LISTSERV 16.5 - ARLIS-L Archives

I haven't been for at least 10 years, but I think there are many benefits to attending. You get to hear speakers and panels on the most cutting-edge issues; get to see/hear art historians/writers/artists whose books you may have read or exhibitions you may have seen. They get to see/hear you (don't be shy). If you work in a school or college/university library, this is the place to see your faculty colleagues in action. Be sure to go to at least some of the sessions that include colleagues from your school. And be sure that they see you. Go up to them after the meeting or if you run into them after you've heard them speak and tell them what you think. (Well, if it's negative, you might want to be creative in what you say.) In general, it's good to be aware of what your primary clients are up to and concerned with--and it's good for them to see that you care enough to be at the conference. Of course, all of this should influence you somewhat in terms of collection development--and even cataloging! And then, if you are looking for a job in a school/college situation, this is the main place to sign up for an interview--other than ARLIS. Of course I wouldn't go there instead of ARLIS, but if the CAA conference is being held anywhere near you and you are working at an art school/college/university, I think it would be good to go at least once every 3-4 years. ARLIS used to meet with CAA every year; then at some point it changed to every three years; now it doesn't seem to be an issue. Of course, part of the problem with meeting with them is that they meet in early February and we like to meet in warmer months. Have fun!