Visit the Library

All potential FIT Library visitors* must use our appointment request form.  
We do not accept appointment requests by phone or email.

Request a Visit or Appointment

Visitor appointments are available on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday between 2 pm and 6pm 

Two (2) visitor appointment slots are available on each of these days with a maximum of two (2) people per appointment. Company/corporate visitors may only request one (1) appointment slot per day.

The primary purpose of the FIT Library is to support the teaching, learning, research, and study needs of the FIT college community. Visitors, including FIT alumni/former students, must request an advance appointment to use the FIT Library.  

*Current FIT and SUNY students, faculty, and staff do not require appointments (present a currently valid FIT or SUNY ID card to be admitted into the building). 

Visitor Guidelines

  • All potential FIT Library visitors must use our appointment request form.  
  • We provide visitor appointments for research that reflects our unique and rare holdings. Please refer to a local public library or museum for commonly held items. When filling out your appointment request, be specific about what you'd like to see or use at the library. Your request will be delayed if you are not specific.
  • Please allow at least 24 hours to receive a response to your request. Requests submitted when the library is closed (Saturdays and evenings) will take longer.  Appointments submitted late in the day may not be approved for a next day appointment. 
  • We do not make same-day appointments.
  • If you miss your appointment, you will need to submit a new  Visitor Appointment Request. 
  • Visitors must bring a valid government-issued identification to their appointment.
  • Please refer to FIT's Library Visitors policy for detailed information on library access and use, required identification, appointment guidelines,  and procedures.

Things to Know When You're Here

  • There is a limit of 20 items per person, per visit, of materials from behind the FIT Library Periodicals Desk. This does not affect self-service materials on open shelves, such as look books and bound issues of Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.
  • Library scanners have a fifteen minute limitation. We suggest using a mobile device to take photos and/or scan images.

Additional Information

METRO
Undergraduate and graduate students at other local or regional colleges and universities (except SUNY) should first contact librarians at their own institution. A METRO (Metropolitan New York Library Council) referral card may be required in addition to requesting an appointment.

SPARC
Please contact Special Collections & College Archives (SPARC) for appointments to use their collections.

Visitor FAQ

If you fit the definition of a visitor according to the FIT Policy on Library Visitors, please submit an online Visitor Appointment Request form at least one day in advance of your requested date. 

  • WiFi access is available. Request login information at the Periodicals Services Desk. You will not be able to connect to printers.
  • Visitors are required to bring their own device: laptop, tablet, etc.
  • Free-standing scanners are available for no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to limited resources, we may restrict the amount of time a visitor may use our equipment to fifteen minute intervals.
  • Because of licensing restrictions, some print and online materials are for use by currently-registered FIT students and faculty only---no exceptions. These include (but are not limited to) current print and online forecasting & trend services (Fashion Snoops, WGSN, etc.) and some media and market research studies (MRI-Simmons, Mintel, etc.). 
  • Only current FIT students, faculty & employees can access FIT databases remotely. See Online Resources for Non-FIT Students and Other Libraries You Can Use for alternate recommendations.
  • Contact us if you are not sure if we have what you need or if you will be allowed to use specific materials or services.
  • Visitors may only use materials in the Library: no borrowing for use outside the Library.
  • The METRO (Metropolitan New York Library Council) referral  program allows library users from a participating member college or other institution to have access to another member library’s collections for items not available at their own library or at the New York Public Library.
  • If you are a current student or employee at a New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut college or university, check if your school is a member.
  • If it is, you will be required to get a referral from your institution's librarian before you visit the FIT Library. A METRO referral is for a single day's visit and for on-site use only of books or other items.
  • Once you have consulted with your institution's librarian,  you may request an appointment to visit the FIT Library using our Library Visitor Appointment Request form
  • Please contact us if you are not sure if we have what you need or if you will be allowed to use specific materials, have questions about acceptability of your photo ID, or any other questions!