ARLIS/NA 48th Annual Conference

The relationship between the librarian and artist should be mutually beneficial and productive. By the library preserving ephemeral material made both in the studio and classroom, creators and librarians ensure future access, reflection on pedagogical progression, and artistic longevity. It should be incumbent upon librarians, who, through their affiliation with institutions, generally wield more power, to build authentic, gladdening relationships with creators. This is because an informed, engaged librarian’s actions can impact creators, institutions, and researchers for the better.

We propose a workshop on the topic of librarians and artists planning, building, and sustaining dynamic dialogue, with an emphasis on the way open dialogue affects collections over time. Participants will interact with pre-selected ephemeral objects by [one printmaker], as an avenue to engage in discussions surrounding collecting ephemera, developing relationships with art faculty, and the importance of getting ephemera into the hands of students.

The workshop will build upon [the authors’] conversations with [an artist] and special collections librarians to discuss the development of collections at [three large institutions]. Particular attention will be given to the relationship between [the artist] and the librarian/collector, as well as the importance of ephemeral work at [one particular major research institution].

The authors will first present, then lead group discussions. Conversations and topics will include issues like (but not limited to) the ephemeral objects and the ACRL Framework, critical pedagogy with ephemeral materials, collaborating with art faculty, and reflecting on past relationships with studio art faculty and planning for the future.

Participants will leave the session with an understanding of the importance of ephemeral works in their collection and strategies for both creating and building ephemeral collections and building lasting relationships with studio art faculty and community artists.

Bring an item of ephemera with you for this interactive panel!