The ARLIS International Conference on Art Periodicals

Abstract

Each of the 120-odd delegates to the International Conference went away with a different impression. Anne Dallet’s report draws on one of these; it will, we hope, refresh readers’ memories of their conference, as well as informing those who could not attend.

Certain themes threaded the whole weekend. The significance of the art periodical, especially in recording contemporary art in the context of its times, for that time and for times to come, was continuously reaffirmed; on the other hand, the problems of publishing and acquiring those ‘little’ magazines which can play such an important part in this process, were raised time and time again. But also, some specific proposals won the approval of the conference, and deserve to be noted here whether or not they are capable of achievement. (Some may be more likely to be translated into effective action if the spirit of the conference can be embodied by an international organisation representing art librarians everywhere). These were

• (1) that a comprehensive bibliography of art periodicals, and union lists of library subscriptions to and holdings of art magazines, should be compiled;

• (2) that art librarians should bring periodicals in need of reprinting to the notice of publishers;

• (3) that art librarians should join in persuading magazine publishers to refrain from extracting from libraries a considerably higher subscription rate than that offered to individuals;

• (4) that a periodicals subscriptions agency is needed, which will specialise in art, and with whom art librarians could confidently place all their orders (including orders for ‘little’ magazines).