Scattered papers, piles of dirty laundry and moldy fridges are common sights in UC Berkeley dorm rooms. A signed 17th century Rembrandt print is definitely out of the ordinary.

UC Berkeley's Graphic Arts Loan Collection program, which enabled students to borrow different works of art a decade ago, commemorates its 50th anniversary in an exhibition at the Berkeley Art Museum featured until Aug. 3.

Library officials said they hope to restart the program this fall.

The future online database will let students see the availability of each print and check them out, said Damaris Moore, communications director for the UC Berkeley library system.

UC Berkeley is the only university with this type of loan program, saidMoore.

The collection consists of original prints and etchings, created and signed by the artists themselves.

In the late '80s, the program was quite popular; But due to factors including the retrofitting of Morrison Library, the program ceased operation in the 1990s.

The collection was originally composed of prints donated by private individuals and groups such as the Columbia Foundation. Prints are currently purchased from local venues.

Herwin Schaefer, a former professor emeritus of architecture, began the collection in 1958 with the intent of increasing student appreciation of art.

Today, the same philosophy of student enlightenment is upheld.

"It's a good service that may allow you to appreciate something totally different inside your dorm room," said Alex Warren, manager of Morrison Library.

However, students need to accept certain conditions before checking out pieces.

"There's a whole set of policies and regulations, (including) no direct sunlight and no moisture, that you have to sign. But, we try to make it as user-friendly as possible," Warren said.

Like a library system, if the prints are damaged, students will have to pay the price of the print.

In order to prevent damage to irreplaceable prints, certain prints are removed from circulation.

Although the growing program is designed to make art accessible to students, some say it is too great of a responsibility.

"Personally, I'd be worried about the print being damaged, so I probably wouldn't participate in the program," said sophomore Nancy Ta.

Despite fears of responsibility, many said they appreciate the program.

"It's one thing to view a print in the museum, (but) it's a whole other thing to view it in your own personal setting," said senior Jessica Tacata. "(The program) allows you to develop a more intimate relationship with the piece."

Tags: GRAPHIC ARTS LOAN COLLECTION