MCAD Library Artists' Books

The Artists' Books Collection at the Minneapolis College of Art & Design Library consists of recent books by artists that combine visual and textual matter in innovative and visually imaginative ways. They range from unique items entirely handmade on specially produced paper to photocopied and stapled pamphlets to commercially produced books. What they have in common is that the books are works of art themselves, not illustrated books in which the visual material is secondary to the text.

The MCAD collection was formed in the late 1970's, and it represents the conceptual art movement of that era. Early books by Edward Ruscha, Bruce Nauman, and John Baldessari are examples of the first artists' books in MCAD's collection. In the 1980's more works by women artists were purchased, and narrative became more common in the books. In the early 1990's, the MCAD Associates had funded the purchase of most of the library's artists' books. This had allowed us to add to the collection examples by such well known bookmakers as Walter Hamady, Susan King, and the British partners John Crombie and Sheila Bourne. The library also has examples of MCAD faculty and alumni created artists' books. In recent years commercial publishers have produced books that are artists' books, such as The Griffin and Sabine Trilogy and Miriam Schapiro's Rondo.

Artists' books are available to be looked at in the library; they may not be checked out. A catalog of the MCAD artists' books is kept on the Artists' Books Reserve Shelf to the left of the circulation desk. Arranged by artist's name, the catalog includes title and format information. Whether you want to look at a particular book or to browse through a few, ask the librarian on duty to retrieve them for you. Return them to the librarian when you are finished.

Also on the Artists' Books Reserve Shelf are exhibition catalogs and reference books about artists' books. These books may be looked at in the library or checked out for one day. The periodicals Bookways (ceased publication but back issues available), Umbrella, Journal of Artists' Books and Hand Papermaking are other excellent resources that are in the MCAD Library. When looking at artists' books remember that they are finished artworks.

Please:

Respect the fragility of the books and handle them gently.

Touch them only with clean hands, or wearing cotton gloves.

Use pencils to make notes. Pencils are available at the circulation desk. Do not have pens or markers open near the artists' books.

Never lay an open book face down.

Report any damage to the librarian.

Click here for the index of Artists' Books.