Library and Archives Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is in the museum library and archives collections?
    The library and archives noncirculating collections reflect the Carter’s art collecting and exhibition history, with particular strengths in the art of the American West, the history of North American western expansion, American photography, and a range of materials related to the history of American art and culture from colonial times through the mid-twentieth century.
  • Who can use the library and archives, and when are they available?
    Library collections are available to all museum visitors during weekly public hours (Wednesdays and Fridays, 11 am–4 pm and Thursdays, 11 am–7 pm) and at other weekday times by appointment. Archival collections are available to qualified researchers by appointment only; please make appointments two weeks in advance by e-mailing library [at] cartermuseum [dot] org (library@cartermuseum.org) or archivist [at] cartermuseum [dot] org (archivist@cartermuseum.org), or by calling 817.738.1933.
  • Does the museum library provide appraisal services?
    No. Museum staff do not appraise, evaluate, or authenticate works of art. To find an appraiser in your area, please contact the following organizations:
  • May I use a laptop computer in the reading room?
    Yes. The reading room of the library is also equipped to provide connections to the Internet.
  • May I submit reference questions by e-mail?
    Yes. Researchers may submit reference questions relevant to the library and archives subject areas to library [at] cartermuseum [dot] org (library@cartermuseum.org). Library staff will conduct brief searches (utilizing up to three sources) and respond via return e-mail.
  • Is the library and archives catalog on the Internet?
    The library collection and selected materials from the museum archives are searchable via the Cultural District Library Consortium (CDLC) online catalog, which also includes the holdings of the Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth libraries. Search the CDLC catalog. Should you experience difficulty in accessing or searching the catalog, please e-mail notification to library [at] cartermuseum [dot] org (library@cartermuseum.org).
  • May I borrow materials from the library?
    No. The library is a research collection. Materials may not be removed from the museum building. A photocopier is available for onsite researchers for the cost of fifteen cents per page. Microform prints cost thirty-five cents per page.
  • May I borrow through interlibrary loan?
    The library lends materials to partner libraries through the SHARES program of the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN). Only museum staff may request to borrow materials from other libraries.
  • What is in the library’s bio files?
    The library’s bio files, numbering over 40,000 folders, contain exhibition announcements, press releases, clippings, brochures, small exhibition catalogues or checklists, or other ephemera.
  • How do I research a work of art in the Amon Carter Museum’s collection?
    There are many published sources of information on works in the Amon Carter Museum, including the museum’s own publications, as well as many books about individual artists. The library’s bio files and microform collections also may be sources of information. The reference librarian can provide basic information from the museum’s collection database on a particular work of art. Limited use of the object accession files is available to qualified researchers by contacting the archivist [at] cartermuseum [dot] org (museum archivist).

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