Art libraries in Poland

Abstract

Most art libraries in Poland are in fact sections of libraries of more general scope. In the case of the National Library of Warsaw, although material on Polish art is represented in the collections there is no art section as such. Other art library collections include the library of the Institute of Art of the Polish Academy, the ‘Cabinets of Illustrations’ within other libraries attached to the Polish Academy in various cities, departmental libraries in universities and technical universities, and libraries of museums and of learned and professional societies. Public libraries disseminate information on the arts and often organise arts activities; the Art Section of the Warsaw Public Library is among the most important art library collections in the country. Although public libraries join in cooperative arts ventures, art libraries in Poland have not yet begun to work together, and so far there is no professional organisation especially for art librarians.