On August 7, 2006, our profession lost Lois Swan Jones, a leading light in the world of art information. She was widely known for her work in art research methodology, having authored many essential works in that area, including three editions of Art Information: Research Methods and Resources (Kendall/Hunt, 1978, 1984, 1990). Her last book, Art Information and the Internet: How to Find It, How to Use It (Oryx Press, 1999), was a maverick work providing a road map to assist researchers navigating the morass of art information published on the Internet. In addition, she created an encyclopedic visual resource library made up of photographs that she and her family took around the world. This library of images supported her teaching efforts at the University of North Texas for some twenty years. It also helped illustrate the video series, Development of Christian Symbolism, that she produced with her son, Preston.
Jones received many accolades over the years, including the honor of being listed in Who's Who in American Art since 1978. In 1997, the Society recognized her with its Distinguished Service Award. And in recognition of her many contributions, the Chapter established the Lois Swan Jones Travel Award in 1993 to help defray Chapter members' expenses related to attending the ARLIS/NA annual conference. To date, the member-sustained fund has assisted seventeen Chapter members.
Lois touched so many in the Chapter and Society: always inspirational, positive, and enthusiastic. She was a mentor and friend to many. We fondly remember her stalwart presence in both our professional and personal lives.
Lois Swan Jones' family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Art Libraries Society/North America (ARLIS/NA), the Art Libraries Society/Texas-Mexico (ARLIS/TXMX), or a library of your choice.
The UNT Libraries will be collecting funds to purchase a fitting item to be housed in the Rare Book & Texana Collections in the memory of an important and respected member of the UNT and Libraries' community. It has been suggested that, considering her love of medieval art and illuminated manuscripts, a specimen or two of original medieval manuscript leaves would be an appropriate purchase.
A life-long supporter of education, libraries, and research, Dr. Jones taught at UNT for over 20 years.
Dr. Jones was always a supporter of the UNT Libraries. She helped to develop the collections in the areas of Art and Art History, served on many committees, and most recently, helped the University Archives become the repository for the papers of Judge Sarah T. Hughes, her longtime friend.
Donations in memory of Dr. Jones can be sent to:
Edward HoyenskiThe chapter's Lois Swan Jones Award is made possible through monetary contributions from chapter members and other supporters. Contributions in the form of checks made payable to the "ARLIS/TXMX LSJ Award" may be sent to the current treasurer listed on the officers page.
Please share your memories of Lois using the comment form located at the bottom of the page. Be sure to identify yourself.
Samuel Duncan
Elizabeth Schaub