Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum
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Collections and Research

Collections and Research

Our expansive and diverse collections showcase the legacy, breadth, and depth of comics and cartoon art history. As a land-grant institution with a mission of public service and accessibility, our collections are free to access and open to all—from families and artists to international scholars, K-12 classes, and beyond. Staff members are available to help you navigate the collections and conduct your research. 

Search Collections

Explore the Billy Ireland’s vast collections of original art, printed materials, archives and manuscripts, digital holdings, and much more.
Search Collections
Archive shelves of colorful spines of graphic novels on either side.
Interior of the Billy Ireland Reading Room, featuring multiple tables and chairs with comic materials laid out.

Visiting the Reading Room

Multiple lights pointing at a comic print on a table in the dark with a camera stationed above.

Research and Reproduction

Our staff is available to support your research, including digitization and reproduction of material.

Engraving style, Giclee print of variety of expressive 1700s men in scholarly clothing, one lecturing while holding a manuscript.

Collection Development Policy

Learn more about what we collect and why, as well as our current acquisition priorities and procedures.

Illustration by Will Eisner of The Spirit, the character is amongst a group of people looking at comic art of the same character in a museum.

Loan Policy

We lend original materials from our collection to museums, libraries, and other qualified organizations. See here for requirements.

Two people leaning over printed art inside of the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum's Reading Room.

Material Use Policy

Find out how to safely handle our collection materials, cite sources, and help to ensure the preservation of our collections.

A smiling posed image of Will Eisner and Lucy Caswell at an evening event.

Lucy Shelton Caswell Research Award

This annual financial award supports a researcher who needs to travel to Columbus, Ohio to use the Billy Ireland’s collections.

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