Section of Art Libraries

International Directory of Art Libraries

Criteria for Inclusion in this Directory

I. Institutions Included:

• Art Libraries of more than 2500 volumes.

• Art Libraries of less than 2500 volumes with specialized or unique holdings (certain Italian palazzo museum libraries, for instance, have small numbers of volumes but are important sources for primary materials in Italian Renaissance art).

• National, university, or public libraries with art or architecture departments where those departments are distinct adminstrative or physical entities within the library with their own professional personnel.

• Architecture and Design Libraries of educational or public institutions (not firms).

• Archaeological Libraries whose collections support research on visual artifacts of art-historical interest (including architecture).

• Ethnological or Anthropological Libraries whose collections support research on visual artifacts of art-historical interest (including architecture, ritual objects, textiles, masks, etc.).
  

II. Excluded:

• Libraries that do not have specific art departments and art personnel.

• Libraries not open to visiting scholars or the public.

• Film libraries.

• Slide, photograph, and other exclusively visual resource collections.

Note: We are unable to list individual art librarians independent of institutions that fit these critieria. However, institutions who wish to list retired librarians who may still be active in the profession and who can be reached through the library or by email may do so. These individuals will be listed with the designation "(retired)" following their names.