Hello Alison,
We have incorporated like spaces at Crystal Bridges Museum. We call them “Reflection Areas.” I attached images for you. The first image is Reflection Area #1, the second two images are Reflection Area #2, and the last two are Reflection Area #3. All three areas have books and similar furniture but somewhat different configurations depending on the space. We also have two Ipad stations in each area. The third reflection area is most flexible and at times has been used as private dining, extended exhibition space, and temporary exhibition space. The titles somewhat correspond to the galleries that are closest to them. We also offer children’s art books. I believe I started with a little over 300 books for all the rooms. All of the rooms are very well used and guests spend quite a lot of time purusing the books.
The library manages the spaces and we train volunteers to make the rounds straightening them once a day. The books are purchased from a Reflection Area budget line and not catalogued. We created a label for each book asking that guests leave it in the area for others to enjoy. So far, with over 640,000.00 visitors this past year, the books have held up very well!
I hope that helps. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Catherine Petersen
Library Director 
600 Museum Way
Bentonville, AR 72712
479-418-5748 (direct)
479-418-5700 (main)
Art & Books
Without a doubt I must read all the books I’ve read about. See the artworks hung on hooks, that I have only seen in books.
Lang Leav
From: ARLIS/NA List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Alison Huftalen
Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2013 9:52 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [ARLIS-L] Museum library in the galleries
Hi everyone,
This is mostly for museum librarians, but I would be happy to hear from others who might have similar circumstances or have seen these types of spaces anywhere.
I am working on developing spaces in the museum galleries that will function somewhat like satellite libraries (that is what I am currently calling them). Spaces with shelving, comfortable seating etc. where visitors can take a break from walking and looking at art and browse books related to the collection etc. This would be more than just having a few books on a table. Our library is physically distanced from our galleries and we want to find a way to "activate" the library more and get it in front of the eyes of your average museum goer. Does your museum have anything like this? Has the library been involved, collaborated with education? Do books belong to the library? Are they purchased as a separate collection? I'm just getting started on ideas so would love to hear about anything that falls into this realm.
Thanks so much!
Alison
Alison L. Huftalen
Head Librarian
419.255.8000 ext. 7386
Toledo Museum of Art
PO Box 1013
Toledo, Ohio 43697
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