Collection Development Policies:
Fine Arts
Purpose: The collection supports undergraduate programs
in studio practice, art history, the BFA, and to the MFA level in studio
practice. Collection resources must meet the needs of general, non-elective,
undergraduate and graduate education. The interdisciplinary nature of art
resources and their use for teaching or research purposes by other
departments should be emphasized. Departments utilizing this collection,
in addition to the Department of Fine Arts, include Architecture; Apparel,
Merchandising, and Interior Design (AMID); History; Anthropology;
Foreign Languages and Literature; Honors Program; General Education;
Museum of Art; Program in Comparative American Cultures; and the Museum
of Anthropology. Resources should also allow collaboration with the
School of Education in art education for primary and secondary teaching
levels.
General Collection Guidelines:
- Languages: English is the primary language. There is no limitation
of language when illustrative material is more important than text.
- Chronological Guidelines: No limitations. Current research and
interpretations are emphasized. Retrospective purchasing is selective.
- Geographical Guidelines: Art of all countries and all time periods
is collected to develop broad historical and cultural perspectives. The
diversity of visual art in various countries and cultures is emphasized.
- Treatment of Subject: Although scholarly treatments of a subject
are emphasized, there is some variation in what is needed for Art History
and Studio Art.
- Types of Materials: Most materials acquired will be in the form of
books and periodicals. Special kinds of art materials collected include:
Catalogues Raisonnés; catalogs of museums, exhibitions and galleries;
annual reports of museums; and museum and gallery guides. Electronic resources
(defined as material accessible through the WSU Libraries, and requiring the
use of computers for access), are purchased selectively. Types of materials
excluded are photographic transparencies and original works of art.
- Date of Publication: Current research and interpretations are preferred,
especially when illustrative material is important. Because reproductive techniques
continually improve, it is necessary to purchase new materials on artists already
represented in the collection. Retrospective purchases are selective.
Observations and Qualifications by Subject with
Collection Level:
Art History: C(2)
The materials needed range from scholarly primary
and secondary sources necessary to support the
programs mentioned, to "picture books" consisting
of reproductions with little or no text, purchased
when the quality of the reproduction is especially
good. Some popular trade books on art are purchased
because of general interest. Art history needs selective
strengthening to support interdisciplinary use at the
undergraduate and graduate level, and for the general
education program. There is no undergraduate nor graduate
degree offered in art history.
Studio Art: C(1)
"How to" books are purchased, including techniques for
all media and materials, including computers. Selected juvenile
titles are sometimes purchased for the study of illustrations or
graphic work. Anatomy books are selectively acquired.
Alice Spitzer
Spring 2004