ARLIS/NA 54th Annual Conference

Building and maintaining a library collection shapes how research is conducted now and in future generations. No library has infinite shelf space, so deciding what to purchase (and what to deaccession) is always an essential question. Presenters in this session will consider issues related to collection development in art libraries.

So you think you want a materials library?
Speaker: Morwenna Peters

Is a materials library essential to develop arts students’ materials and academic literacies? A research project funded by ARLIS UK & Ireland brought together a librarian, a technical manager and a materials library co-ordinator at two UK universities to investigate this question.

The project was underpinned by the researchers' shared ethos that using materials within teaching is relevant to: understanding a sustainable approach; developing critical thinking and reflective skills; and using materials and objects as a vehicle for learning.

Through a series of events, activities, visits and knowledge exchange opportunities, the researchers created a set of resources to support educators in confidently delivering materials literacy workshops in their own institutions. This presentation will share the context, outcomes (both planned and unexpected) and the next steps for this research project.

Stinky, Grubby, Graffitied, and WEIRD: A Visual Arts Weeding Success Story
Speaker: Andrea Johnston

Ah the joys of weeding. Time to review our collections, take stock of what is and isn’t moving, and embrace the mantra: out with the old and in with the new! While essential to managing our collections, weeding presents unique challenges, particularly with visual arts collections. From handling heavily used or damaged materials to navigating faculty communication and staff fatigue, the process can be both daunting and unexpectedly delightful.
This session recounts the presenter’s experience as a newly appointed Visual Arts Librarian at a mid-sized institution, tasked with revitalizing a collection that had not been reviewed in several years. The work involved not only weeding a neglected collection, but also included the work to advocate, promote, and preserve this unique and important section of the library.

Recognizing the distinctive nature of visual arts materials, the presenter developed a phased collection development and weeding strategy. This included crafting tailored weeding criteria, consulting with colleagues, and conducting hands-on review of materials to better understand the collection’s scope and needs. The phased approach was designed to minimize disruption, reduce staff fatigue, and support thoughtful decision-making.
This session will share lessons learned from the first phase of the project, completed in Spring 2025, and outline plans for future phases. Attendees will gain insights into developing visual arts-specific weeding guidelines, informed in part by criteria gleaned from a session presented during ARLIS/NA’s 2025 virtual conference, along with strategies for phasing a weeding project, and approaches to advocating for collection renewal and revitalization. Examples of surprising and humorous finds will be shared to illustrate the complexities and joys of this work.
Equal parts hilarious, enlightening, and gratifying, this session is ideal for librarians at small to mid-sized institutions looking for practical strategies to manage visual arts collections with creativity, care, and just the right amount of weird.

When everything was in flux, this library turned to Fluxus!
Speaker: Margaret English

Small and departmental libraries within large academic institutions are constantly under threat of amalgamation into main collections, or even closure. This paper will discuss the drastic cuts to space, collections and staff at one such library, and the strategies taken by the solo librarian to deal with the changes. The library made a quick pivot from being a resource for both undergraduate and graduate students and faculty to being a "Special Collection" with reduced hours. When everything was in flux, the library turned to Fluxus.