The RMAC Library is a collection of approximately 9,000 volumes, whose main purpose is to support staff research. As a corollary to this educational function of the museum, it assists teachers in the local school district and is open to scholars for research.
RMAC members, staff, docents, volunteers and artists-in-residence, as well as teachers, may check out materials; but this is otherwise not a circulating library. There is, as yet, no on-line access to the library holdings.
The holdings consist of published books, including reference volumes and series, and some rare books; periodicals, both magazines and journals (some bound) in the fields of art and southwestern United States culture; unpublished manuscripts; and exhibition catalogs. Not included in the above holdings are vertical subject files; slides; and numerous video- and audio-cassettes, many of which relate to the multicultural art, artists, and history of the American West.
The library collection emphasizes American art and art history, especially that of the southwestern United States; 20th century American and European art; ethnography and cultural history of peoples of the Southwest; world art and art history; individual artists and styles of art; printmaking, ceramics and photography.
In addition to the listings above, the library houses two special collections: the Robert H. Goddard archives and collection; and the Rogers Aston collection, regarding Native American and Western history and art. The Goddard collection is accessible only to research scholars, and includes a copy of the 23-volume set of this pioneer rocket scientist's notes and records of experiments, meticulously typed and assembled by his wife, Esther Goddard, with photographs. These document his rocket trials and research from 1929 to 1943, most of which was conducted north of Roswell. The collection also includes few books from Goddard's personal library.
RMAC library hours are 1-5 p.m. (mountain time) Monday through Friday.
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