I asked a (former) curator-type, she recommended these:
Yes, "Exhibit labels : An interpretive Approach" by Beverly Serrell ISBN 0-7619-9106-9
NOT only content, but format, ADA conformity, levels of information, etc.... MOST early museum professionals think of this book as the bible.
ALSO send people to the American Association of Museums web site bookstore.... THERE are TONS of "how to write about art" how to write a label" etc. etc. etc. there.... http://www.aam-us.org/newbookstore/
Lisa Morgan
Exhibitions Coordinator
Portland Art Museum
503-276-4294
-----Original Message-----
From: Rebecca Eaton [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, November 03, 2003 5:04 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Fw: Re: [ARLIS-L] Curators' Writing Guide
lis,
have you heard of anything like this in your label-writing-days?
---------- Forwarded Message ----------
Hi Edith
I remember a series called the Professional Practice Series which is
designd for museum personnel. I believe they have sample writings, but I am not sure if you will be able to find anything exact. Just a suggestion.
Good luck
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Diana E.M. Cooper 604-822-3943
Fine Arts Reference Librarian
Fine Arts Library
University of British Columbia
1956 Main Mall [log in to unmask]
On Mon, 3 Nov 2003 [log in to unmask] wrote:
> A colleague sent me this question from one of our non-student patrons. I think it's wishful thinking on the patron's part, but has anyone heard of something like this? We have the standard guides like _Writing About Art_ but I know of nothing specifically designed for curator types. Is there such a thing?
>
> I had a patron at the 3rd floor desk on Sunday that stumped me. He was looking for a style guide to help him write descriptions of art shows and/or art collections. He called it a "curators guide." I found some examples of these descriptions but no style guide. He seemed satisfied.
>
> Edith L. Crowe
> Art & Humanities Librarian
> San Jose State University Library
> http://www.sjlibrary.org
> (408) 808-2037
>
> Corresponding Secretary of the Mythopoeic Society
> http://www.mythsoc.org
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