Materials & Resource Library
General Information
The School of Art & Design offers a resource library of materials and finishes for current interior design student use. Students have access to an array of current samples of interior design materials provided by top manufacturers. These samples include: textiles, wall and floor coverings, plastic laminates, wood and glass products, hardware, and paints, which are cataloged like a professional design library.
How the Library is Organized – The CSI Format
- The Materials & Resource Library is based on the CSI (Construction Specifications Institute) format. The CSI has developed a master list of numbers and titles for organizing information about construction requirements, products and activities into a standard sequence.
- All materials and resources in this library are arranged into 17 Divisions. The Divisions are color coded by the Library Color Code Key - posted on table in library. Within each Division, the products and materials are further clustered by having an identifying characteristic in common.
- To look up the classification of a product, a student can use the "Interior Design Product File Headings" sheets (located on the table). These sheets list all products alphabetically as well as by their 6 digit CSI number.
- All catalogs and large material samples held in the library are organized alphabetically by manufacturer within each Division.
- The product files (brochures, pamphlets and other product information) are also filed using the CSI format.
Product Samples
- Fabric and other smaller product samples are stored in the filling cabinets and the other loose bins throughout the library. Samples of art glass are kept behind the librarian's desk. Ponite, Wilsonart and Nevamar laminate samples are found on the hanging boards .
Circulating Items
Certain samples and product information binders can be checked out of the library for up to 2 days, and up to 4 product samples can be taken out at a time. Students must return materials by their due date to avoid a late fee charge.
Other Resources
- The library is equipped with a scanner and color printer for student use.
- Every catalog has the name of the rep and his/her contact information – reps can be contacted for further information. Some reps have also donated product reference guides on CDs, which can offer additional information.
- The library also carries a broad range of interior design and product magazines that students can use (and check out) to find current materials and designer information