University of Michigan Art & Architecture Library

They keep moving the architecture books! Now mostly third floor, some on the second.
This is my home library, so I like it, clearly. And the architecture librarian will buy nearly any book they don’t have on the shelf – so make your lists! Great staff, excellent collection – and then there’s always 7Fast and ILL.

I’m peeved at myself for not spending more time here but in a perfect world, at least once a week, I would come and sit in the new arrivals of the periodicals section, lounge out on the couches, and flip through the magazines for at least a couple hours, sipping on some tea or coffee from the little ‘café’ downstairs.
This library has mixed spatial identities so it is up to you to find your nook. There are a variety of group areas versus quiet solo spaces versus my aforementioned favorite, the periodicals section in the atrium. It is a GIANT atrium and I love how the pleasant low hum of people talking throughout the building is softly absorbed by the silence of books.
Of course the selection of books is astounding (one thing U of M has going for it) though a good deal of them are in the basement which is, let’s just call it like it is, ugly as sin and depressing.
The library also has a bunch of adjoining little «centers,» one of which is this phenomenal media suite for editing, transferring, and doing whatever you want to whatever media you want. There is also a full-​blown recording studio free for students to use. Damn you PhD for taking away all my time, energy, and creativity because otherwise, I’d be a rock star filmmaker by now.
There’s also a video game archive as well as special collections that has some crazy old architecture books like you wouldn’t believe.
Open 24-​hours with plenty of computers. If you like artsy fartsy materials, this is your place.

This library is awesome! The building structure is mostly glass and so there is a lot of natural light beaming into every corner. This library has so many amazing resources: hundreds of databases, a glorious collections of books, a beautiful contemporary reading area with art and architecture magazines, and we cannot forget the many wonders of the Duderstadt Center. There is actually a room with video games (PC and every console ever created), not to mention audio and video recording studios. Computers are everywhere. Eating is allowed. They have a café in the front of the library.
Important note: the stapler is located on the first floor at the center desk.

Ok, the Duderstadt Center as a building sorta sucks. Mostly that’s because there is no entrance facing the street/​sidewalk, and it’s hard to navigate once inside. BUT, find your way upstairs to the Art and Architecture Library for a wide assortment of design and art magazines that you could never afford to buy (well, maybe *you* can but I certainly can’t)! My only complaint is that it can sometimes be hard to find a spot to sit. The most coveted spots are those set by windows — a great bonus if you can snag one! It’s not as quiet as some of the other libraries, but it’s the best on North Campus.