Overview
Located in the heart of Crown Hall, the Graham Resource Center (GRC) offers space, collections, technology and services supporting the intellectual and cultural life of the College of Architecture. Librarians collaborate closely with faculty and administration to offer the flexible and responsive services students need. The GRC is fully integrated into daily life at the College of Architecture, ensuring reliable partnership in research and education. Exhibitions and events connect the dots between reading and making, by focusing on research and the design process.
Holdings
The GRC’s collection of over 19,000 volumes explores architecture and associated disciplines, from prehistory to the present. The library’s special research collections include: Chicago's history, landscape, and built environment; a comprehensive Mies van der Rohe bibliography and study collection; proceedings and publications of the Center for Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat; rare books; and College of Architecture theses and dissertations. Over seventy-five databases are available, and journal holdings provide international and current perspectives. Patrons can borrow materials from over 120 academic libraries through the CARLI consortium.
Library Resources
For research resources and assistance, the GRC is here to help!
Academic Year Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9am to 9pm
Friday: 9am to 7pm
Saturday–Sunday: 10am to 6pm
Intersession Hours
Monday–Friday: 9am to 5pm
Circulation Desk
312.567.3256
Resources
Library Catalog
Identify and locate materials in the GRC, IIT libraries, and beyond.
Avery Index
Avery Index searches for articles in 300 current and over 1,000 retrospective architectural and related periodicals.
a+t Digital Library: Campus Access
a+t Digital Library: Remote Access
a+t Digital Library provides full access to all a+t publications, with a focus on housing, urban blocks, and hybrid typologies.
WorldCat
WorldCat is an online catalog of the holdings of more than 8,000 libraries worldwide.
JSTOR
JSTOR provides access to more than 12 million journal articles, books, images, and primary sources.
CoA Theses + Dissertations
College of Architecture Theses and Dissertations held by the GRC and/or University Archives, from 1934 to the present.
Library Map
To be updated in the next two months.
Policies
Statement of Responsibility
Patrons are expected to follow Graham Resource Center (GRC) policies, and treat GRC staff and patrons respectfully. Borrowed materials should be handled with care and returned on time. Borrowing privileges are extended to eligible patrons with the understanding that they will use GRC holdings responsibly.
Eligible Patrons
Our circulation system, ExLibris Alma, requires a current IIT account (email and A-number) to check out library materials and access proprietary databases. Visitors are welcome to visit and research in the GRC during Crown Hall open hours; please contact the library’s director for assistance.
Loan Periods for Borrowed Materials
Loans are two weeks long, and can be renewed twice in most circumstances. Maximum number of borrowed items varies by university program/role: Undergraduates, 7; Graduates and Ph.D. candidates, 10; faculty and staff, 15. Please contact the Head Librarian with any extension requests.
Reserve Materials
Reserve materials are available for in-library use only, and shelved on the east side of the circulation desk. This ensures access to all students in a course. Faculty request reserves with the Library Director.
Non-Circulating Materials
Reference Collection materials (i.e., Chicago Architecture Collection, GRC Reference Collection) are available for in-library use only. Availability and shelf locations are indicated in the Illinois Tech Libraries catalog. Special collections materials are available by appointment; please stop by the library or email the head librarian to arrange.
Renewals
Patrons can renew books by logging in to your library account and selecting one or more eligible items. Renewals are also available at the circulation desk, but require the physical copy on hand.
Book Return
Please return GRC loans to the circulation desk during GRC operating hours. Loans from Galvin Library and I-Share institutions must be returned to the Galvin book drop or circulation desk. Galvin is IIT’s access point for interlibrary loans, and the system doesn’t register them as returned until checked in there.
Notices
Automated email notices alert patrons that a book is due soon, and again when it’s overdue. If you still have the item in question, please return it immediately, otherwise directly contact the GRC librarian.
Fines
Timely returns benefit all by making materials available to all. Fines are a motivator of last resort, and generally removed once the book is returned in good condition. If you have a fine on your account, just stop by the library or email the librarian.
Damaged or Lost Books
Please notify the librarian or student staff as soon as possible if you may have lost or damaged a book. Book replacement may be more economical when done promptly. In the case of damaged books, GRC staff will try to repair minor injuries and generally waive book damage fees. In the event that a book is beyond repair, GRC staff will advise as to replacement options, and take pains to keep costs low.
Loss of Privileges/Privilege Blocking
Privilege blocking of an IIT patron will be posted in the automated library system that is shared by the CARLI consortium. Privilege blocking occurs if a recalled item has not been returned; a book owned or recalled by another institution has not been returned; overdue fines have exceeded the institution threshold; overdue items have exceeded the institution threshold. Privilege blocking is lifted when recalled or overdue materials are returned and when all applicable fines and fees are paid.