I want to extend a special thanks to the members of ARLIS/SE who served as officers, chairs, and special appointees for 2007. You provided outstanding service in your roles as chapter and national leaders and continuity as chapter members, librarians, and visual arts curators. Not surprisingly, your native creativity showed itself in your ideas, collaborations, and "interpersonal and communications skills"—that mainstay of job descriptions. All of you are delightfully humorous, many of you irreverently so. You will see in my president's report in the minutes of the November business meeting, included in this issue of the newsletter, that we benefited from all of that, from all of you. You are terrific colleagues and friends.

Thanks to you who have agreed to serve for 2008. We are looking forward to what you have in store for us.

Before you know it, we will be asking others of you to say "yes" to chapter leadership and service opportunities for 2009. You can do so with confidence that we will be there to assist you and cheer you on.

Thanks everyone.

Kathleen List, Natalia Lonchyna, and Allen Novak at the Parthenon, Nashville, Tennessee, during the 33rd annual meeting. Photo by Liz Gentry.

The 33rd annual ARLIS/SE Conference met in Nashville, Tennessee, November 8–10, 2007. The attendees were welcomed at the Hampton Inn with information packets and warm cookies. Kathleen List, president of ARLIS/SE, welcomed the attendees to the first day of the conference. Paul Gherman, university librarian of Vanderbilt, also welcomed the group and discussed library innovations at Vanderbilt.

The first presentation was a demonstration and discussion of the Contini-Volterra Photograph Collection at Vanderbilt. Karin Sack, art historian and image metadata processor, Special Collections and Archives, discussed the Kress Foundation grant that provided for the digitizing, identification, and preservation of the images. There are about sixty thousand images of Italian art from the eleventh to the sixteenth century in the collection with a database created for research. Marshall Breeding, director for innovation technology and research at Vanderbilt, then provided an overview of the Vanderbilt Television News Archive, the world's most comprehensive archive of U.S. national news broadcasts. The presentation included an overview of the types of material available in the archive and some highlights of special interest to the arts. Marshall showed archive examples of the Rifle Gap, Colorado, project of Christo and an interview with architect Frank Gehry.

After a coffee and pastry break in the Divinity Library lobby, Susan Knowles, a Tennessee art historian, and Celia Walker, director of communication and library advancement at Vanderbilt and acting director of Peabody Library, presented "Primary Art Research in Tennessee: Resources and Challenges." They discussed research projects from Tennessee portraiture to Tennessee marble, and craft art to contemporary art in Tennessee. Kathleen Smith, associate university archivist, Special Collections and Archives at Vanderbilt, discussed and demonstrated the Self Taught Artist Resource (STAR) Collection, which includes the Dan Prince papers and material on many self-taught or outsider artists. The collection consists of images of artworks, correspondence, and information about the artists.

After lunch, the group returned to hear the presentation by Gail Novak, reference librarian, Jane Bancroft Cook Library, New College of Florida, University of South Florida. Her topic was "Researching an Illustrator, Joseph A. Maturo." He painted the movie poster portraits of many stars of the 1930s. The works are unsigned, surviving time and natural disasters, with mysteries to be uncovered. Gail discussed the saga of uncovering information about Maturo, showing as examples some actual posters. Jim Sherraden, manager of Hatch Show Print and co-author of Hatch Show Print: The History of a Great American Poster Shop, provided a lively presentation on the history and art of Nashville's famous Hatch Show Print, one of the oldest working letterpress print shops in America, and its relationship to Nashville's country music industry. Jim showed poster examples from Bill Monroe to Bruce Springsteen.

ARLIS/SE meeting attendees learn some interesting history about Vanderbilt's Kirkland Hall from Mr. Lyle Lankford, Vanderbilt University historian. Photo by Liz Gentry.

After a cookie break, the attendees assembled for the annual chapter business meeting led by Kathleen List. Jennifer Friedman and Virginia Allison announced the winners of the Lo Presti awards, followed by the always-fun raffle.

Vanderbilt University historian Mr. Lyle Lankford escorted and toured the group across campus, pointing out interesting buildings and historical facts. The Fine Arts Gallery and the Department of the History of Art hosted a reception for ARLIS/SE, located in the Old Gym. The exhibition was More Than One, new contemporary prints and multiples from the Vanderbilt University Fine Arts Collection.

The next day the group traveled to two important art centers in Nashville. The day began with a visit to the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. The museum was once the downtown post office. This art deco style Nashville landmark building has become an important art center and art destination. Docents provided an excellent tour of the current exhibition, Société Anonyme: Modernism for America. The Société Anonyme was begun in 1920 by the artists Katherine Dreier, Marcel Duchamp, and Man Ray in New York City, and was devoted to contemporary art. Some ARLIS/SE members walked over to the Country Music Hall of Fame for a quick look at Elvis's Cadillac and the Thomas Hart Benton mural, and to collect some Nashville souvenirs.

Yvonne Boyer and Joseph Mella, director of the Vanderbilt University Fine Arts Gallery, at the reception for ARLIS/SE conference goers. Photo by Liz Gentry.

Then the group traveled down the beautiful tree-lined street of Belle Meade Boulevard to Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art. The attendees had lunch at the Pineapple Room. The group was met by two gracious docents who provided tours of the current exhibitions and the mansion. The first exhibit was William Edmondson: The Hand and the Spirit. Edmondson was the first African American artist to receive a solo exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, New York City, in 1937. The Matilda Geddings Gray Collection of Fabergé displayed some unusual and significant Fabergé examples.

Natalia Lonchyna, Lee Eltzroth, and other ARLIS/SE meeting attendees in front of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Photo by Liz Gentry.

Some of the group hiked the Carell Woodland Sculpture Trail at the Cheekwood Gardens. The trail has contemporary sculpture by internationally recognized artists integrated into a woodland environment. Experiencing art and nature together was an appropriate and wonderful way to end the ARLIS/SE Conference.

The group traveled back to the hotel, avoiding the Vanderbilt-Kentucky game traffic, and passing by the infamous Musica sculpture on the Music Row traffic circle.

Many thanks to all who attended, presented, and assisted in the ARLIS/SE Conference!

2008 Officers

President, Yvonne Boyer, Vanderbilt University

Vice-President/President-Elect, Artis Wick, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

Immediate Past President, Kathleen List, Ringling College of Art and Design

Treasurer, Allen Novak, Ringling College of Art and Design

Secretary, Liz Gentry, Booth Western Art Museum

Newsletter Editor, Cary Wilkins, Morris Museum of Art

2008 Appointments

Webmaster, Natalia Lonchyna, North Carolina Museum of Art, continuing

Listserv Manager, Ann Lindell, University of Florida, continuing

Awards Exploratory Committee, Sarah Carter, Ringling College of Art and Design, and Pat Thompson, retired, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

LoPresti Committee, Gail Novak, New College of Florida (Chair); Linda McKee, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art; and one other member to be appointed. Stephen Patrick, East Tennessee State University, coordinator of publisher contact.

From James A. Findlay, Broward County Main Library, Bienes Museum of the Modern Book, The Dianne & Michael Bienes Special Collections and Rare Book Library, Fort Lauderdale, Florida:

The Bienes Museum of the Modern Book recently featured Series Americana: An Exhibition of Selected Post Depression Era Regional Literature from the Collection of Carol Fitzgerald. Series Americana books, published during the years 1940–1980, contain 153 separate titles, 78 of which were on exhibit.

There are twelve series: American Customs Series, American Folkways Series, American Forts Series, the American Lakes Series, American Mountain Series, American Procession Series, American Seaport Series, American Trails Series, the Mainstream of America Series, Regional Murder Series, Regions of America Series, and Society in America Series. They provide a compelling portrait of America, a unique self-portrait that encompasses the American people, their history and culture, and the nation's natural treasures—its mountains, plains, lakes, and trails—over a broad sweep of time measured in centuries.

The Bienes Museum of the Modern Book also has several virtual exhibitions on its web site: digilab.browardlibrary.org/bienespublications.html (all of the Bienes Museum's print publications have been scanned in their entirety); digilab.browardlibrary.org/ccc.html (the Bienes Museum's Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) collection); digilab.browardlibrary.org/kubasta.html (the Bienes Museum's Vojtěch Kubašta collection of pop-ups, books, and graphic designs); digilab.browardlibrary.org/seriesamericana.html (the loan exhibition Series Americana).

From Kathleen List, Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota, Florida:

Another $2 Million for Ringling College Library

In an exciting announcement this fall, the Ringling College Library Association reported that they had completed their initial funding goal of $2,000,000 for an endowment they established in 1999.

The endowment is an important component of the library association's strategic financial planning to ensure perpetual support of library acquisitions for Ringling's Kimbrough Library. This announcement follows closely on the heels of their pledge in April of $2,000,000 toward the construction of a new library for the college.

The Ringling College Library Association is an independent, volunteer organization founded in 1975 to support the education of visual artists and designers through the ongoing development of Kimbrough Library.

From Liz Gentry, Booth Western Art Museum, Cartersville, Georgia:

Personal Book Collection Given to the Library

Thanks to an extremely charitable couple who believe that knowledge is the key to the future, the Booth Library recently received almost two thousand important books for its permanent collection. Booth librarian Liz Gentry said, "This donation of valuable books makes our library one of the best research resources in the southeastern United States. I hope that many people will take advantage of this wonderful gift and come to the library to read."

In the words of the donor, "We want people to enjoy the outdoor freshness of the West"; and while you may not be able to visit the West, you can be transported for a short time through the written words of many significant authors.

The donors, who choose to remain anonymous, would like people to use the books to educate themselves about Western art, Native American history and culture, and the frontier movement.

This rare book collection is a book collector's dream and a researcher's paradise. The Booth Western Art Museum is honored to be the recipient of the personal book collection from a remarkable couple who believe in the museum's mission to educate, entertain, and inspire. We hope that you will visit the library to expand your mind, warm your heart, and share in the donors' dream to visit the West.

Sarah Carter, Instruction and Research Services Librarian, Verman Kimbrough Memorial Library, Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota, Florida: I first became aware of potential careers in the art information field while working as an undergraduate slide filer in the Imaging Center at Smith College. After I earned a BA in art history and Italian language and literature in 2003, I returned to my home state of Indiana to begin a dual master's degree program in art history and library science at Indiana University. During my three years of study, I was able to gain practical experience teaching information literacy skills to undergraduates as well as supervisory experience at the Fine Arts Library. I have been a member of ARLIS/NA since 2003 and am currently serving on the Professional Development Committee. I served as co-moderator of the ArLiSNAP: Art Library Students and New ARLIS Professionals group in 2005 and 2006. Former involvement in the Midstates Chapter has included the Web Advisory Committee, Nominating Committee, and William C. Bunce/ARLIS Midstates Travel Award Committee. My favorite part of ARLIS/NA membership is attending the annual conference, where I enjoy rooming with three other alums from IU's art librarianship program. I will co-moderate a session on visual pedagogies at the 2008 conference. I am also excited to have another opportunity to fulfill my goal of waking up early enough to attend B. J. Irvine's 7:00 a.m. yoga classes in Denver.

Sarah Carter

Courtenay McLeland

Courtenay McLeland, Documents Librarian, Thomas G. Carpenter Library, University of North Florida, Jacksonville I have an MLIS from Florida State University and a BA in art with an art history concentration from the University of North Florida. I am currently the government documents librarian at the University of North Florida. While employed at Jacksonville University as a government documents and technical services librarian, I worked on a project to digitize materials from the Florida Writers' Project of the WPA and also enjoyed the opportunity to work with the art and architecture slide collection. During that time I took a number of studio glass courses at Jacksonville University. Prior to my experience in academic libraries, I worked in the private sector in the area of fine art stock photography.

It was wonderful to see everyone at the recent chapter meeting in Nashville, November 8–11, 2007; you all made me feel very welcome. Thanks to the organizational efforts of Yvonne Boyer, the meeting was a great mix of educational and culturally stimulating activities. I found the programming on Friday at Vanderbilt University edifying, and our guided tour of the beautiful moonlit campus, en route to the Fine Arts Gallery, was a special treat. Finally, the tours of the Frist Center for the Visual Arts and Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art were inspiring. It's not every day that one has the opportunity to view Marchel Duchamp's final painting and a piece of sky framed by James Turrell!

At the chapter's meeting in Nashville, I mentioned several issues that will be up for a membership vote. They include Bylaws changes to reflect (1) the society's administrative restructuring, specifically the dissolution of round tables and the creation of special interest groups, and the change from regional representatives to functional liaisons; (2) a revised nominations process; (3) the addition of an introductory membership category; and (4) acceptance of votes cast electronically. The ballot is due to be mailed to the membership no later than mid-January 2008.

In the wake of chapters signing the ARLIS/NA Affiliation Agreement in 2006, chapter liability insurance is a topic of ongoing interest and was touched on during the meeting in Nashville. Cate Cooney, who is the ARLIS/NA Northeast regional representative and is also taking on the functional role of chapters coordinator during ARLIS/NA's administrative "year-of-transition," has surveyed chapters about their respective approaches towards liability insurance. Cate sent a message to the chapter leaders in mid-November summarizing the results of her informal survey. Of the eleven chapters that responded, seven have decided not to get director and officer insurance for chapter heads. All seven of these chapters cited the high cost as the deciding factor. The other four chapters have not made a decision. Two chapters mentioned that they are investigating the issue.

As has been stated before, ARLIS/NA headquarters investigated an umbrella insurance policy that chapters could benefit from. However, this type of insurance would run between $2,500 and $3,000 per chapter, per year, which is prohibitive and therefore will not be an option through ARLIS/ NA. Each chapter, on a continuing basis, should focus on risk assessment, weighing the pros and cons of pursuing insurance. ARLIS/NA executive director Elizabeth Clarke has stated that she will be available to field questions from chapters related to this topic.

MemberClicks implementation is still very much on the minds of the executive board. In making headway towards devising a solution to address this issue, a revised timeline projects a site launch in January 2008.

I look forward to seeing you at the society's annual conference in Denver, Colorado, May 1–5, 2008. Please take a moment to peruse the conference web site arlisna-mw.lib.byu.edudenver2008/ and begin making your plans to attend.

Name: ________________________________________

Title: _________________________________________

Institution: _____________________________________

Work Address: __________________________________

______________________________________________

Phone: _________________ FAX: __________________

Home Address: __________________________________

______________________________________________

Home Phone: ___________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________

I prefer mailings at ____work ____home

Are you a member of ARLIS/NA? ___yes ____no