The Information-Seeking Behavior of Users in Art and Museum Libraries: An Annotated Bibliography Jeremy Gunnoe INFO 522 901: Information Access & Resources March 19, 2013 [1]
Introduction and Scope This bibliography covers the information-seeking behavior of users at art and museum libraries. Art and museum libraries can provide different types of sources and materials than are often available in standard libraries. This includes everything from books and journals, art objects and manuscripts, and more recently, to digital materials. Also, the users of these libraries often have different needs than traditional library users and seek out this information in many different ways. The articles provided were published between 1983 and 2012. However, most of the material was published within the last ten years. There is still somewhat limited information on this topic, so some of these articles are not on this topic exclusively. However, they all contain some information that directly applies to this bibliography. Also, almost all of these articles were published for scholarly journals. Therefore, primarily access is limited to journal subscribers or available through library science or academic databases. Description Art libraries and museum libraries have provided information to patrons for years. However, patrons of these libraries are often looking for more specific types of information than users of a traditional library. These users can be scholars, curators, academics, students, practicing artists and even the general public. They can be searching for books, journals, manuscripts, artwork, and other special collections materials. Since the users and collections for these libraries are varied, so are their behaviors for seeking information. Often the standard models of information-seeking behavior aren t as exact for this group of users. Therefore, these libraries need to find new and unique ways to address and facilitate the information-seeking behaviors and needs of the users of these services. [2]
Summary of Findings Art libraries and museum libraries maintain unique collections that are often not available in general libraries. Reed & Tanner describe them as, a bridge between the artist and society and as providing public access to the library collection (Reed & Tanner, 2001). In the same way, users of these libraries are generally more specific than the wide amount of users of general libraries and their services. Also, these users have particular needs and their information-seeking behavior shows this. While there still aren t many extensive surveys on this behavior, there have been several smaller ones that seem to show a pattern in the information-seeking behavior of users of art and museum libraries. These surveys contain a mix of qualitative and quantitative data with the addition of interviews and analysis. Also, while much of this material discusses user groups, it also shows how these user groups tend to seek information in art and museum libraries. One of the largest of these user groups in art libraries tends to be art historians and scholars. Often these individuals are required to research and publish, so this directly influences their informationseeking behavior. Art historians and humanities scholars tend to be one of the most frequent and targeted users of art libraries. Their information needs are often extensive research for scholarly or authoritative material that sometimes only art and museum libraries can provide. That being said, their information-seeking behavior tends to be much more independent and private than other users. Much of their research they perform on their own and they tend to generally involve librarians only for procedural matters, such as inter-library loans (Stam, 1984). Art historians and scholars perform much of their research independently and then consult art libraries to actually view objects and to find respected opinion to enhance their research. While much of [3]
their information-seeking behavior is specific, through searching the libraries material, accidental discovery is seen as one of the most important results of this behavior (Collins, 2003). Another group that tends to be heavy users of art and museum libraries is the staff and volunteers of the library itself. A curators information needs, in particular, are quite different from scholars. In general, curators don t have time to publish scholarly work, as their primary goal is to support the museum or library itself (Collins, 2003). Therefore, the informationseeking behavior of these employees tends to be information gathering that is specific to the museum or library. Another heavy user of art libraries are museum tour guides and docents (Jansen, 2003). However, their information seeking behavior is geared much more towards working with reference librarians and retrieving answers to ready-reference questions (Collins, 2003). Practicing artists are one of the more studied user groups in regards to their informationseeking behavior at art and museum libraries. Through surveys, Hemmings states that the four primary information-seeking needs of artists are inspiration, specific visual reference, knowledge of materials and marketing and career guidance (Hemmings, 2009). They often choose to use the art and museum libraries due to the scope and availability of materials and services outside of traditional library services. However, browsing and engaging with the materials of the library still seems to be the preferred information-seeking behavior (Hemmings, 2009). Mason & Robinson studied Hemmings research and applied similar survey methods to new practitioners in art. This could include current students, recently-graduated students and individuals beginning a new career path (Mason & Robinson, 2011). While the information needs were similar, and browsing was still a common behavior, these individuals were more likely to also use the services of a specialist art librarian for searching journals, images and other sources [4]
(Mason & Robinson, 2011). Also, like scholars, accidental discovery is one of the benefits of this information-seeking behavior. The final groups that have been surveyed and studied are the general public, museum visitors and schoolchildren. While much of their information-seeking behavior can be related to the museum or library collections themselves, these users also tend to seek out art and museum libraries for specialist information that isn t available via the internet (Weijsenfeld & Wolffe, 2009). In addition, the art and museum libraries give them the opportunity to closely observe, and possibly interact, with the objects themselves. One of the biggest obstacles for users seeking information from art and museum libraries can often be the institution itself. This can stem from lack of public access to these libraries, unusual hours, lack of promotions of these libraries and their services and the inability to seek library information via online and digital sources (Roth-Katz, 2012). Many sources are beginning to advocate for changing and refining some of these policies to increase visitation and accessibility to these library services. One of the most important steps seems to be striving for an increase in digital materials that users may search, and for the availability of virtual reference services. Since this can be an expensive and timely undertaking, Goodrum suggests the combining of resources from multiple art and museum libraries (Goodrum, 2009). Nicholas states that special collections libraries need to leverage their unique and distinctive assets through large-scale digitization (Nicholas, 2010). He also argues that content is one of the primary needs of these users, and it can be delivered electronically. There are also studies that state that increased cataloging and automation will continue to assist the behaviors and information needs of these users (Tusa, 1993). [5]
However, while many argue for increases in digitization and more sophisticated websites, most also agree in the need for art and museum libraries to maintain, and continue to make accessible, their house collections. Weijsenfeld & Wolffe argue that art and museum libraries maintain unique and indispensable resources that should be continue to be made available to both scholars and the general public (Weijsenfeld & Wolffe, 2009). Also, that experienced art librarians should always be available to make this information accessible, and to facilitate the needs of their users who have distinctive methods and behaviors in their search for information. Bibliography Entry 1: Bates, M. J. (2001). Information needs and seeking of scholars and artists in relation to multimedia materials. Retrieved April, 22, 2009. Abstract: The review for this report, which also built on reviews of others, found almost nothing in the way of research directly addressed to the question of multimedia use by scholars. What little there is will be reviewed below. Research on artists' information seeking is yet quite scarce--practicing artists of all kinds are among the last groups to be studied for their information seeking and use behaviors. Annotation: This article discusses how the need for multimedia in the humanities is quite different than in the sciences. Specifically, how art and humanities information seeking needs are generally scholarly and often based heavily on refereed material. It also discusses artist s information seeking needs. While it does discuss art libraries, it mainly discusses the information seeking needs of artists and scholars. This can be compared to other sources I chose on how these particular users seek information in art and museum libraries. [6]
Search Strategy: I was doing keyword searches on Google Scholar for the keywords art library and information seeking. As I scanned through the results I found this article by Marcia Bates. As we have read much by this author, I felt confident using this material. Database: Google Scholar Method of Searching: Keyword searching Search String: ss art library and information seeking Scholarly/Refereed Status: I was unsure about this source at first since it was posted on a website. However, the author is very well-respected within the field and it was posted on a university website. In addition, Google Scholar states that it has scholarly research. With all of these factors together, I felt comfortable using it. Entry 2: Collins, K. (2003). Patrons, processes, and the profession: Comparing the academic art library and the art museum library. Journal Of Library Administration, 39(1), 77-89. Abstract: Compares academic art library and art museum library. Funding priorities; Library marketing; Technical infrastructure; Professional development. Annotation: This article discusses how the information seeking needs of users are different in art libraries and in academic libraries. It specifically addresses the difference between scholars and curators, and how they seek information differently and the various reasons they do so. It also discusses the other patrons of these two institutions and how their needs are different. This contains some excellent information on how these two institutions may be similar, but their users information seeking needs tend to be quite different. [7]
Search Strategy: I chose to do some keyword searches in Google Scholar. I found an article by Sandra Cowen titled Informing Visual Poetry: Information Needs and Sources of Artists. While it had some good information, it didn t exactly fit my needs. I checked for articles it cited and found information on this one. I was able find the full article via the article search on the Drexel libraries homepage. Database: Google Scholar; Drexel libraries Method of Searching: Keyword, Footnote chasing Search String: ss art library and information seeking ; Referenced in Cowan, S. (2004). Informing visual poetry: Information needs and sources of artists. Art Documentation, (23)2, 14-20. Scholarly/Refereed Status: I searched The Journal Of Library Administration in Ulrich s and it was categorized as scholarly and refereed. Entry 3: Goodrum, A. A. (2003). Visual resource reference: Collaboration between digital museums and digital libraries. D-Lib Magazine, (5)2. Abstract: The Information Institute of Syracuse at Syracuse University is engaged in a project designed to build collaborative digital museum and digital library reference services. To that end, the project team is currently developing, testing, and evaluating procedures and mechanisms that will enable museums and libraries to work together in providing reference assistance over the Web to support patrons' image information needs. The user-centered project is based upon a successful model for digital reference that has been widely embraced in the digital library community. This approach is expected to yield new insight into users' image seeking behavior that will help museums and libraries provide transparent access to visual resources across [8]
collections and institutions. This article presents an overview of the project and discusses the challenges involved in helping users find appropriate images on the web. Annotation: This article discusses how the information seeking need for image searching has expanded dramatically in the last several years. It also discusses the possibility for museums and libraries to collaborate on their digital services to provide even more opportunities and expand availabilities for users seeking these images. It discusses the need for digital reference to properly assist user needs and ways to facilitate their research. While there is some excellent information on users information seeking needs, the second half of the article is much more technical and database management specific. Search Strategy: I chose to search Google Scholar based on my standard search terms and I found the following article that appeared relevant. I was able to get a full copy of the text via the Directory of Open Access Journals through Drexel libriaries. Database: Google Scholar Method of Searching: Keyword searching Search String: ss information seeking behavior in art and museum libraries Scholarly/Refereed Status: I looked up D-Lib Magazine and they re listed as scholarly in Ulrich s. I also checked their website and it stated that all submissions undergo review. Entry 4: Hemmig, W. (2009). An empirical study of the information-seeking behavior of practicing visual artists. Journal of Documentation, 65(4), 682-703. Abstract: Purpose -- Little is known about the information-seeking behavior of practicing visual artists; what research exists has focused largely on art students, art faculty and librarians, [9]
although an untested model does emerge. The aim of this paper is to report the findings of an empirical study of a community of practicing visual artists, and to determine whether the model can be applied to such communities. Design/methodology/approach -- A quantitative study was administered to a sample of a community of practicing visual artists in order to determine the community's use of various information sources in the service of creative and sales activities. Findings -- The paper finds that the model may be applied to practicing visual artists. It provides a portrait of the information behavior of a specific community of practice, and suggests how information use may differ, while following the model, among different demographic groups within the community. Research limitations/implications -- The research approach and findings do not conclusively define the uses that artists make of information. The sample size prohibits definitive analysis by demographic data. The quantitative approach facilitates effective identification of community behaviors, but qualitative research might enhance these findings by illuminating the information-seeking and use processes of individuals. Practical implications -- Information providers will have a means of gathering and analyzing data about the information behaviors of specific communities of visual artists to be used in the creation of enhanced information environments. Originality/value -- The paper presents the first published research into the information behavior of a community of practicing visual artists without regard to alternative sources of income, academic affiliation, or library use. It presents a means of focusing on these unstudied and underserved communities. Annotation: This article discusses the four or five primary reasons that a visual artist would use an art library for and the importance of an art library for a visual artist. This can be from inspiration for works to trends and marketing. It also talks about the preferred methods of use for a visual artist. While definitely full of useful material, this article also weighs heavily survey methods such as demographics and other quantitative information. Search Strategy: After several other keyword searches, I wanted to try some searches using various subject headings. I chose to search in LISA using Information seeking behavior and art. After I narrowed it down to scholarly/peer reviewed I found this article, which seemed to be a good fit. [10]
Database: LISA [ProQuest] Method of Searching: Controlled vocabulary Search String: ss SUBJECT.exact("Information seeking behaviour") AND SUBJECT.exact("Art") Scholarly/Refereed Status: Journal of Documentation is listed as both a Scholarly journal and peer-reviewed in ProQuest. Entry 5: Jansen, C. (2003). Art museum libraries: Automation and services to the public. Art Documentation: Bulletin Of The Art Libraries Society Of North America, 22(1), 21-28. Abstract: The article presents a study which determined the nature and extent of the services offered by art museum libraries to the U.S. public. It also offers information on the methodology of the study. Data gathered concerning art museum libraries' size and staff were analyzed. Explanations were given on the levels of automation adopted by art museum libraries. Annotation: This article makes use of survey data that was compiled by many different art libraries of different associations and of varying sizes. It also discusses whether art libraries are as important to information seekers as they used to be and possible scenarios which may be beneficial moving forward. While discussing the information needs of scholars, this article notes that museum employees and docents are the primary users of the library services. Search Strategy: I found the Roth-Katz article to be an excellent source so I reviewed the footnotes and bibliography. I found this article that sounded appropriate to my research. I was able to access the full-text through Drexel libraries through the Art & Article Complete database. [11]
Database: N/A Method of Searching: Footnote chasing Search String: Referenced in: Roth-Katz, E. (2012). Access and availability: A study of use policies on art museum library websites. Art Documentation: Journal of the Art Libraries Society of North America, 31(1), 123-140. Scholarly/Refereed Status: Published in Art Documentation: Journal of the Art Libraries Society of North America, which is a peer-reviewed journal presenting issues of concern to librarians working within art history, art criticism, the history of architecture, archaeology, and similar areas. Entry 6: Larkin, C. (2010). Looking to the future while learning from the past: information seeking in the Visual Arts. Art Documentation: Journal of the Art Libraries Society of North America, 29(1), 49-60. Abstract: At the core of this study is the perception that overall, scholars in the visual arts have unique requirements in their information-seeking behaviors and processes and that there has been an extraordinary deficiency and lack of progress in understanding and addressing their needs. A self-administered questionnaire, adapted from previous studies, was used to query subsets of visual arts humanities scholars from three academic institutions on demographic information, their use of information resources, and their approaches to locating information. Although former studies raised important questions about the idiosyncratic information-seeking behaviors of visual arts humanities scholars and their methodologies, a current understanding of the information-seeking behaviors and processes of the domain is necessary to document persistent and distinctive information requirements within the population, to note changes over time, and to [12]
determine the extent to which technology has impacted the information-seeking experience within the domain. Annotation: This article addresses the unique and specific needs which drive the information seeking behavior of scholars in visual arts libraries. Through survey results Larkin discusses the behavior of these professionals (also broken down by various demographics) including where and how they search and what they re searching for. Marcia Bates is cited several times and this article contains an excellent mix of data, literature review, analysis and firm conclusions. Search Strategy: I chose to perform keyword searches in JSTOR to attempt to find quality journal sources. I then limited the results to English and Research articles, in addition to full text. Database: JSTOR Method of Searching: Keyword Searching Search String: ss art library AND information seeking Scholarly/Refereed Status: I limited my search to research articles. I then went to the journal description which stated, Art Documentation: Journal of the Art Libraries Society of North America is a peer-reviewed journal presenting issues of concern to librarians working within art history, art criticism, the history of architecture, archaeology, and similar areas. Entry 7: Lollesgaard, A. (1999). A danish museum art library: The danish museum of decorative art library. Inspel, 33(4), 229-235. Abstract: Paper presented at the IFLA international conference: Museums in Libraries, Libraries in museums, Moscow, Russia, 17-20 May 1999. Reviews briefly the types of art libraries that [13]
exist in Denmark: art departments in public libraries; and research libraries attached to colleges, universities and museum. Focuses on the work of the Danish Museum of Decorative Art Library, which is both a research library and public library of art and design. Describes the users, collections, archives and current trends. Considers the demands made by the users of the library (serving the museum staff, crafts people and designers and art history researchers), the training and qualifications of art librarians, research in Danish art libraries and research and publications in the Danish Museum of Decorative Art Library. Annotation: This article discusses the Danish Museum of Decorative Art Library, its original mission and how the collections have evolved. It also describes how the information needs of its users (mainly researchers, designers and craftsmen) have contributed to its evolution and guidelines to best serve these users. While over ten years old, and mainly focusing on only one institution, this article contains useful information geared towards art libraries and library professionals. Search Strategy: I selected LISA to search because I wanted more sources on information seeking behavior. I performed keyword searches with Boolean operators to find relevant results. I then limited the results to Scholarly and Peer reviewed. I was able to access the full text through Freely Accessible Arts & Humanities Journals Open Access via Drexel libraries. Database: LISA [ProQuest] Method of Searching: Keyword Search String: ss "art librar*" and user* Scholarly/Refereed Status: I refined my search with filters for Peer reviewed and Scholarly Journals. I double-checked in Ulrich s and the journal was listed as Scholarly and Refereed. Entry 8: [14]
Mason, H., & Robinson, L. (2011). The information-related behaviour of emerging artists and designers. Journal of Documentation, 67(1), 159-180. Abstract: Purpose - This paper aims to report an empirical study of the information-related behaviour of emerging artists and designers. It also aims to add to understanding of the information behaviour of the group both as practising artists (a little understood category of information users), and also as "new practitioners". Design/methodology/approach - A literature analysis is used to guide creation of an online questionnaire, eliciting both qualitative and quantitative data. A total of 78 practising artists participated, all having graduated in the seven years prior to the survey. Findings - The group have generally the same information practices as more established artists. They place reliance on internet and social networks, while also using traditional printed tools and libraries. Browsing is important, but not a predominant means of accessing information. Inspiration is found from a very diverse and idiosyncratic set of sources, often by serendipitous means. Their status as emergent practitioners means that their information behaviour is governed by cost factors, and by needs for career advice and interaction with peers. Research limitations/implications - The study group are a convenience sample, all having access to the internet. No observation or interviews were carried out. Practical implications - The results will provide guidance to academic and public librarians serving artist users, and to those providing career advice to them. It will also be valuable to those providing services to "new practitioners" in any field. Originality/value - This is one of a very few papers reporting empirical studies of the information behaviour of artists, and has the largest sample size of any such study. It is one of a very few papers considering the information needs and behaviour of new practitioners. Annotation: This article draws heavily on the Hemming article I ve also referenced in regards to the information behavior of visual artists. This article uses literature review and surveys to discuss these needs in relation to emerging artists and designers (recent graduates, new to the field, etc.). While this article contains useful information, it does state that a conclusion is difficult since there hasn t been as much cumulative research in this field. [15]
Search Strategy: I chose to do some searches of Web of Science. My hope was to find some good material and then search the citations for them for additional material. For this source I performed keyword and citation searches. I was able to see the full-text document in Emerald via Drexel libraries. Database: Web of Science Method of Searching: Citation searching and Keyword Search String: ss art library and information seeking Scholarly/Refereed Status: I searched for Journal of Documentation in Ulrich s and it was listed as scholarly and refereed. Entry 9: McLaughlin, J. (2008). Information use by visual artists. Dalhousie University (Canada)). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, 136. Abstract: Over the last thirty-five years the use of information by visual artists has been studied primarily in terms of their library use. Yet information can be transmitted and communicated from many sources other than formal repositories, and from many objects other than textual ones. Given the nature of their activities, artists are likely to be attuned to receiving information from a range of possible sources, and it is this hypothesis that is being tested in this research. The following questions guide this study: (1) What information sources do artists use to create/produce art? (2) How is information used by the visual artists? Fifteen professional visual artists were interviewed using a series of semi-structured interview questions that examined the role of information from conception to final production, following a phenomenological approach to the research design. Results indicate that artists use information that was communicated by people, and emanated from objects and their environment. Notably from conception to production, some information is actively received and some passively. Prior to the conception of [16]
an idea, artists absorb information that influences the direction in which the art product takes. It is only during the creation of an object that artists actively seek information. This research extends our understanding of the use of information by artists, and has implications for how the information field services the art community. Annotation: Through the use of surveys, literature review and analysis this theses discusses the information seeking needs of visual artists and the resources they re likely to require. It also discusses how visual artists seek information in art, museum and standard libraries. One interesting section discusses the different things that the artists consider information (objects, locations, self, etc.). It also goes into great detail in the differing ways visual artists seek this information. Search Strategy: After finding the Hemming article helpful, I checked for citation links in ProQuest. This document cited the Hemming article and seemed very relevant to my project. Database: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Full Text: The Arts Method of Searching: Footnote chasing (Actually I was chasing articles that cited the Hemming article, but wasn t sure if that would fall under footnote chasing or citation search) Search String: References: Hemmig, W. (2009). An empirical study of the information-seeking behavior of practicing visual artists. Journal of Documentation, 65(4), 682-703. Scholarly/Refereed Status: I researched Proquest Dissertations & Theses and it stated that it contained all scholarly works and that all dissertations and theses have been peer reviewed. Entry 10: Nicholas, D. (2010). The behaviour of the researcher of the future (the 'Google generation'). Art Libraries Journal, 35(1), 18-21. [17]
Abstract: As the world of information resources becomes more and more digital, what is the role of special collections in libraries? This paper highlights their growing importance as unique and distinctive assets in an increasingly levelled landscape. It also stresses the value of opening up access to these collections through large-scale digitisation, reflecting on the role the profession should play in leading that work. Annotation: This article discusses the role of special collections in the digital age and the users needs. It argues that special collections are a unique example where the information needs of the users are different from standard libraries. It also discusses how these collections might be opened up to a broader audience through digitization. While primarily about the role of digitization, this article offers some excellent insights on the information seeking needs of users in special collections and libraries. Search Strategy: Via Drexel libraries, I performed some searches in Art Full Text. I used smart text searching for museum libraries. I limited the results to peer reviewed and full text and found this article which related to my research. Database: Art Full Text (H.W. Wilson) [via Drexel Libraries] Method of Searching: Keyword searching Search String: ss museum libraries Scholarly/Refereed Status: I limited my search to peer reviewed. I also looked up Art Libraries Journal in Ulrich s which listed it as scholarly and refereed. Entry 11: Reed, B., & Tanner, D. R. (2001). Information needs and library services for the fine arts faculty. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 27(3), 229-233. [18]
Abstract: Discussion of financial allocations by universities for library materials focuses on a study of fine arts faculty at Texas Tech University that identifies information services, sources, and materials that they consider important for their teaching, research, and creative endeavors; and investigates their use of library services. (Author/LRW) Annotation: This article specifically discusses the information seeking needs of fine art scholars and faculty as it relates to funding and financial allocation for information and library services. Through research and surveys it discusses the unique need for interdisciplinary sources (visual artwork, recordings, etc.) for these individuals. While this article contains significant quantitative data that would be useful, its only conclusion seems to be the need to have a liaison serve between the departments and the library. Search Strategy: I selected ERIC to search because I believed I could find articles that discussed information seeking behavior as it relates to art libraries. I performed keyword searches to try to build some relevant vocabulary. I was able to access the full text through ScienceDirect Journals via Drexel libraries. Database: ERIC [ProQuest] Method of Searching: Keyword Search String: ss (art pre/2 library) and user* Scholarly/Refereed Status: I refined my search with filters for Peer reviewed and Scholarly Journals. I double-checked in Ulrich s and the journal was listed as Scholarly and Refereed. Entry 12: Roth-Katz, E. (2012). Access and availability: A study of use policies on art museum library websites. Art Documentation: Journal of the Art Libraries Society of North America, 31(1), 123-140. [19]
Abstract: Art museum libraries provide unparalleled resources to the interested user. While specialized researchers have long been aware of these collections, the general public has not necessarily known of their existence and accessibility. With the advent of the web and the digitization of collections, institutions have the opportunity to increase a collection's visibility. However, increased visibility does not inherently translate into increased accessibility or use. New patrons may not be aware of the norms associated with special research collections and may be intimidated by the process of accessing information. Using a codebook to perform content analysis, this study quantitatively evaluates use and visiting policies on art museum library web pages. By studying the existence of these policies, the author hopes to explore one aspect of library accessibility and provide librarians and museum professionals with a framework for understanding the utility of making these policies publicly available. Annotation: This article discusses how art and museum libraries can address their users information seeking needs. It refers to the unique user needs in an art library and how its use and user policies can either assist or inhibit this behavior. Through surveys with art and museum libraries nationwide, it discusses how these libraries are meeting these needs. While this article is more geared towards policy, it does make some good points on how these policies specifically impact the users of the library. Search Strategy: Using JSTOR I searched for art libraries and information seeking behavior. I limited my results to scholarly articles and found this article. It seemed appropriate so I checked to determine if it was scholarly, and found that it was. The full text of the article was also available on JSTOR. Database: JSTOR Method of Searching: Keyword Search String: ss (art libraries) and (information seeking behavior) [20]
Scholarly/Refereed Status: I limited my search to research articles. I then went to the journal description which stated, Art Documentation: Journal of the Art Libraries Society of North America is a peer-reviewed journal presenting issues of concern to librarians working within art history, art criticism, the history of architecture, archaeology, and similar areas. Entry 13: Stam, D.C. (1984). How art historians look for information. Art Documentation: Bulletin of the Art Libraries Society of North America, 3(4), 117-119. Abstract: The article describes information gathering techniques of art historians. Five channels of communication are discussed. Art historians in colleges and museums make use of their own institutional libraries. They also depend on personal libraries. Informal channels, such as telephone calls, social and professional events and correspondence, are also being used. Finally, art historians also travel. Annotation: This article specifically discusses the ways that art historians seek information and how they use library services at institutional, museum and art libraries. After analyzing survey data and interviews, Stam discusses ways this study can be useful to librarians. While this article is older, there appears to be useful information included regarding particular habits and ways libraries can assist their process. Search Strategy: Having been impressed by the amount of information in the Larkin article, I read through the citations to find others that looked relevant. I found this one and was able to pull the record and full text up in JSTOR. Database: N/A Method of Searching: Footnote chasing [21]
Search String: Referenced in: Larkin, C. (2010). Looking to the future while learning from the past: information seeking in the Visual Arts. Art Documentation: Journal of the Art Libraries Society of North America, 29(1), 49-60. Scholarly/Refereed Status: I couldn t find specific information on JSTOR so I looked up the journal on the website and it states that all submissions must be scholarly and go through a double-blind peer-reviewed process. Entry 14: Tusa, B. M. (1993). An overview of applications of automation to special collections: Rare books and art collections. Information Technology and Libraries, 12(3), 344-344. Abstract: For the first time there exists an internationally agreed-upon standard for bibliographic control in machine readable form of rare materials. The key to success has been the willingness of rare book catalogers to embrace the International Standard Bibliographic Description for Older Monographic Publications (Antiquarian) or ISBD(A) and the MARC format, to work to enhance and change them where necessary, and to cooperate in developing national and international standards. One approach to an internationally available database of rare books records in MARC format is the Incunable Short Title Catalogue, a database of 15th-century books and other printed materials being compiled at the British Library. The challenges of bibliographic control of rare books pale in comparison to those encountered in the management of 2- and 3-dimensional art objects. In the US, the effort to establish a national art and architecture database has come primarily from the Research Libraries Group. Not only can access can be improved by automation, but restructuring of all of the functions of the special collections library can also be improved. Annotation: This article discusses the need for automation in rare books and art collections and how this automation has come more slowly than in other information fields. It also discusses how this automation would assist the information seeking needs of users in these special collections. While this article is a bit older and more specific to automation applications, there is [22]
significant discussion on how this automation will improve users ability to seek and find information in these collections. Search Strategy: I chose to do additional keyword searches of multiple databases on ProQuest, keeping my search terms similar. I found this article via ABI/INFORM Complete while searching for scholarly and peer reviewed articles with full text available. Database: ABI/INFORM Complete Method of Searching: Keyword searching Search String: ss "museum librar*" and "art" and "user*" Scholarly/Refereed Status: I searched originally for peer reviewed scholarly articles. I also searched Information Technology and Libraries in Ulrich s and it was listed as scholarly and refereed. Entry 15 : Weijsenfeld, C., & Wolffe, M. (2009). Changing times and art librarians. Art Libraries Journal, 34(4), 36-41. Abstract: Excellent organisational and communication skills, familiarity with available digital technology, and the ability to anticipate new developments are attributes art librarians require if they are to continue to be respected and valued professionals. Collaboration between museums, knowledge-sharing and merging library collections will cause individual museum libraries to disappear or be transformed into knowledge centres affiliated with museum collections. These will be a forum for discussion and the exchange of ideas between researchers and intellectuals who share a common passion. The infrastructure for art-related information will be a digital research environment where the indexing of research material is both unambiguous and exhaustive and integrally available. [23]
Annotation: This article discusses the skills that an art librarian needs to work with the information seeking needs in an art library. It specifically addresses how the collection should be available for the needs of the scholarly community. This article is significant in that it addresses the importance of the availability of the collection to the research of the scholar. Search Strategy: After finding the full-text document on the Art & Architecture Complete database from a search I originally did on JSTOR, I decided to try some keyword searches. I limited my results to peer reviewed and full text and found this article which seemed like an excellent fit. It also shows how ARLIS is publishing some of the best research for the art librarian. Database: Art & Architecture Complete Method of Searching: Keyword search Search String: ss art library* Scholarly/Refereed Status: I limited my search to peer reviewed. I also looked up Art Libraries Journal in Ulrich s which listed it as scholarly and refereed. Conclusion and Personal Statement In conclusion, art and museum libraries offer users the opportunity to work with unique materials not often found in traditional library settings. In the same regards, user informationseeking needs and behaviors often vary and differ from traditional library settings. While some users seek information that is specific, authoritative and scholarly, other users browse for inspiration and the opportunity for an unexpected discovery. These user behaviors can include the use of traditional materials, such as books, journals and audio. Art and museum libraries also [24]
offer these users access to rare and unique materials, and often the ability to observe and interact with the actual art objects themselves. It was interesting to learn more about the information seeking behavior of these various users. While some are very methodical, others seem to be more random and idiosyncratic. I ve also learned more about user needs in regards to art and museum librarians, and how the librarians can assist with, and provide knowledge regarding, these materials and information. This includes ideas on how the facilities and institutions themselves can serve their patrons and increase the availability of this material to a broader set of users. From increasing the digitization of materials, to expanding hours and access to this material, these libraries are searching for ways to assist their patron s needs. The information-seeking behavior of users of art and museum libraries is unique, and it s up to the institutions to continue to study and grow to facilitate the needs of their patrons and users. I certify that: This assignment is entirely my own work. I have not quoted the words of any other person from a printed source or website without indicating what has been quoted and providing an appropriate citation. I have not submitted this assignment to satisfy the requirements of any other course. Signature Jeremy Gunnoe Date March 19, 2013 [25]