Collection Development -- Artists' Books Collection
The collection comprises approximately 300 volumes of fine and small press imprints, limited edition letterpress and offset printed volumes and contemporary artists' books, collected from the late 1970s to the present. National and international artists are represented with works in a variety of languages. The collection could also be defined to include the works of concrete and visual poets that are also held. Current collection development decision making is curricularly motivated. The goal is not to create a comprehensive collection, but to develop a teaching resource for the University community. Students and faculty can use the collection to study form, structure and content. Criteria for collecting include books which can materially and structurally be replicated, books which inspire because of their concept or complexity, books incorporating digital imaging, photography, hand painting, and mixed media. Acquisition by purchase is made annually (the collection grows about 5-10 volumes per year), deepening the collection from which to draw examples.
Archives & Special Collections collects:
- Limited edition artists' books that support curriculum needs
- Artists' books that document a unique collaboration between artists, or reflect a change over time of the book's ability to embody and illuminate a text
- Latin American and Caribbean small, independent presses that offer alternative distribution networks for artists
- Artists' books with human rights themes that document responses to terrorism, war and genocide
Additional information about the collection is available here.
For inquiries about the collection or possible donations please contact the curator, Kristin Eshelman or (860) 486-4506.
This page is maintained by K. Eshelman