Occasional Papers: archival troves, affordability and accessories

Abstract

The world of art publishing is often characterized by hefty exhibition catalogues and glossy artist monographs that aim to be comprehensive documentation of a theme or an artist’s output, but also cost more than pocket money to purchase. As art librarians we purchase, move, and sometimes read them every day. Occasionally a publication will catch your attention, maybe because it appears ephemeral, or perhaps because it more closely resembles books that you might accession into an artists’ books or artists’ publications collection. Occasional Papers publications have that look and yet their content points to a wider audience. Their philosophy of the cheap paperback makes them unusual in mainstream art publishing. How does a small publisher survive? Clearly by disregarding just about everything the publishing textbooks say. Occasional Papers has found its niche and sat down to tell us about it.