Panopticon

There are some interesting new events and resources available for students interested in arts and visual resources librarianship.

First, tomorrow (provided it is not postponed due to the weather), Simmons will be screening Exit Through the Gift Shop, the film about the street artist Banksy, and will also be hosting a panel discussion with several local artists and others involved in the arts in and around Boston. More information is available on the Simmons Events website.

Then, on February 15, 2011 at 6:30 Simmons GSLIS will host a panel discussion with Boston area curators of contemporary art. The discussion will focus on the information seeking needs and behaviors specific to contemporary art. How do libraries support the process? What improvements could be made to support contemporary research? How can contemporary curators work with librarians to build excellent collections, particularly in tough economic times? The panel will involve several local curators and should provide an interesting insight into how libraries and librarians can support their work. In addition to GSLIS students interested in art librarianship, the event is also open to New England area art librarians and museum professionals.

In addition to these local events, there are two new noteworthy online resources of interest to those interested in art and visual resource libraries. First, Google has launched the Art Project. This new resource allows users to explore and experience art and museums from around the world including from the Tate Britain and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. Users can zoom in on individual pieces and navigate through whole rooms as well.

Additionally, as highlighted on ArLiSNAP’s blog, the blog Just An Art Librarian provides insight into the day-in-a-life activities of a museum librarian. If that is a field that interests you, its definitely worth checking out!