Guidelines for Craft/Material Studies

Table of Contents

1. Purpose
2. General Collection Guidelines
    A. Language
    B. Chronology
    C. Geography
    D. Publication Date
    E. Treatment of Subject
    F. Types of Materials and Formats
3. Area Resources
4. Subjects and Collecting Levels

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1. Purpose.

Collections in Craft/Materials Studies support a research agenda consistent with research enterprise at a Carnegie Research Intensive (Very High Research) institution with bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the field. See specific collecting levels under section 4.

The collection supports research, teaching, and practice through the level of Master of Fine Arts. The primary goal of the program is to provide the students with a foundation in techniques and creative concepts that will allow them to develop an individual artistic expression in their chosen discipline.

The Department of Craft/Material Studies offers opportunities for study and research in the following ares: at the B.F.A. level -- ceramics, woodworking, furniture design, glass working, metalsmithing/jewelry, fiber-work/fabric design; at the M.F.A. level -- ceramics, fiber, woodworking/furniture design, glass working, and jewelry/metal working.

 

2. General Collection Guidelines.

A. Language.
Preference is given to English-language texts, especially for any discussion of technique. Where the principal value of the material lies in its illustrations, there are no restrictions on the language of the text.

B. Chronology.
No limitations.

C. Geography.
No limitations.

D. Publication Date.
No limitations.

E. Treatment of Subject.
Material providing historical, technical, or critical information on the disciplines are collected. Popularized, lower level "how to" books are not acquired.

F. Types of Materials and Formats.
Monographs, reference works, and significant serial titles are collected. Physical copies are preferred where images and illustrations are a primary concern. Titles covering technical aspects in a sophisticated manner are acquired. Technical manuals aimed at juveniles and hobbyists are not collected.

Digital images of contemporary and historic examples are selectively collected to supplement large online resources such as Artstor.

Streaming media programs are actively sought and evaluated for content relevant to the arts. The development of streaming platforms and the negotiations of copyright is closely monitored. To assure uninterrupted access, DVD is the current preferred format for core titles and remains the only available option for many titles.

Electronic and online resources to support the areas of Craft/Material Studies are actively sought and evaluated for acquisition.

 

3. Area Resources.

The library at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a complementary resource in the Richmond metropolitan area for the study and analysis of art disciplines. The VMFA library holds an extensive collection relating to design reform and the Arts & Crafts movement.

4. Subjects and Collecting Levels.

Contemporary craft and critical and theoretical studies are collected at a research level (4) to support the terminal degree projects and faculty research of the department. In conjunction with the department of Art History, titles concerning the Arts & Crafts movement and related Aesthetic Movement and Art Nouveau are collected at a research level (4). Outside of the above craft movements, the history of craft is collected at an instructional support level (3). Technical manuals are collected at an instructional support level (3).