Art Research and Museum Libraries

Curators and library staff are not able to authenticate or appraise works of art.

• Are the museum libraries open to the public or just museum members?
• Do the SAM Libraries accept book donations?
• I want to learn more about an object in SAM’s permanent collection or about an object currently on display. What resources are available to the public?
• I have an art object I am interested in learning more about. Can you help me?
• Can I bring the object into the museum to assist with the research?
• How long will it take to get a response to my research inquiry?
• Do research services carry a fee?
• Can you authenticate or identify an object?
• Where can I go to get my object appraised, authenticated or identified?
  
• How can I find out about conserving artwork in my possession?
  
  
  

Are the museum libraries open to the public or just museum members?

The museum libraries are open to the general public. It is not necessary to be a member of the museum or to pay admission to the museum to use the libraries’ services.

Do the SAM Libraries accept book donations?

We do accept donations. Please review our donation policies and donation form.

I want to learn more about an object in SAM’s permanent collection or about an object currently on display. What resources are available to the public?

There are a number of ways to find information—online, via email and in-person visits:

• For objects in our permanent collection, search our online collection database.
• Search the SAM Libraries catalogue for resources on the object. All library materials must be used in the library reading rooms and are not available for check-out.
• Visit one of the SAM Libraries (SAM Downtown or the Seattle Asian Art Museum) and get assistance from the library staff.
• Contact the SAM Libraries at libraries@seattleartmuseum.org or 206.654.3220 (SAM Downtown) or 206.654.3202 (Seattle Asian Art Museum).
  
  

I have an art object I am interested in learning more about. Can you help me?

The SAM Libraries can help you with many aspects of object research, including identifying resources for your research and biographical information on artists.

• Visit one of the SAM Research Libraries (at SAM Downtown or the Seattle Asian Art Museum) and get assistance from the library staff. Please note: Do not bring works of art into the museum. Email images to us at libraries@seattleartmuseum.org or bring in photographs or photocopies.
• Contact the SAM Libraries at libraries@seattleartmuseum.org or 206.654.3220 (SAM downtown) or 206.654.3202 (Seattle Asian Art Museum).
  

Can I bring the object into the museum to assist with the research?

The museum’s policy strictly forbids art not owned by SAM or officially on loan to SAM being allowed on museum premises. If you need a visual reference to aid your research, we suggest you bring in images of the object (photographs or photocopies) or email images to libraries@seattleartmuseum.org ahead of your visit .

How long will it take to get a response to my research inquiry?

Depending on the number of current research requests, a response to questions received via email and phone calls may take several weeks. Please plan accordingly. Learn more about our services and policies.

Do research services carry a fee?

In many cases, a nominal fee is charged for research. We charge $0.10 per page for photocopies. Additionally, patrons must pay fees for postage (if applicable) and any other charges incurred by library staff on behalf of the patron. The majority of research requests cost less than $10.

Can you authenticate or identify an object?

Because of liability reasons, we are unable to authenticate or positively identify an object or the creator of a work. SAM research library staff can help you locate information on your work of art or give you resource information on appraisers.

Where can I go to get my object appraised, authenticated or identified?

Museum curators are unable to appraise, authenticate or identify art. Please see below for a short list of organizations that might be able to help you. For more appraisal and authentication resources please visit the library section of our website.

Art Dealers Association of America
575 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212.940.8590
Fax: 212.940.6484
www.artdealers.org

The National Antique & Art Dealers Association of America
220 East 57th Street
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212.826.9707
Fax.: 212.832.9493
www.naadaa.org

The Appraisers Association of America
386 Park Avenue South, Suite 2000
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212.889.5404
Fax: 212.889.5503
www.appraisersassoc.org

How can I find out about conserving artwork in my possession?

For a referral for a conservator, please contact conservation@seattleartmuseum.org.