The Branch Art Library in ARL Institutions: A Longitudinal Study and Environmental Scan

Prompted by discussions about recent and potential closings of art and architecture branch libraries, the authors investigated the history of the foundation and the mergers, consolidations, and/or closings of academic art libraries in ARL institutions. Using historical directories of art libraries and data obtained through an environmental scan, this article presents statistical evidence of an increase in closings and mergers of art branch libraries in recent decades. Art librarians may use the data and recommendations to aid in the assessment of future opportunities and challenges faced by these libraries.