Following are biographical sources which facilitate searching for important people in art today, people that have helped shape museums and their role in society, and historical sources which offer a developmental perspective on museums of all sorts.

Alexander, Edward P. The Museum in America: Innovators and Pioneers. Walnut Creek: AltaMira Press, 1997.

Davis AM11.A55 1997

This biographical source looks at the development of various types of museums, from a historical perspective.  Each chapter is devoted to one person who was a pioneer in the development of the first zoo, garden or art museum.  The final chapter is entitled “The American museum progresses”, and it offers reflection about the role of the museum and where it is headed.

Different Voices: A Social, Cultural, Historical Framework for Change in the American Art Museum. New York: Association of Art Museum Directors, 1992.

Sloane N510.D54 1992 ~ 2^nd floor

Like the title states, this source deals with museums from a social, cultural and historical perspective. The contents are derived from proceedings of a two-part symposium presented by the Association of Art Museum Directors June 7-8, 1990, in Chicago and January 31-February 1, 1991, in Honolulu.  Relevant issues discussed are acquisition policies, exhibition choice and design, and the relationship to a targeted audience.  Pages 30-58 is devoted to change in the American art museum from an art historian’s voice.

Vergo, Peter. The New Museology. London: Reaktion Books, 1989.

Sloane AM7.N48 1989 ~ 2^nd floor

Museology is defined as the study of museums, their history, underlying philosophy and development over the years.  This source provides a historical perspective on museum evolution and changing issues.  Relevant content discussed is: museums, artifacts, meanings, and objects of knowledge from a historical perspective, quality of visitor experiences in an art museum, and museum visiting as a cultural phenomenon.  A fresh view is provided for those interested in museology in relation to current museum trends and ideas.

Who’s Who in American Art [serial]. New York: R.R. Bowker, 1999.

Davis Ref N6536.W5 ~ 1^st floor Reference (1995-6 ed.)

Sloane Ref N6536.W5 ~ 1^st floor Ready Reference (1999-2000 ed.)

This biographical source is published biennially.  Included is a comprehensive, alphabetical listing of 11,600 living contributors to the visual arts in the United States, Canada and Mexico.  Contributors are defined as artists, administrators, consultants, critics, curators, dealers, historians, educators, lecturers, collectors, librarians and publishers.  The entries are listed alphabetically and are accompanied by concise biographical information about their work, accomplishments and contact information.  This would be a valuable resource to those seeking professional counterparts nationally as personal reference tools, in addition to general research needs.