Tue - Fri: 11:00 am - 4:30 pm
In order to visit the library, email us to schedule an appointment. Please include institutional affiliation (if any), research topic, and resources to be consulted. A librarian will follow up with a confirmation and further details. For more information, please 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 studying their own art are encouraged to bring photographs of those items.
- Laptops may be used and Wi-Fi is available.
The Mildred R. and Frederick M. Mayer Library’s collections are non-circulating, which means they cannot be checked out, but they can be requested from a librarian and consulted in the reading room. Several publications are also available online.
The DMA is all about discovery—we welcome questions and will provide research guidance when needed. Please note:
- Librarians cannot advise on the value of or authenticate works of art. 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.
- Questions about specific artists, exhibits, or objects in the Museum’s collection? Search online collection, browse exhibition listings, 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, with approximately 1,200 titles added each year.
- Artist files: These include ephemera files containing clippings, press releases, exhibition notices, and small brochures.
- Auction records: The Library has subscriptions to several auction databases (on-site access only) and holds many print resources that are useful in researching auction records.
- Auction catalogs: The Library holds current and past auction catalogs from Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Butterfield’s, and many other auction houses. These are not listed in the library catalog. A summary of the library's auction catalog holdings can be found here.
- Periodicals: The Library subscribes to roughly 100 art-related periodicals. Periodical titles are listed in the catalog.
- Copy services: Scanning to email, cloud storage, or USB drive is free. Rare or fragile items may only be scanned at the librarian’s discretion. Black-and-white printouts are 25¢ per page after the first 20.
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.