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Art Libraries

 

History

 

Art libraries have played an important role in the history of libraries.  They have collected and stored art pieces from long ago.  They are also the source of information on artist and the many different types of art there are. (Broxis, 1968) 

 

Current Status

 

Art libraries can be found in many places including public libraries, art schools, technical colleges having art departments, institutions of art attached to universities, and special art libraries.  They have many roles in today’s society.  The art library has exhibitions, gallery talks, and books of the month. The National Art Library, Victoria and Albert Museum give awards for art.  They also work on different projects and grants.(2001)  Art libraries in the public library can help the general public become more aware of art, design and artists.  They can set up displays highlighting a type of art, or a particular artist.  Art libraries at universities or art colleges help the faculty and students.  They keep the collection current and relevant for the courses that are being offered.  Art libraries in museums and galleries help the museum staff with research and preparing new exhibits. 

 

Collections

 

Art libraries collect a variety of materials including:

• Catalogues of exhibitions and collections
• Dealers’ catalogues
• Periodicals
• Illustrations
• Posters and clippings
• Prints and drawings
• Architectural drawings and plans
• Photographs
• Film materials
• Furniture and wood work
• Ceramics and glass
• Textiles and dresses
• Metal work
• Sculpture

(Broxis, 1968)

 

Subject Headings

 

The fine arts are found in the 700 of the Dewey Decimal System.  There are five facets for subject headings.

 

1. Country                                England

2. Form of presentation sculpture

3. Style                         Baroque

4. Technique                             Fresco

5. Materials                              marble

 

Broxis, P. F. (1968). Organizing the arts. Hamden, CT: Archon Books.

 

Patrons

 

Many people use the art library.  Many of the users are art historians, designers, practitioners, teachers and students.  Other people that are interested in art and art history also use the art library. 

 

 

Staffing

 

The number of employees an art library has depends on the size of the library.  Larger art libraries can have many employees including collection development, collection management, administration, curators, catalogers, and archivist.  A small art library may only have two or three employees.  They may have to do all of the different job in the library.  As an art librarian you duties could include:

• Identifying, acquiring, and organizing material about art, design and architecture
• Recommending and helping library users.
• Working with new IT applications for visual art, databases and internet resources. 
• Working with staff to provide quality service and use the resources to their fullest extent.  (ARLIS, 2002)

 

Organizations

 

Art Libraries Society of North America

 

American Library Association 

 

Job Opportunities

 

There are many job opportunities in the art library field.  The salary can range from 30,000 to 70,000 depending on the size of the library and the type of work that you will be doing.  Most of the positions require a Masters in Library Science from an accredited program.  You can find job postings at the Art Libraries Society of North America.   http://www.arlisna.org/