The Frick Fine Arts LIbrary's art and architectural history collection was begun in 1927 along with the founding of what is now known as the Department of the History of Art and Architecture.  The collection once focused on the history of medieval and renaissance art and architecture since that was the focus of the Department's curriculum and research.  In 2000, the faculty and course offerings began to change to a focus on global modern and contemporary art and architecture.  In addition, the Department enlarged its undergraduate program in Architectural Studies and added a section on Historic Preservation. It is a rich collection covering many time periods in several languages.