Art in libraries... week 5

There has been any research in art programs in library settings. There are articles written about what some libraries do, what they offer, but there’s no concrete information on the type of programs offered, what are their impact on the community? Who attends these art programs? (…)

In the art education field, there are some studies and written work done on community-based art education, but nothing specifically on libraries. Libraries are cultural centers; offering a multitude of resources free of charge to the community. How can they have been overlooked for so long? Maybe it is because they usually don’t have specialists (art educators) on staff, teaching the art classes? However many libraries have developed partnerships with museums and art educators who come in and offer art classes to their patrons.

Questions yet to be answered:

• What type of library programs are offered in Florida Libraries?


• What is the percentage of libraries offering art programs? (Which will be answered at the same time as the previous question)


• Who is the targeted audience? (age)


• What is the art background of art program facilitators?
  
  For my research, I will have to combine qualitative and quantitative research methods. Most of my questions evolve from a quantitative approach. But, it doesn’t stop there. The impact those art programs have is important too. I will conduct interviews and be on site to observe some of the programs.

Art in Libraries

Well, my research is going to focus on art programs offered in library settings. There's not much written on the subject. So most of my references will be geared towards community-based art education as well as library service articles.

Here's a video I found about what the San Diego Library does as an after school program.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jn0Rdg7nKG0

Also, I found one article about two artists who used to volunteer in an elementary school and teach art classes, but the school decided to spend that time getting ready for testing. They turned to the public library to fill the gap. http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/archives/3498

This last article is of the Museum of Florida Art who offer art classes in conjunction with their exhibit through libraries in Volusia County (near Daytona). http://daytonasun.com/Articles/Community/Local-Museum-Offers-Children-s-Art-Program-At-Libraries.html

These arethe kinds of things I want to see and discover and research about. Who are giving the classes? What are their art background? How is the participation?