The library includes published materials about the life and work of Georgia O’Keeffe, in all media and formats, including: O’Keeffe’s friends, family, and contemporaries, Modernism (art movement), regional histories related to O’Keeffe, and to a lesser degree, architecture and decorative arts. The library also contains published materials relating to the history of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and materials supporting the professional activities of Museum staff such as education, conservation, curatorial practice, and museum studies
Below is a list of the library's collections, which can be searched in the library catalog using the Advanced Search feature.
Books and pamphlets that are organized according to the Library of Congress Classification Scheme. The general collection is primarily located in the Michael S. Engl Family Foundation Library reading room and circulates to internal patrons with approved library borrowing applications.
Articles about Georgia O’Keeffe. The collection originated as the “Criticism Files” which were articles compiled by Barbara Buhler Lynes related to her research for the publication O’Keeffe, Stieglitz, and the Critics. As of 2003, the Museum has added articles that typically present a scholarly or critical review of Georgia O’Keeffe’s work and life. Does not circulate.
Exhibit props are produced or acquired to be added to an exhibition or public space to enhance interpretation, programming, or an exhibit, and are not intended to be museum objects. Props are barcoded and tracked through the library catalog. Props may circulate to internal patrons with approved library borrowing applications.
Key publications about Georgia O’Keeffe and her life and artistic practice, which do not circulate. Publications are located in the Michael S. Engl Family Foundation Library reading room, Museum Galleries, and Welcome Center. Publications in the Museum Galleries and Welcome Center are added and removed based on changing gallery exhibitions and programs.
Newspapers, magazines, and academic journals, as well as select popular journals such as the New Yorker. As of January 2017, this collection is no longer a growing collection; only the electronic newspaper subscriptions remain active. Does not circulate.
Rare, irreplaceable, or valuable materials in various formats that warrant special handling or care including Georgia O’Keeffe’s personal library collection, Georgia O’Keeffe Museum exhibition catalogues and publications, books with unique inscriptions, publications sponsored by Museum programs. Does not circulate.
O'Keeffe Abiquiu Library Collection: Publications owned by Georgia O’Keeffe from her home in Abiquiu. Most materials were located in the bookroom.
O’Keeffe Ghost Ranch Library Collection: Publications owned by Georgia O’Keeffe from her home at Ghost Ranch.
Unique articles, clippings, and ephemera related to modernism and Georgia O’Keeffe, the people she knew, and places she lived and painted, as well as people and work that was influenced by O’Keeffe (i.e., plays, music, artwork). Excludes materials related to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, which is collected as part of the Institutional Archives. Does not circulate.
