Architecture Collection FAQ

Librarian/Assistance
Location/address of library
Public use of library
Hours
Slides
Theses and Masters reports
Entourage
Joesler
Architects' addresses
Current information on an architect or building
House plans
Standards/specifications
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)

I need the "Entourage."

Entourage is one of the titles the library has that are known as "tracing files." These books contain images of trees, people, cars, etc. that students can trace into their drawings. Entourage and other books like it are located at NA2780. You can also do a subject search in the online catalog under "Entourage."

I've borrowed slides from you in the past; do you still have them?

The Architecture Library no longer has slides. Cynthia Bower, the Visual Resources Curator for the College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, may be reached at 520.626.5413 or cebower@email.arizona.edu to discuss access to images.

How do I reach the Architecture Librarian?

Contact Paula Wolfe at 520.626.9434, or send her e-mail at wolfep@u.library.arizona.edu, and she will respond as soon as possible.

Do you have a list of theses and/or masters reports students of the College of Architecture have produced?

Click here for a list of Theses and Masters Reports available in the Architecture Collection (permanent reserves). Theses and reports completed prior to 2003 and given to the Library are located in this collection. There are a few, however, with Library of Congress call numbers; these are shelved in the regular book stacks. Theses and reports written in 2003 and thereafter are available digitally here. Search for "architecture" in Major. Theses and reports may not be checked out.

Do you have any information on Joesler?

We have two copies of one title in the Architecture Library Joesler & Murphey: An Architectural Legacy for Tucson. Please check our online catalog for availability.

Copies of this title are available for purchase through the office of the College of Architecture for $10.00. Please call 520.621.6751 for more information.

You may also contact Brooks Jeffrey, Curator of the the Arizona Architectural Archives (520.621.2991), for more information. Copies of Joesler plans are available through the Archives.

Do you have a book that lists architectural firms and practitioners in the United States?

Yes. Profile can be found in the reference collection at NA53 .P76 FaRef. The new edition includes a CD-ROM, which you may use on a public terminal in the Fine Arts Library. Ask at the Circulation Desk for directions to the appropriate terminal.

How do I find the Fine Arts Library? Where can I park?

If you are coming from off-campus, the nearest parking garage is at the corner of Park Ave. and Speedway Blvd. (Park Avenue Garage). Exit the garage to the east, go down the stairs and walk through the pedestrian underpass under Speedway Blvd. The Music Building is on your right, across from the Center for Creative Photography. The Library is located on the second floor of the Music Building.

The mailing address of the Architecture Collection is:

Architecture Collection
The University of Arizona
PO Box 210075
Tucson, AZ 85721-0075

May the public check out books from the collection?

Yes. The Fine Arts Library is a branch of The University of Arizona Library, and so if you have a Community Users card you may check out books.

What are your hours?

Hours are listed under branch "Fine Arts Library."

How do I find current information about an architect or building?

Good sources are the Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals and the Architectural Index. Both give citations to journal articles.

Below is a short guide for building research.

Questions to Ask	Places to Look
Who designed it? Who commissioned it? Who, person or firm built it? Who worked, lived in it?	Architectural Guidebooks / Dictionaries & Encyclopedias / Biographical Resources / Journal Articles / Newspaper Articles
What type of building is it? What is its function? What is its style? Have changes have been made? What materials were used?	Architectural Guidebooks / Journal Articles / Newspaper Articles / Architectural Drawings
What is its place in architectural design? Are its precedents or is this a first? What are its features? What condition is it in? What is its relationship between its function and style?	Architectural Histories / Architectural Style Guides / Dictionaries & Encyclopedias / Theses & Dissertations
What was critical response to it? What was the local reaction What was public opinion? What was the political reaction?	Journal Articles / Newspaper Articles / City Histories / Archives
Is it Technologically advanced? Where did construction materials come from? Where does it fit into the architect's/designer's career?	Architectural Histories / Biographical Resources / Theses & Dissertations
Why is this building important? Why was it designed the way it was? Why was it altered (if it was)?	Architectural Histories / Journal Articles / Theses & Dissertations
When was it commissioned? When was it designed, built? Was it altered?	Architectural Guidebooks / Dictionaries & Encyclopedias
How does it compare to similar structures? How does it relate to its environment? How does its interior and exterior design relate? How has its appearance and functionality changed? How is it still serving its original purpose?	Architectural Histories / Journal Articles / Newspaper Articles / Theses & Dissertations /Archives

Do you have books of house plans?

We have a few; however the Tucson-Pima County Public Library has a much more comprehensive collection of house plan books. Search their catalog using "house plans" as your keyword.

I need to know the size of a basketball court (or standards or specifications for any type of facility: airports, offices, etc.).

You should look at Time-saver Standards for Building Types located at NA2760 D42 FaRef. If you do not find what you need, please contact the Librarian.

Do you have a copy of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)?

No. A copy is available in Government Documents on the 3rd floor of the Main Library; the call number is:
Y 3.B 27:8 AM 3/2/992.

We do, however, have a copy of ADA handbook: employment & construction issues affecting your business. The call number is: KF3469 .W55 1993. Additional information about ADA issues can be found by doing a subject search in the online catalog using "Barrier-free design" as your search term.