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Bottom up: a UK approach to art library co-operation1

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 June 2016

Beth Houghton*
Affiliation:
Tate Gallery, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG, UK
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Abstract

What is library co-operation, what is its current relevance and how is its nature and purpose changing in today’s information world? What are the particular types of co-operative activity that art librarians have taken part in, and what have been their successes and failures? This article examines a range of projects carried out by ARLIS/UK & Ireland and others, from directories and union lists to cataloguing and indexing and disposal of stock. It considers the relationship between cooperative initiatives which can best be undertaken at local level and those where a national strategy and infrastructure are necessary. Finally it draws practical and realistic conclusions from a combination of past experience and a little crystal ball gazing.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Art Libraries Society 1998

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Footnotes

1.

A revised version of a paper delivered at the 1998 ARLIS/UK & Ireland Conference, University of Bristol, 5th July 1998.

References

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