Artist books at UCLA’s Arts Library embody avant-garde

July 9, 2012 – “The cage” is a section of UCLA’s Arts Library in the Public Affairs Building where many of the unique and valuable collections of books are held.

Located in what is nicknamed the “submarine library” because of its low ceilings and battleship-esque staircases, it’s where books are held under extra protection because of the risk of theft and damage.

Among the books kept in the cage is a selection of so-called “artist books” which are intended to convey an artistic message or be visually appealing in a way that sometimes has nothing to do with reading.

Robert Gore, a UCLA visual arts librarian, gave Daily Bruin Radio a tour of the cage and highlighted some of his favorite books.

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Read more about the UCLA Library Conservation Center here and here.

This story is part of the Daily Bruin’s Orientation issue.