Landscape photographer David Muench is known for his captivating images of our natural world. Now Cline Library at Northern Arizona University (NAU) has made more than 400 titles from Muench’s personal research library available for browsing and checkout, giving students and others a behind-the-scenes glimpse at a renowned photographer’s research process.
In 2022 Muench donated his photographic legacy and related materials, including his research library, to Cline Library and NAU. The mammoth collection of images is now secured in Special Collections and Archives, where archives staff are processing it in order to share it with the NAU community and the public.
Muench also donated his personal research library, which reflects the ongoing learning, study and preparation that contributed to a seven-decade photography career that traversed the globe and earned him international recognition.
Before a trip Muench would read as much as possible on the location or subject he intended to photograph. As a result, his library includes not only hiking, climbing and trail guides but also books about rock art, natural history, flora and fauna, explorations, national parks and more. It also includes books about photographic techniques and the work of other landscape photographers Muench admired.
Muench’s research collection is located in Room 246, where it can be browsed and enjoyed any time the library building is open. All users can also peruse the collection online, and NAU users outside of Flagstaff can request via Document Delivery of titles from it.
