Research visits are by appointment only.
Email library@dma.org to schedule an appointment. Please include institutional affiliation (if any), research topic, and resources to be consulted if known. A librarian will follow up with a confirmation and more details.
You may also call the Reference Desk at 214-922-1277.
DMA docents and volunteers are asked to make appointments at this time. DMA staff should consult access guidelines posted to the Museum’s intranet.
- See DMA visitor guidelines for up-to-date information on Museum access and policies.
- Library patrons are required to sign in at the Reference Desk.
- Backpacks, large bags, and oversized coats should be checked at the Museum's Coat Check, if available.
- Do not bring in original artwork. Researchers are encouraged to bring photographs of those items if needed.
- Laptops may be used and Wi-Fi is available.
- Copy services: Scanning to email or cloud storage is free. Rare or fragile items may only be scanned at the librarian’s discretion.
The Mildred R. and Frederick M. Mayer Library’s collections can be searched using the online catalog. With the exception of the reference and periodical collections, which can be freely browsed, materials are retrieved by a librarian upon request. Some materials require advance notice due to their storage location; these are noted in the online catalog. All materials are noncirculating and are consulted in the reading room. A number of DMA publications are also available online.
The DMA is all about discovery—we welcome questions and will provide research guidance when needed. Please note:
- Questions about specific exhibitions or objects in the Museum’s collection? Start your research with the online collection or exhibition listings.
- Librarians cannot authenticate works of art or advise on their value. Please refer to the Conservation page for more information.
- To inquire about the acquisition or exhibition of works that you own, please email the DMA’s Curatorial Department.
- The DMA Archives contains records on the Museum's history as well as special collections that document the local arts community and/or relate to the DMA’s collection. Search the Museum archives and special collections or contact an archivist.
The Mildred R. and Frederick M. Mayer Library’s holdings are a vivid testament to the strengths of the DMA’s collection and reflect the collecting priorities of the Museum.
- BOOKS: The collection specializes in exhibition publications, artist monographs, public and private collection catalogues, and catalogues raisonnés.
- ARTIST FILES: Over 20,000 ephemera files contain clippings, press releases, exhibition notices, and small brochures.
- AUCTION AND DEALER CATALOGUES: The library holds a large collection of current and past auction catalogues from Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Heritage, Butterfield’s, and many other auction houses and art dealers. These are not listed in the library catalog. A summary of auction catalogue holdings can be found here. The library also subscribes to several auction results databases (on-site access only) and holds many print resources that are useful in researching auction records.
- PERIODICALS: The library subscribes to over 100 art-related journals and magazines. Holdings for each title are listed in the catalog, which also includes over 300 noncurrent titles.
- ONLINE RESOURCES: In addition to subscription databases, librarians maintain a list of useful websites for art historical research.
The Mayer Library welcomes and encourages financial contributions in support of the library and unrestricted gifts of materials for our collections. Donations strengthen the library’s ability to support the research needs of the Dallas Museum of Art staff and our community. To inquire about the donation of materials, a monetary donation, or the purchase of a title in honor or memory of a friend, colleague, or loved one, please contact library@dma.org.
