Established in 1950, the library currently sits in the Elam campus and houses a collection of national significance relating to New Zealand art and artists. A "Save the Fine Arts Library" campaign was organised by staff and students. They and others were concerned that removal of the library and its specialist staff would be detrimental to the cultural and academic life of the University and wider arts community. The "Save Our Libraries" group produced badges and tote bags, collected submissions which were presented to the Vice Chancellor Stuart McCutcheon, and organised a rally on the Symonds Street intersection adjacent to the university which stopped traffic.