Even if you still can't conjugate essere, you should still try to visit at least one of these Libraries in Rome as part of your semester in Rome. A few have staff members who speak English, however we have compiled a list of Italian Phrases for Library Users for your use.
Below is a brief list of libraries in Rome that you should be able to access. For more information about a particular library, click the hot-linked library name or category.
more info - La Sapienza Libraries - more info
The University of Rome is a system of three campuses. The La Sapienza Campus has an architecture program and their own systems of architecture related libraries. You are authorized to consult materials at most of those affiliated with La Sapienza while at the Sede di Roma. This has been verified either from their online usage policies or directly by the individual libraries' staff.
Some of the more pertinent La Sapienza Libraries are:
(Architectural History)
Biblioteca del Dipartimento di Storia dell'Architettura, Restauro e Conservazione dei Beni Architettonici
(Historic Preservation)
Biblioteca del dipartimento di caratteri dell'architettura, valutazione e ambiente - CAVEA
(Landscape Architecture)
Biblioteca del dipartimento di rilievo analisi e disegno dell'ambiente e dell'architettura - RADAAR
(Central Architecture Library)
La Sapienza Biblioteca Centrale delle Facoltà di Architettura
(Architecture and Urban Studies Library)
Biblioteca del Dipartimento di Architettura e Analisi della Citta - AR COS
more info - La Sapienza Libraries - more info
more info - Public Libraries - more info
Rome has many Public Libraries, both National and Local, throughout the city. Some of the more convenient Public Libraries are:
(Central National Public Library of Rome)
Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Roma
(Library of the National Institute of Archaeology and History of Art)
Biblioteca dell'Istituto Nazionale di Archeologia e Storia dell'Arte
Biblioteca dell 'Rispoli
Biblioteca Romana Sarti, Accademia Nazionale di San Luca
more info - Public Libraries - more info
more info - Research Libraries - more info
A number of the world's most prestigious cultural institutions have outstanding research libraries in Rome. These are intended for the use of professional scholars and require special permission to use. Although access is strictly controlled, some might permit Penn State faculty, graduate students and possibly even undergraduates to consult their collections on-site, with special advance permission.
Such special effort may be worthwhile if they are the only source in Rome for the one book you need to see. You would need to contact the institution's librarian directly to make a request to visit any items in their collections.
American Academy in Rome
The British School at Rome
(Vatican Library)
Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana
(French School in Rome)
École Française de Rome
(German Archaeological Institute)
Deutsches Archäologisches Institut
(Italian Institute of Medieval History)
Istituto Italiano Storico per il Medio Evo
more info - Research Libraries - more info
