CIA Library System

The CIA Library’s catalog is part of a shared online catalog system, which includes the libraries of Case Western Reserve University, the Cleveland Institute of Music, the Rock Hall Library & Archives, and the Siegal College of Judaic Studies. CIA Library materials are identified in the catalog as CIArt.

Our partner libraries may have different loan policies, overdue fines, and fees for lost or damaged library materials. Not all of the libraries lend all of their materials to all patrons, and some may require that certain items be used in their library.

You are responsible for following the policies of our partner libraries, paying any fines and fees, and for returning all library materials to the library from which you borrowed them.

Your Library Account

Your CIA ID is your library card, and it is required to borrow library materials at the Cleveland Institute of Art Library and at any of our partner libraries. If you have not activated your library account, please contact the Library staff.

View Your Library Record

To view your library record, you must have a PIN account set up. After you have a PIN, you will be able to see what you have checked out from any of our partner libraries and any OhioLINK library, track your OhioLINK requests, and renew items online.

Setting up a PIN

Instructions for creating a PIN are available in two formats. You can choose to read the instructions, or you can choose to watch a video of the instructions. Or, you can always ask any member of the library staff for help.

Email Notices

Courtesy notices, overdue notices, and bills are sent to your CIA email address.

CIA Library Loan Periods, Renewal Policies & Fines

The loan periods listed below apply to most patrons. CIA and CWRU faculty may receive extended loan privileges for some items.

Most books, CD-ROMs, pictures, and non-music CDs may be renewed up to four times; sound recordings may be renewed once. To renew items online and avoid fines, you must have set up a PIN account. Click here for instructions.

Borrowing privileges are suspended if the amount owed on your library account exceeds $15.00.

You may pay your fines at the CIA Library or at any of our partner libraries, but payment for lost or damaged items must be made to the library which owns the item. In the case of lost or damaged OhioLINK materials, please contact a member of the library staff for assistance.

This chart is only a summary and the information is subject to change without notice. If you have questions, please contact the Library staff. 

*These items may be borrowed only by CIA patrons.