The Library catalogue is a powerful searching tool. Use a basic keyword search to get quickly to the resources you will find on the shelves.
In a highly visual subject such as art you are often looking for that "something" that will give you an idea or set you off on your own path of discovery. While not the most efficient way for carrying-out research, under many circumstances browsing the shelves may bring you the results that you want. The following Dewey Numbers will help if this is the case.
Dewey Numbers
701 Philosophy and theory of fine and decorative arts
709 History of art
720 Architecture
730 Sculpture
738 Ceramics
741 Drawing
741.6 Graphic design
751.73 Graffiti and street art
759 Paintings - Historical (includes schools and styles)
759.13 Painting, American
759.2 Painting, British Isles
759.3 Painting, German
759.4 Painting, French
759.5 Painting, Italian
759.95 Painting, Asia
759.994 Painting, Australia
Contemporary Art on the Library shelves
For analysis and criticism you should refer the books on contemporary art for material on current trends and movements. This is just a small selection of books you can find in this area.
Folio Books
Folio books refer to books that are too large, too big, or indeed just to heavy to fit on the Library's normal non-fiction shelves. You will find this collection of books under the magazine shelves. Some of the highlights are from the publisher Taschen and include:
Or it may come in one large and heavy box:
Reference Material
Reference material can include dictionaries, encyclopedia, yearbooks and almanacs. Reference material can be a way to determine basic information about a new or unfamiliar topic.
General reference:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
The World Book
Online encyclopedia
You can also use Britannica Online via the database menu on the Library website. You will need your user name and password to log on.
Some of the Art reference books on our shelves: