For a list of key biographical reference books consult the Sloane Art Library guide to Prominent Artists, found within this tutorial. A paper copy is also available in the Art Library for you to take. Keep in mind that usually only major artists will be in these sources.

The UNC-Chapel Hill Library's Article Databases resource for major figures, including artists, is the Biography and Genealogy Master Index, which indexes books or articles that include information on the artist. However, they are not full-text databases.