Since this discussion has become so popular, I am now sharing my
comments with the entire list. I have collected artists' books since the
1960s in the Fine Arts Library at Indiana University. Like others in this
field, I did not necessarily know what these works were at that time but
this genre has certainly assumed a significant place in contemporary art
as well as in the lives of many art libraries. Although some purchases
are with sources such as Women's Studio Workshop, Visual Studies Workshop,
Printed Matter, and Califia Books (San Francisco), I also purchase works
directly from artists. In particular,direct purchases may be unique works
and it would not occur to me to exclude an artist's book from our
collection only because it is one of a kind. Our collection is regularly
consulted by students at the University as well as other institutions
where classes are taught relating to the design and creation of artists'
books. Such classes in our school include printmaking, photography, and
graphic design. To provide systematic access to this special collection,
I regularly give brief presentations (2-3 hours) which include a viewing
of from 60-70 books. Our collection of over 500 titles, though small,
represents a valuable instructional and research tool for students/artists
planning to make artists' books.
Regarding the comments by Backuswalcott, I would like to point out that
our artists' books are kept in the Special Collection (closed access
available only by request except when displayed during classes or
exhibitions). I regularly have acid-free boxes made for this material or
store them in acid-free envelopes as needed. Given the limited resources
of my library, I make every effort to provide the best possible care,
storage, and safe handling for this material
B.J. Kish Irvine, FA Library, IU, Bloomington, IN
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