The Boston Globe reports that Brandeis University, which stirred controversy last year by proposing to close its Rose Art Museum, now plans to hire Sotheby’s auction house as a broker to raise money by loaning out artworks, the school confirmed yesterday. Such loans from the Rose’s prized collection, if they take place, would help Brandeis avoid selling the works outright.

Founded in 1961, the Rose boasts a collection of 7,500 objects valued by some at more than $350 million, including works by such giants as Matisse, Willem de Kooning, Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein, and Andy Warhol. In January 2009, Brandeis proposed to close the museum and sell its artworks to help resolve a budget crisis.

“I have from the start looked at options other than sale,’’ said Brandeis president Jehuda Reinharz, who was criticized by museum officials and arts advocates after the university announced its original plan. “My hope is that if in fact we’re able to arrive at some sort of a deal, all of this will be put to rest.’’