Artists book collection

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Artists' books are exceptionally varied and creative by their very nature. The complex medium employs the book, in any of its various guises (scroll, codex, fold-out or single sheet boxed, to name but a few forms of books) as an original work of art. They usually integrate the formal means of conception and production with aesthetic or thematic aspects. Artists' books are considered unique works of art in one-of-a-kind or small edition multiples. Some now are mass produced. The variety of its form makes the artist book difficult to define. The twentieth century witnessed particularly varied and creative experimentation with artists' books culminating with an expansion of the medium in the '60 and '70s. California became a center of production.

The collection of artists' books at Otis College of Art and Design began and grew significantly during this period due largely to the efforts of Joan Hugo, a previous Otis librarian, and recognized expert in artists' books. Judith Hoffberg was also instrumental in building a fine Otis collection which was representative of the time. The Otis Library's current collection is approximately 2,000 works. Among the holdings are books by important contemporary artists such as Ed Ruscha, Joseph Beuys, and Vito Acconci.