The Dept. of Rare Books and Manuscripts of the Boston Public Library actively collects artists’ books. 

1. We collect all types.  This is an extension of our Printing History Collection which includes livres d’artiste and fine press material. 
2. focus on local artists but we still collect (and encourage donations) from all over the world and US
3. 300 +  (many not referenced in our catalog as artists’ books). 
4. We do work with The Print Dept. , which collects  prints, single sheets, drawings, etc. –    Our Print Dept. has a wonderful collection titled: Artists with ties to Boston and this collection contains some books.  Rare Books has agreed to take over collecting the book format section of these artists.   RBD submits to OCLC
5. We have an active “class visit program” – encouraging instructors from local art schools and universities to take advantage of the riches we hold here – from the history of printing and graphic design to artists’ books.   We also install exhibitions of artists’ books from time to time.  Just this past November/December 2002 we co-sponsored an exhibition celebrating the 25^th anniversary of the Letterpress Guild of New England which featured many artists books.  

 

 

Yours, Roberta Zonghi, Keeper of Rare Books and Manuscripts