I enjoyed the Arlisian dialogue, just because it was a light-hearted
diversion from the pounding demands of daily responsibilities, and,
well, fun & silly. If the subject line offers something I'm not
interested in, I just delete it. This is one of those flights of fancy
which would burn itself out in a short while-meanwhile the delightful
creativity and humor of my colleagues is enjoyed. The messages were
short and Okay by me.
Heather Brodhead
Librarian
Constance & George Fearing Library
Santa Barbara Museum of Art www.sbma.net
1130 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 884-6451
Library is open to the public Tues., Wed, Thu. 1-5 PM;
Librarian's hours 10-noon; 2-:530 on those days.
________________________________
From: ART LIBRARIES SOCIETY DISCUSSION LIST [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Most, Gregory P.J.
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2009 1:19 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [ARLIS-L] Facebook vs. ARLIS-L
The recent discussion about Arlisia on ARLIS-L is one of the more
significant threads of talk that have occurred on ARLIS-L in many
months, not because of the topic - one that I guess could be considered
fun on a winter's day (I personally would have preferred to hear the
comments not made on the list - probably more amusing) but for the many
remarks about the ARLIS presence on Facebook and the suggestion to move
the discussion regarding Arlisia to that site.
I find it troubling that there appears to be a competing site for
Society discussion that at least nominally excludes the entire
membership from participation. Yes, I could join Facebook... but why
when I already belong to ARLIS/NA where a forum for discussion has been
provided? Replies to the discussion thread included comments like 'not
everyone is on Facebook' and "I wished I had that kind of time." Could
one be an Arlisian - transverse ribs and all - and not a member of
ARLIS/NA?
ARLIS-L is one of the benefits of membership. In its infancy (that
coincided with a young organization) the listserv was an amazing way for
colleagues at far flung institutions to get information or assistance,
for easy communication between the Board and the Members, and sometimes
for a lighthearted or provocative discussion, Nowadays is seems like
ARLIS-L is used mostly to find a missing serial. I remember when I used
to have a separate folder for the ARLIS-L mail because of the daily
deluge of mail. Now it is a mere trickle.
While the concept of an alternate or additional presence of the Society
on the internet is a positive thing, we should pause for contemplation.
Are we fracturing the Society or forcing members to join something that
they are unwilling to do or uninterested in? What are the repercussions?
Is there exclusion? Has ARLIS-L outlived its usefulness? (My personal
belief is no, yet agree that the sights, sounds and 'fun' of social
networking sites have a seductive quality that probably appeal more
broadly to a young demographic).
There have been privacy and copyright issues raised about information
posted to social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace (e.g.
profiles and content are never deleted - just made inactive, and charges
of data-mining have been raised). These sites are also popular and
effective ways for hackers to take over the profile holder's computer
with Bot-Nets (that easily escape most popular spy-ware and
virus-checking software), and also spread Mal-ware and viruses. I urge
thoughtful discussion on this topic. I fully expect to be considered an
old fogey by many ("Wasn't he that dude who wanted a PAPER members
directory!!") but ask that you flame me privately, not the list. That
way I can make a list and trip you with my cane in Indianapolis.
Gregory P. J. Most
Chief, Department of Image Collections
Library
National Gallery of Art
Washington, DC 20565
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
URL: http://www.nga.gov/resources/dlidesc.shtm
<http://www.nga.gov/resources/dlidesc.shtm>
phone: 202/ 842-6100
__________________________________________________________________ Mail
submissions to [log in to unmask] For information about joining
ARLIS/NA see: http://www.arlisna.org/join.html Send administrative
matters (file requests, subscription requests, etc) to
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__________________________________________________________________
Mail submissions to [log in to unmask]
For information about joining ARLIS/NA see:
http://www.arlisna.org/join.html
Send administrative matters (file requests, subscription requests, etc)
to [log in to unmask]
ARLIS-L Archives and subscription maintenance:
http://lsv.uky.edu/archives/arlis-l.html
Questions may be addressed to list owner (Judy Dyki) at: [log in to unmask]
