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Special Collections
The American College of the Building Arts is quickly becoming the nation’s leading repository of literature within the building arts, the highlight of which is the Jefferson Collection of rare and historic books. Though copies of these rare books can be found in leading archival resources around the world, ACBA is seeking to bring as many of these architectural resources as possible together in one place.
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The Learning Resource Center
An essential part of the instructional life at the American College of the Building Arts, the Byrne-Diderot Learning Resource Center contains more than 16,000 books, DVDs, catalogs, and current and historic periodicals focused on the six building trades taught here, as well as peripheral topics that supplement the College’s cross-curricular approach to learning. Topics include architecture and architectural history, art and art history, drafting and drawing, historic preservation, history, labor history, social sciences philosophy, economics, business and literature.
Contact our librarian to schedule a research consultation or library visit or for more information.
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Circulating Collection
The Learning Resource Center provides students, faculty, and visiting researchers with targeted information services to help them find the information they need. In addition to individual reference and research assistance, the library offers library orientation sessions and support methods to classes. ACBA maintains reciprocal use agreements with the College of Charleston’s Addlestone Library, Clemson Architecture Center at Charleston Library, the Charleston Library Society, and The Citadel’s Daniel Library.
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Throughout its history, the American College of the Building Art’s library has benefited from the interest and generosity of many supporters and donors alike. The Trustees, faculty, and staff recognize the life-long efforts that the College’s collections of books, files, photographs, artifacts, and periodicals represent and are grateful to people like Richard Byrne and David Beckford for their commitment to seeing this early collection preserved as a unified whole for others to enjoy.
Now you can be a part of establishing ACBA as a national repository of literature and research sources for the building arts by becoming a Friend of the Library. Contact the Morgan Kinder to get involved.
A meaningful and lasting tribute to a friend or loved one is through the purchase and dedication of a special book for ACBA’s collections. If you would like to honor someone in this way, please contact Morgan Kinder.
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The American College of the Building Arts has been gifted many unique pieces for special collections including print, tool, photographic, and architectural items that require special care and conservation. These are housed in the DAR Special Collections Room, funded through a grant from the Daughters of the American Revolution in 2013. The room houses the College’s spectacular collection of rare books, historical periodicals, historical pamphlets, drawings, trade catalogs, auction catalogs and vertical files.
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The American College of the Building Art’s Jefferson Collection comprises copies of books that were among those cherished by America’s third President. A devoted reader, Thomas Jefferson collected one of the largest private libraries in the country. When an invading British army burned the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., during the War of 1812, Jefferson sold Congress some of the 6,500 books from his own collection to re-establish the Library of Congress. By his death in 1826, he had again assembled some 1,600 volumes.
ACBA is seeking to bring together in one place early editions of Jefferson’s principal books on architecture and the building arts.
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Library Hours
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday - Sunday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m
Special Collections OPEN by appointment
The Byrne-Diderot Learning Center is located on third floor of the American College of the Building Art’s historic Old Trolley Barn campus, 649 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403. Contact: Morgan Kinder at kinderm@acba.edu