What happens when books become art? When pages fold into sculptures, when bindings tell stories, and when the very concept of “reading” transforms into a multi-sensory experience? MIT Libraries is excited to introduce our new book arts research guide—your gateway to discovering the fascinating world where literature meets visual art.
Artists’ book Ocean Wave by Thomas Parker Williams on display at the Books and Bites spring 2025 showcase. Photo credit: Lydia Brosnahan
More than just books
Artists’ books exist at the exciting intersection of printmaking, photography, poetry, experimental narrative, visual arts, graphic design, and publishing. They challenge our assumptions about what books can be, inviting readers to touch, unfold, and interact with stories in completely new ways. These aren’t books to read passively – they’re experiences that engage all the senses and invite you to think differently about information, storytelling, and art.
Our collection includes everything from Ed Ruscha’s iconic Every Building on the Sunset Strip to cutting-edge 3D-printed books and Augmented Reality artists’ books created by marginalized voices, and indie tarot decks that blur the lines between divination and design.
What you’ll find in the book arts research guide
12
years of collecting
100+
unique works
∞
creative possibilities
The book arts research guide serves as your comprehensive resource for:
- Discovering our collection: Browse curated selections in the guide for easy exploration, and learn how to discover them in Search Our Collections
- Finding materials: Locate supplies and spaces for creating your own book arts
- Connecting with community: Learn about workshops, events, and maker resources
- Understanding history: Explore how MIT’s collection grew through collaborative efforts
Hands-On Learning at MIT
We believe in tactile, alternative forms of research. That’s why we’ve created grab-and-go maker backpacks, host biannual Books and Bites events, and integrate artists’ books directly into classroom learning. This isn’t just about looking at art—it’s about making it.
Built by community, for community
This research guide represents more than a decade of passionate collecting by MIT Libraries staff, from Lorrie McAllister and Lareese Hall’s foundational work to recent additions by Kai Alexis Smith, Gwendolyn Collaço, Emilie Hardman, Anna Boutin-Cooper, and Rebecca Bramlett. We’ve intentionally sought diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible (DEIA) creators and marginalized makers, ensuring our collection reflects the full spectrum of contemporary book arts.
The guide itself embodies our collaborative spirit. Created by Kai Smith and Rebecca Bramlett with input from across the MIT Libraries collaborators, it’s designed to grow and evolve with the Libraries’ strategic directions and the MIT Community’s interests and needs.
Ready to explore?
Whether you’re an art student looking for inspiration, an engineer curious about alternative design approaches, or simply someone who loves the intersection of creativity and technology, the book arts research guide has something for you.
Interactive artists’ book Ul’nigid’ Rhiannon Skye Tafoya (left) and Boxed in? What Where Why by Insiya Dhatt (center to right) on display at Books and Bites spring 2025 Showcase featured for visitors to explore and learn from hands-on. Photo credit: Lydia Brosnahan
Questions?
Have questions about the collection? Want to suggest an acquisition? Curious about hosting a workshop? Our team is passionate about sharing these unique art forms with the MIT community.
Contact Kai Alexis Smith (Architecture and Planning Librarian) or Rebecca Bramlett (Instruction & Outreach Archivist) to learn more about integrating book arts into your coursework, research, and/or creative practice.
Discover how books can be art, art can be books, and both can transform the way you think about creativity, information, and storytelling.
