The American College of the Building Arts

Byrne-Diderot Library

The library is an essential part of the instructional life at ACBA. It is committed to providing ACBA students and faculty, as well as visiting researchers, with targeted information services. In addition to individual reference and research assistance, the library offers support in library research methods to various classes and offers library orientation sessions.

Please contact our librarian, Morgan Kinder, if you would like to schedule a research consultation or library visit.

---

Search our Catalog

The library’s collection contains well over 5,000 books, DVDs, catalogs, vertical files and current and historic periodicals, focused on the six building trades taught at ACBA, as well as peripheral topics which supplement the College’s cross-curricular approach to learning. These 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. Our earliest book, a scientific treatise written by the chief engineer of Louis XIV, dates to 1725.

We recognize the life-long efforts that our collections of books, files, photographs, artifacts, and periodicals represent. We are grateful to people like Richard Byrne and David Beckford for their commitment to seeing collections preserved as a unified whole for others to enjoy.

Check out what else our library has to offer by searching our online catalog.

---

Special Exhibits

The library’s special exhibits are housed in the D.A. R. Special Collections Room, a climate-controlled closed stacks and reading space that was funded through a special projects 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.

---

Computer Lab

Our computer lab is located within the library on the 3rd floor of the new campus. It contains 20 custom-built computers for handling the demands of 3D-modeling software.

Our computer lab is open to the public during non-class hours. Current public hours are the following: Monday: Noon - 5PM. Tuesday - Friday: 9AM - 5PM.

Please contact our librarian, Morgan Kinder, if you need to schedule time in the computer lab outside of normal operating hours.

---

Library Partnerships

The Byrne-Diderot Library maintains reciprocal use agreements with the College of Charleston’s Addlestone Library and Clemson Architecture Center at Charleston Library.

Privileges at Addlestone Library include reference assistance, circulation of print materials, and in-library access to electronic databases. Privileges do not include access to inter-library loan services. Addlestone Library and Clemson Architecture Center Library reserve the right to restrict usage for users who violate their policies.

Students who elect to use our partner libraries must first fill out an application form. Forms are available in the library.

---

Friends of the Library

Throughout its history, the Library has benefited from the care and concern of supporters within and outside the Charleston area. The library has been gifted many one-of-a-kind pieces for our collection. These print, tool, photographic, and architectural items require special care and conservation. The Friends of the Library provide the additional assistance our library needs to maintain our ever-increasing collection.

Please contact our librarian, Morgan Kinder, if you are interested in joining.