A New Chapter for the Corcoran Library: Transforming an Art School Library into a University Art and Design Collection

In February 2014, Washington, DC’s financially ailing Corcoran Gallery of Art and its College of Art + Design were absorbed by the National Gallery of Art and The George Washington University, respectively. This article describes the Corcoran Library’s transformation into an art and design collection within a larger university library system. It also addresses the process’s benefits and challenges, lessons learned, and ongoing questions. While the Corcoran Library’s situation is unique, this case study speaks to the larger trend of library consolidations and closures in North America and aims to impart valuable takeaways to librarians faced with these changes. The author is a former employee of the Corcoran Library and now serves as GW Libraries’ liaison to the Corcoran School. [This article is based on a paper presented at the session “Engaging Change: Thriving amidst Shifting Library Landscapes” held at the ARLIS/NA + VRA Joint Conference in Seattle, March 2016.]