About the Directory of Art, Architecture and Design Resources

Introduction

The Directory of Resources lists more than 250 organisations that have books, magazines, archives and other material on art, architecture or design. The database includes names, addresses, opening hours, web site addresses and details about access.

The Directory entries are based on responses to a questionnaire that was sent out to about 450 organisations.

Using the Directory

The following searches are currently available:

Organisation names

An A-Z list of organisations is available. By default, entries are displayed in alphabetical order. To see a complete list of entries, select ALL. The full list can then be sorted.

In many cases, the entry for a specific resource (e.g. a library) is linked to an entry for the parent body (e.g. a university).

Subjects

An A-Z list of topical subjects covered by organisations' collections. The list of subjects is based upon the Dewey Decimal Classification system, and can be sorted by Dewey numbers as well as by the name of the subject areas (default). Click on a subject or Dewey class number to retrieve a list of all organisations with collections in that field.

The detailed entries for each organisation indicate whether their holdings for the subject are good, fair, or basic. In some cases, the entries also distinguish between current and past collecting, or English and non-English language material. If the organisation is not listed for a specific subject, then it may be assumed that their holdings are minimal or non-existent.

To search for personal or corporate names (e.g. William Morris or Bauhaus), or to find subjects mentioned anywhere in the records, use the keyword search option described below.

Please note that although the list of subjects is based upon the Dewey system, many of the organisations arrange their own collections according to other classification schemes.

Regions

Use the A-Z list or clickable map to search for collections in a particular region.

Organisation types

Select from the list to search for a type of organisation, for example an archive or a picture library. Some organisations may be listed under more than one heading.

Keyword search

The keyword search looks for single words or phrases in the full text of the organisation entries as well as the indexes listed above.

Use this search for terms not listed in the indexes above (e.g. personal names such as William Morris), or parts of index terms (.e.g. Rylands for the John Rylands University Library of Manchester).

Search history

Clicking on the search history menu item provides a drop down list of previous search terms, indicated by a magnifying glass, and organisations viewed, indicated by a filled circle.

Additions and amendments

To suggest additions or amend an entry in the Directory, download and fill in the data submission and amendment form (MSWord format) and email it to submissions@arlis.net.

Periodicals database

The Directory is linked to a related database of art, architecture and design periodicals, also hosted by arlis.net. Each of the organisations contributing information to the periodicals database has at least one entry in the Directory. Users can thus find potential locations for a periodical, then check the Directory to find out more about access.

Credits

The Directory software was developed by Adaptive Technologies, in collaboration with the National Art Library. The database is hosted by Adaptive, for arlis.net.