Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 June 2016
Artotheks, collections of works of art whose sole purpose is to be lent to the public, have existed in Norway since 1958/60. 7-8% of Norwegian public libraries developed rather small scale artothek-collections during the 60’s and early 70’s. After a period of decline and stagnation the activity was revitalized in 1983, through a pilot project based on the central organisation of acquisition, distribution, and circulation of original prints to six public libraries and hospital libraries, relieving them of all tasks except the actual lending routines. The culmination of this pilot project was the foundation of the Artothek Centre (Stiftelsen Artoteksentralen) in 1986. The Artothek Centre circulates small collections of prints to libraries throughout the country on a subscription basis, and has so far been a success. The prints are lent to the public free of charge.