Haas Arts Library, Special Collections

Overview

The Arts Library Special Collections (ALSC) are composed of materials from the former Art+Architecture and Drama libraries, as well as the Arts of the Book Collection. ALSC holdings include contemporary catalogues raisonnés, 18th- and 19th-century works on artists and architecture, a broad selection of fine press and artists’ books, rare research materials in support of these subject areas, and the Faber Birren Collection of Books on Color. In addition, ALSC has manuscript and archival holdings in book arts, art history, and drama. Theatrical production is docu­mented through photographs, production books, scrapbooks, and ephemera. The Yale Bookplate Collection contains ex-libris prints and process materials, such as original sketches, plates, and woodblocks. The Arts of the Book Collection maintains archives of Fritz Eichenberg, Fritz Kredel, Richard Minsky, Carl P. Rollins, and many smaller collections about the book arts.

Departments/disciplines/programs/subject areas supported

Departments: Schools of Art, Architecture, Drama; History of Art; Yale University Art Gallery

Additional Subject areas: book arts, history of the book, color theory, American studies, material and visual culture studies, graphic arts, graphic design, artists’ books, printing history

General

Rare and unique materials to support the study of visual arts, book art and history, theatrical production, and related areas, as well as research materials that are especially rare, expensive, or have unusual formats.

Formats collected

Format blind with preference for rare and unique materials that support research in book art, theater production, art history, and architecture.

Languages collected

Language blind with preference for English language or with English translation or summary.

Chronological and geographical focus

Chronological focus: Primarily mid-19th to 21st century; older materials are found in the Bookplate and Birren Collections.

Geographical focus: International. Majority of the collection is American and European materials on the book and graphic arts. Other areas of the world are supported through collaborations with area studies librarians in the Department of Area Studies and Humanities Research Support (DASHRS).

Collaborations within Yale

  • Areas Studies (Department of Area Studies and Humanities Research Support)
  • Communicate with colleagues at the Yale University Art Gallery, Yale Center for British Art, and Beinecke Library to prevent duplication of materials.

Subject Librarian

Jessica Pigza
Associate Director, Arts Library Special Collections
Arts Library Special Collections
Arts Library, Robert B. Haas Family
+1 (203) 4324439