The library is a specialist research level collection of over 50,000 books, exhibition catalogues and sale catalogues on Western art covering most of the major European schools of painting from the early Renaissance to  twenty-first century, the history of collecting, and also some Byzantine art. 

Although many items are available for loan, the majority of items in the Barber Fine Art Library are for reference use only. Books on African art, Ancient art, oriental art, and on the decorative arts are located in the Main Library and the Orchard Learning Resource Centre.

Please note: Pressure on space dictates that a large proportion of material is housed in closed access stacks. Material from the stacks has to be collected by library staff. It may not always be possible to obtain these items immediately. Visitors coming some distance are advised to contact the library in advance to check availability of material.