Abstract
Art Libraries and Art special Collections are a place of academic wonder, a space for
communication, connection and creation. The recent re-emergence of the ‘visual’ has in
terms of art education and academic art study, highlighted the necessity to determine the
value of art librarianship and explore the role of the Art Librarian in the modern world. In
this study, eight qualitative semi-structured interviews with Art Librarians, four in Art and
Design Schools and four in academic Special Collections, were conducted. The study shows
that the majority of Art Librarians define their role by aligning it with their main duties
including; ‘reviewing and sustaining the mission of the institution, collection development
and user needs assessment.’ All of the Art Librarians were of the opinion that the nature of
their role in art librarianship has evolved in the form of increased ‘outreach, learning and
education, advocacy and technological advances.’ An Art qualification is not essential
however a passion or interest in the study of Art is vital to enhancing the prosperity of Art in
the institution. Library Science qualifications are also deemed a necessity. The study shows
Art Librarians in Ireland do possess the skills required to assist artistic patrons’. The study
also shows, Art Librarianship depends on the practise and creation of art in order to stay
viable and visible in the canon of academic librarianship. Therefore, Art Librarians are of
upmost importance in the modern world, in order to sustain the continued growth and
development of the Arts. Ultimately, the value of the Art Librarian in academic circles today
is of high acclaim as they continue to recreate, reinvent, discover and lead the ‘Art World’
into the future.
