The Publications Department of the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery was officially created around 1987. The Head, Publications was then and is still Karen Sagstetter. The Publications Department reports to the Deputy Director.

The task of the Publications Department is to create booklets, brochures, sales catalogues, leaflets, invitations, lecture and announcement posters, mailing lists, and the like to be used by such units as the Office of Special Events, Department of Education, Office of Membership and Development, and Office of Public Affairs and Marketing.