Book Annotation: Examining Library-Museum Collaborations

Dilevko, J. & Gottlieb, L. (2004). The evolution of library and museum partnerships: Historical antecedents, contemporary manifestations and future directions. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.

This book presents a thorough analysis of the nature of library-museum partnerships and the historical contributions that these alliances have made. Authors Dilevko and Gottlieb pose the argument that the most potentially productive next phase in the advancement of the library and museum collaborations is the library-museum hybrid within a joint-use facility. Housing a library and museum dedicated to a particular subject under one roof could provide a community with greater opportunities for information literacy and life-long learning. The authors make their case through a report on landmark library-museum partnerships, a synopsis of the history of library-museum collaborations and a concluding blueprint of how the 21st century library-museum could thrive. The charts that list the grant figures for successful library-museum projects are worth examination. Dilevko and Gottlieb have published extensively in the field of library and information science and they demonstrate a credible proposal for the next chapter in the story of library and museum productions.

Article annotation: L&M from 1981 through 2000

Van der Vossen-Delbruck, E. (1987). Libraries of art museums. Art Libraries Journal, 12(1), 12-13.

This article reflects how libraries and museums have “grown up together” and also how they are being affected by advances in technology. In a special volume devoted to the evolution of art libraries and museums in the Netherlands, the author describes how museum libraries that specialized in the collection of art resources were able to expand their clientele from just the museum staff to the general public. One example is the Rijksmuseum library in Amsterdam which began as a small reference library in 1877. More than a hundred years later, the library has grown large enough to warrant its own building and separate entrances and rooms for the public. The article concludes by reporting that while the use of a card catalog is still present at most Dutch art libraries and museums, most staff members are being trained in the automated cataloging of books.

Article Annotation: L&M from 1941 through 1960

Williams, D.G. (1945). Adult education in public libraries and museums. Journal of Negro Education, 14(3), 322-330.

This article provides an examination of how libraries and museums are evolving in their contributions to the communities they serve. Of particular interest is how these institutions are using new programs and methods to reach at-risk populations. At a time when 35 million Americans of all backgrounds have no access to a public library, information professionals are beginning to employ many emerging educational tools such as audio-visual materials. Such methods are a way to bring information to patrons where they live and work. One example of how libraries and museums are working together to stimulate learning are the traveling art exhibits of the historically black colleges. These museums make their collections available to several organizations in the black community such as schools, churches and libraries.

Article Annotation: L&M from 1921 through 1940

Williams, L.B. (1931). Museums and their libraries. Special Libraries. 22(6), 207-208.

This article is a transcription given at a 1931 convention of the Special Libraries Association by Lewis B. Williams, President of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. The crux of Williams’ argument is that a museum can only achieve its goal as a vital community institution when it has the scholarship of a library to support it. Williams advocates that only "around a carefully chosen library can be built a real museum." Without such an integral alliance, museum and library patrons stand to be at a disadvantage. Williams says in closing, "The museum whose library does not keep pace...will not grow into the place of fullest meaning in public usefulness."

Article Annotation: L&M from 1880 through 1920

Lewin, P.E. (1903). Libraries and museums. The Library Assistant. 3(23), 286-288.

This article puts forth the argument that a museum is the logical extension of a community’s library, particularly if that community is growing in size and prestige. Lewin also makes the case that if museums are to rise up in emerging towns. Librarians who champion their existence must lead the charge. The author insists that in order to be the intellectual nexus of its community, a library must do more than merely provide storage for books.