
Photo Archive
Another significant resource is the Academy's photographic archive, which consists of several valuable and specialized collections of photographs on archaeology, architecture and art, as well as landscape architecture and gardens. It also includes special collections important to the history of the Academy, including a record of the work of past Rome Prize Fellows.
The Photographic Archive of the American Academy in Rome is open to the public Monday and Thursday from 10:00am to 1:00 pm, and on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon by appointment. Reproductions for study and publication are available for a fee (for orders contact: photoarchive@aarome.org). Many of the photographic collections have been cataloged in the database of URBS (Unione Romana Biblioteche Scientifiche), an on-line network that links the American Academy, most foreign Academies in Rome, and the Vatican Library [www-urbs.vatlib.it]. The Askew, Parker, Van Deman, Moscioni, Masson and Fellows' Work collections are on line. Other collections are available through the inventory lists.