Humanities and Social Sciences Library > Collections & Reading Rooms > Print Collection

Reference Correspondence Policy

The Print Collection of the Miriam & Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs follows Research Libraries policy regarding reference inquiries received by mail, fax, and e-mail. According to this policy we may respond to requests about Library holdings and for information on a subject within an area of the Library's responsibility, that can be quickly answered. Requests which require more in-depth research may be directed to the Library's fee-based information service, NYPL Express. Requests for photographic reproduction or microfilm copies are forwarded to Photographic Services and Permissions.

Many questions concerning holdings, hours, etc. may be answered by consulting the Library's web pages. Current and retrospective book and periodical collections of the Print Collection can be found by searching the Research Libraries' online public catalog, CATNYP. Please refer to the Guide to Researching Prints for more in-depth information on research strategies.

Among the services we can provide:

• Check Research Libraries holdings for specific titles
• Check internal card file for holdings by specific printmakers or for clipping files
• Help identify printmaker and medium (please send either a clear photocopy or digital file)

We can also answer general reference inquiries relating to prints and printmakers, illustrated and artists books and caricatures.

Among the reference services we cannot provide:

• Assign values or authenticate prints
• Perform extensive picture or subject research

Certain subjects are covered in other collections:

Direct questions about photography and photographs to Photography Collection

Direct questions about fine and decorative arts, including drawings and posters, to Art & Architecture Collection

Direct questions about prints and photographs concerning the history and culture of peoples of African descent to Photographs and Prints Division, The Schomburg Center

Some graphic materials pertaining to the performing arts are held in the Print Collection, but questions about images and caricatures relating to the performing arts should also be directed to The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

Correspondence is answered in order of receipt, i.e. faxed or e-mailed requests do not receive priority over mailed requests. Due to the heavy volume of requests coming to the Print Collection, correspondents are asked to consider the needs of their fellow researchers and refrain from submitting multiple requests.