Art History Dissertation Trends As a Selection Approach for Art History Collections

Abstract

Collection management in art history requires a diverse and multifaceted approach to collections activity. Not only does the librarian require a strong grounding in art historical and fine arts librarianship, but a sound appreciation of research and publishing trends inherent to art history. Among various approaches to selecting for art history, mapping dissertation research trends may not always come to mind. Often the art history or fine arts librarian relies upon publishers’ catalogs, book reviews, and other library-related venues for making decisions and final selections for inclusion. Not to be forgotten are museum catalogs and the contemporary art press, where advance notice of fine arts books and other materials appear in timely fashion. Reliance on these canonical collection tools is to be encouraged as they have proven to be core tools and approaches to collection activity in the fine arts in general and art history in particular. For the librarian dedicated to art history, there is another possible approach for useful collection oriented knowledge.