Crafts Council Research Library

Open books and pamphlets at the Crafts Council library; Photo: Fiona Moorhead, 2008

The newly refurbished Crafts Council Research Library opens in January 2008.

The new Research Library provides an inclusive, inspirational, open access learning environment serving the needs of makers, academics, the education community and all those interested in contemporary craft.

During the closure of the library the dedicated Research and Information team reviewed the existing service in order to ensure it continued to meet the needs of all who used it. A Collection Development Policy and Mission Statement have been written and the Collection re-assessed in order to create a concise and comprehensive resource of information on craft from the last 40 years.

The look and feel of the Research Library space has been refreshed and modernised to include a comfortable seating area, a designated study space and an increased number of TVs and computer terminals offering wireless connection. The installation of Crafts Collection objects into the seating area including works by Lucie Rie, Jan Zalud and Claire Heathcote, has resulted in a creative and welcoming space within which to utilise the comprehensive and dynamic collection and the expertise and knowledge of the Crafts Council staff.

For more information on the Crafts Council Research Library please visit Learning & Support

Notes to Editors

• The Crafts Council is the national agency for contemporary crafts. The Crafts Council aims to position the UK as the best place in the world for making, seeing and collecting contemporary craft.

• The Crafts Council is funded by Arts Council England. The Arts Council works to get more art to more people in more places by developing and promoting the arts across England and acting as an independent body at arm’s length from government. For 2006 to 2008, Arts Council England have six priorities: taking part in the arts, children and young people, the creative economy, vibrant communities, internationalism and celebrating diversity.

Visitor Information

• The Research Library has an extensive range of material on contemporary craft including topics like craft technique, information manuals, Crafts Council reports and surveys, exhibition catalogues, videos, DVD’s, current and back copies of journals. It includes over 6,000 books and catalogues, over 150 periodical titles and over 100 videos and DVDs available to view on site.

• Use of the collection is free and can be accessed by booking a visit with the Research and Information Team on 020 7806 2502 or by emailing r_brockhurst@craftscouncil.org.uk.

• Visits can be arranged on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10-1pm or 2-5pm.

• The Research & Information Team also provide an information service on Telephone: 020 7806 2501 or Email: reference@craftscouncil.org.uk. Enquiries are responded to within 7 working days.

For images or other media enquiries about the Crafts Council please contact Jill Read, telephone: 020 7806 2549 or email: j_read@craftscouncil.org.uk or media@craftscouncil.org.uk