Jeanne Brown, past-chair and new Board liaison for the Publications Committee, began the meeting with a report from the pre-conference Board meeting. She announced that the Collection Development Policy Occasional Paper was approved by the Board. The Collection Development Committee still needs to respond to the issues and suggestions raised by the review subcommittee. The guidelines for camera-ready copy and the guidelines for authors/editors of Occasional Papers were also approved. Based on the successful co-publishing venture with ALA for the Art/MARC Sourcebook, the Board asked that the Publications Committee pursue additional joint publishing opportunities. Scarecrow Press, who made a similar contract with the Music Library Association, and the American Booksellers Association, who could be approached for co-publishing the Booksellers Directory, are strong candidates. The Visual Resources Association, which has related interests and a strong publications program, should also be considered.
The Board asked that the Publications Committee give serious consideration to broadening its scope and charge to oversee all ARLIS/NA publications and communications -- including serial publications (Update and Art Documentation), the Occasional Papers and Technical Papers series, the ARLIS/NA Web site, ARLIS-L, the handbook and membership directory, conference proceedings, salary survey, brochures, etc. This oversight would be at the policy and procedures level rather than the technical level. The committee would provide consistency between the publications, help decide the best format and venue for each communication, and serve as a forum for editors and the Webmaster to discuss common issues and concerns. The committee was in general agreement on this new charge. Further discussion on how best to restructure the committee will take place by e-mail after the conference, and a recommendation will be given to the Board before the Midyear Board meeting in early August.
Judy Dyki, current chair, continued the meeting with a review of the committee1s budget request for next fiscal year. A list of ARLIS/NA Strategic Plan items which involve the Publications Committee was also distributed for consideration and planning. A short discussion took place on how to encourage greater publishing activity within the Society -- including grants to fund the research and writing stages and joint publishing opportunities. This discussion will be continued by e-mail as well. The committee will follow up on the possibility of selling ARLIS/NA publications through the ALA Bookstore as an affiliated organization.
Judy Dyki
Cranbrook Academy of Art
76166.2445@CompuServe.COM