OVERVIEW 

Use these resources to find information about artists, works of art, art movements and mediums.

Museums

"An Art Book today can be seen to occupy various different positions including that of a piece of theory, a catalogue, a printed exhibition, a piece of art in itself, a supplement to a pre-existing piece. It can be a proposal for the future or an examination of the present or what has passed." (Definition found at https://vimeo.com/31532045, accessed 1/17/2019)

What does an artist who is also a librarian have to say about the connection between both?:

“As both a librarian and an artist, I enjoy the accidental nature of looking for one thing, and finding something else. As a librarian, this happens as I help people indulge their curiosities, and find interesting ways to approach their questions ... As both a librarian and an artist, I’m committed to browsing, meandering, and grazing as valuable paths to discovery. I enjoy more calculated searching as well, but browsing is an area that has become overlooked as we’ve moved to online discovery tools.”

(By Kate Joranson, Head, Frick Fine Arts Library, University of Pittsburgh in The Artist & The Librarian in Tumblr (requires login; accessed 1/17/2019)

BROWSE In Person

BROWSE or SEARCH Online

WHERE are the Art Books in the Library?

• Art books are shelved on the 4th floor of McHenry
• Artist books are in Special Collections and Archives 
• Art Reference Books (encyclopedias or dictionaries) are on the main floor
• To explore Artist books beyond the UCSC library, try University Presses and Art book publishers, which can be tracked down through Google.

TAKEAWAYS

• The McHenry Library book shelves represent a tiny collection of all the art books in the world 
• Use UC Library search to find additional books; make sure to Sign in
• Depending on your timeline, use InterLibrary Loan to access books from other libraries--these are shipped to the library for you to pick up.
• If you discover an excellent Art books, ask us to buy it.