Seventeen Chapter members and one non-member attended.

Allen Townsend, Chapter President, called the meeting to order at 11:45 A.M., and welcomed everyone to PMA. He briefly discussed the Museum's new Perelman Building, which attendees could tour after the meeting. He mentioned that the latest PMA annual report includes much information about the Museum's library and its archives. This report and other PMA publications were available at the meeting, and Allen urged everyone to contact him (aktownsend@philamuseum.org) if their institutions are not now receiving PMA publications on exchange. He also mentioned that records for the Museum's archival holdings will be accessible online, via RLIN, by 2004.

The Spring 2000 meeting minutes, which earlier had been circulated to the membership by e-mail, were approved as submitted. A printout will be placed in our files.

Finances:

Since the last report (closing date Mar. 31, 2000), we have received income of $50.00 (all membership payments: 4 renewals, 1 new), and have made no expenditures. As of Sept. 29, 2000, our Mellon Bank "Business Money Market" account balance is $1,109.95, and we have no debts outstanding.

Membership:

The Chapter now has 30 paid-up members for 2000.

Mailing list:

As I promised to do in my last report, I've streamlined the DVC mailing list by dropping from it ex-New Jersey Chapter members who haven't responded to DVC mailings and all non-members who failed to respond to my US-mailed request for current contact information. Our list now contains 53 names--30 members and 23 non-members. Communication with everyone except one non-member is by e-mail.

Other matters:

In August, Andrea Goldstein and I finally were able to get Mellon Bank to transfer primary responsibility for the Chapter's account to me. She remains on the account records as an alternate check signer. We think it advisable that this arrangement, i.e. the outgoing Sec.-Treas. remaining as an alternate signer during the term of her/his successor, or something similar, should become a regular practice. Having only one authorized check signer makes the Chapter's financial affairs too dependent on that person's continued ability and willingness to serve.

The Chapter's annual election was conducted, with 18 members voting (including a few mail ballots). Mary Louise Castaldi was unanimously elected as Vice-president/President-elect for 2001/2002.

Marietta Boyer Travel Award.

The consensus of the meeting was that the present discussion should concentrate on whether or not we will have an award, leaving some details to be worked out in practice and as our experience dictates. Nevertheless, discussion prior to a vote on whether to have an award covered several topics.

Funding:

On the question of whether to fund a travel award by means of voluntary contributions or through a dues increase, most speakers favored the voluntary, optional contribution approach. Allen Townsend noted that one of the major functions of any ARLIS/NA chapter is to foster local recruitment of members. Keeping chapter dues modest furthers that aim. Some recent graduates among the attendees also spoke in favor of keeping dues low, noting that students and people new to the profession generally do not have much money to spare.

In an e-mailed comment which was entered into the discussion, Carol Campbell asked whether the proposed method of fundraising through member contributions would be sustainable. She pointed out that the timing of the appeal for funds--toward the end of the year, with the membership renewal notice--means that it would reach people just when they are facing other professional membership payments and heavy seasonal expenses.

Money management:

There were no objections to the idea of keeping contributions earmarked for the travel award fund in our existing bank account, along with our general funds, so long as our bookkeeping keeps track of the separate categories. Ed Deegan mentioned that the interest rate on our account is quite low. If the travel award fund grows large, we will have to consider whether it should be earning higher interest..

Eligibility:

Rachel Beckwith suggested that award decisions should reflect some preference for people who have no institutional funding.

Administration:

For 2000-01, the Executive Committee will assess the award applications.

Amount of the award:

In response to a question about possible individual contribution amounts, Allen Townsend said that, in the Texas Chapter, they recommended $15 to $20. Some people regularly gave more.

THE VOTE: A motion was made and seconded that the Chapter approve the creation of the Marietta Bushnell Boyer Travel Award, with amendments to some of the details as suggested during the discussion. A vote was taken, and the motion was approved unanimously.

Bylaws revision and the Spring 2000 membership survey.

Allen Townsend reported on an Executive Committee meeting which was held in September to address questions of member participation, officer recruitment, etc., in light of conclusions drawn from Mary Wassermann's Spring 2000 membership survey . [results of her survey were reported at the Spring 2000 meeting and included in those minutes].

According to the survey, members do not regard the three-year (Pres.-elect/Pres./Past Pres.) or two-year (Sec.-Treas.) commitment as a serious deterrent to serving as chapter officers. Mary Wassermann, current Past President, commented that the Past President's areas of concern--member recruitment and newsletter editing--still seem worthy of the effort.

The Executive Committee decided not to recommend any Bylaws changes now, but to pursue development of the Chapter's newsletter as a means for disseminating local news (about collections, etc.). Also, it was noted that, since our existing Bylaws don't require that we conduct a business meeting each Spring, we could use the Spring meeting as a regular venue for professional development activities. An active and continuing program of such activities could attract new members to the Chapter.

Proposed regional ARLIS/NA meeting (New York, Del. Valley, and D.C./MD/VA Chapters.

Krista Ivy reported that Bryn Mawr College has agreed to provide meeting space (a "smart classroom") at an affordable price. She has written to ARLIS/NA headquarters seeking funding support. The New York Chapter also may provide some funding. She has contacted B.J. Irvine, who is willing to speak at a regional meeting, though she only will be available on weekends during the Spring 2001 school term. Other neighboring chapters have been or will be invited.

Krista noted that, given the anticipated level of funding, attendance at the regional meeting would necessarily involve paying a fee. Those present seemed comfortable with the idea of a $20.00 fee, possibly with a discount for students and/or free admission for student volunteer workers.

With regard to scheduling, people at the meeting generally thought that a date in May would be desirable. An earlier date would be too soon after the ARLIS/NA annual conference. A majority of those present favored meeting on a weekday. Because of B.J. Irvine's time constraints, the program proposed for Spring 2001 will have to be scheduled on a weekend.

Members suggested that, with B.J. Irvine addressing the topic of directions in academic art libraries, there should be other speakers/panel members whose areas or expertise are museum libraries, public libraries, and visual resources.

In response to a question, Krista said that students from Drexel, Rutgers, and other schools with Information Science programs would be encouraged to attend.

Contribution to ARLIS/NA 2001 annual conference.

Karen McKenzie, ARLIS/NA President, has contacted Allen Townsend to request a Chapter contribution to support the ARLIS/NA 2001 annual conference. Contributions from the chapters will be used to help fund the official welcome party, an unticketed event which is open to all attendees. In discussing this, people noted that we sent a $250 contribution to the last conference, and that other chapters had contributed to the 1998 conference, which was held here.

A motion was made and seconded that the Chapter make a contribution equal to last year's [i.e. $250] to the 2001 conference. A vote was taken, and the motion was approved unanimously.

Chapter bylaws on the website.

Someone [name unknown--sorry!] suggested that it would be desirable to have the Chapter's bylaws posted on our website. No motion was made, and the task has not been assigned to anyone, but the Executive Board will consider the suggestion.

Report on research toward establishment of DVC-Chapter listserve/discussion list.

Ed Deegan reported that Temple University is willing to host a Chapter listserve. Details still are unknown but, presumably, we would have to have a moderator. Andrea Goldstein, keeper of the Chapter's web page, is willing to serve as moderator. In mid-October, Ed (through library channels) asked whether the Univ. of Pennsylvania would be willing to host a Chapter "reflector list"--an arrangement which aparently would not require active moderating. No reply had been received as of Nov. 3. A third alternative is to have our listserve hosted at a free or low-cost commercial site. Ed has found some online lists of potential sites. They seem to require active moderating. The free hosts usually attach advertising to all messages. Many free and low-cost sites impose restrictions on the number of messages which can be disseminated and charge for excess usage. Given these disadvantages, Ed has deferred further investigation of such sites until he receives a response from Penn. In the meantime, he will gladly forward e-mail messages to the ARLIS-DVC mailing list. Send him material at: edeegan@pobox.upenn.edu .

A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 12:55 P.M.

MEETING MINUTES

The meeting was attended by 13 Chapter members plus Deborah Kempe, the Northeast Regional Representative of ARLIS/NA.

Allen Townsend, Chapter President, called the meeting to order at 10:20 A.M., and expressed our thanks to Chapter member Rachel Beckwith, of the Winterthur staff, who made the arrangements.

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

The Fall 1999 meeting minutes, which Andrea Goldstein circulated to the membership by e-mail on Feb. 11, 2000, were approved as submitted. A printout will be placed in our files.

SECRETARY/TREASURER'S REPORT

Since the last report, we have received income of $240.00 (membership renewal payments), and made payments, as approved at the Fall 1999 meeting, of $250.00 to the organizers of the ARLIS/NA 2000 annual conference, and $200.00 in honoraria to the Curti s Institute of Music. As of March 31, 2000, our Mellon Bank "Business Money Market" account balance is $1,059.95, and we have no debts outstanding.

The Chapter's mailing list now is entirely electronic. It includes 54 names of current members, recently-lapsed members, and those non-members from our old paper list who have responded to a request for current contact information. I will drop non-resp onders from our records soon, and plan to repeat this winnowing process annually. Members of the dissolved New Jersey Chapter (from which we received some distributed funds) were treated as DVC members for 1999, but we have received little or no response from them to our contact attempts. I will drop non-responders from our records. Andrea Goldstein (the previous Sec.-Treas.) and I have not yet been able to transfer responsibility for the Chapter's bank account. Mellon Bank insists on having written confi rmation of my election as Sec.-Treas.--either a printed newsletter, or a confirmation letter on letterhead paper. The simple presence of both of us at the bank, with the checkbook and the account records in hand, was not acceptable. As the Chapter has no letterhead paper, and now communicates mainly via e-mail, I have requested an official-looking letter confirming my election from the ARLIS national office.

OLD BUSINESS

-Proposed Marietta Boyer memorial award:

Eileen Markson reported the results of her inquiries to other chapters bout their travel awards. Six chapters responded. The Mountain West Chapter, which has a far-flung membership, gives an award to assist attendance at its own meetings, but most chap ters' awards are made for travel to the annual conference. Award amounts vary among chapters and, in some cases, from year to year, depending on factors such as chapter finances, location of the conference, and availability of a recipient. Funding typical ly is by solicited donations or by voluntary contributions from the members (e.g. as a line item on the chapter membership renewal form). The varying eligibility or preference criteria include: at least a year of prior membership in ARLIS/NA, no (or insuf ficient) travel funding from one's institution, active conference participation (e.g. as a speaker), and followup service to the chapter such as a conference report presentation or a newsletter column. Awards often are administered by appointed committees or by ad hoc committees of chapter officers.

In the discussion which followed, Eileen was asked her opinion about the feasibility of and the criteria for an award by our Chapter. She feels that we can honor Marietta this way if enough members are willing to contribute to an award fund in addition to paying their annual Chapter dues. Perhaps a combination of member contributions and donations solicited from outside sources would be the most sustainable method of funding. A conference attendance award would make the most sense. We should not make a complete lack of institutional funding a requirement for eligibility, as many members who have only partial funding also find conference travel difficult. The amount of the award could vary depending on the location of the conference and the state of the Chapter's finances.

Iris Snyder pointed out that Marietta was very supportive of young librarians, so an award intended for someone new to the profession would be appropriate. Others agreed, providing that such a recipient could be found, but felt that "new to the profess ion" shouldn't be an absolute requirement.

Allen Townsend noted that we need to assemble a list of proposed eligibility requirements. The award amount could vary, depending on funding and need. He asked for the sense of the meeting: would people be willing to contribute? Several members respond ed that they would. Allen asked for volunteers for a committee to produce a list of requirements, to be voted upon at the Fall 2000 meeting. Eileen Markson,

Jean Adelman and Nancy Halli volunteered.

Deborah Kempe mentioned that the number of chapters which make travel awards is increasing, and that even a small award can be helpful to its recipient.

Report on membership survey results:

Mary Wassermann reported the results of her recent survey of Chapter members, seeking information which would be helpful for increasing our membership and encouraging greater involvement in the business of the Chapter. Her written report is included be low in the body of this message (after "Adjournment"). If you would like to receive (as an e-mail attachment) a copy of the Word document Mary presented to the meeting, please contact the Chapter Secretary, Ed Deegan, (edeegan@pobox.upenn.edu ; tel.: 215- 898-8326 weekdays).

In the discussion of points in the report, various members expressed concern about declining membership numbers and increased difficulty in finding candidates for Chapter offices. Some of this seems attributable to life-cycle (our chapter is aging, and more members are retiring), some to institutional policies (vacant positions in libraries remain unfilled), and some to broader life-style changes (more peoples' everyday lives include severe time constraints). A particular problem is that presidency of our chapter now involves a three-year commitment--one year as V.P./Pres.-elect, one year as President, and one year as newsletter editor. Deborah Kempe remarked that our chapter's difficulties are not unique, but that the national organization seems stron g.

Allen Townsend sought the sense of the meeting on the concerns which had been expressed, and concluded that, before the next Chapter meeting, the current officers need to review our bylaws, statements of officer's duties, etc., with an eye to making re commendations to that meeting concerning changes.

- Proposed joint meetings with neighboring ARLIS/NA chapters:

Krista Ivy reported on her discussion with the New York Chapter of a possible joint Fall 2000 meeting. The New Yorkers want to postpone any joint meeting--Fall 2000 is not workable. They didn't comment on any other time (e.g. Spring 2001). Allen Townse nd pointed out that a Fall 2001 joint or regional meeting would conflict with IFLA's scheduled meeting in Boston.

Krista suggested that we could look south to the DC-MD-VA Chapter for a possible meeting partner. Another suggestion which developed from members' comments was a joint meeting with a chapter of the Visual Resources Association, possibly in Princeton, p ossibly with Ben Kessler (Princeton Univ.) as a crossover participant, possibly organized around bibliographic resource training, or with a well-known speaker (e.g. Lois Swan Jones) as an attraction.

Allen Townsend asked for the sense of the meeting: do we want Krista to pursue the idea of a joint meeting, possibly a multi-day, focussed event, possibly including a well-known speaker?

In the discussion, Iris Snyder commented that, for our well-experienced members, instruction in basic art-related bibliographic resources is not likely to be a big draw. She felt that a big-name speaker would be likely to appeal to an audience of peopl e who have varying levels of experience. Mary Wassermann pointed out that the ARLIS/NA annual conference already provides both focussed workshops and big-name speakers. Many people simply can't attend because of time constraints. Allen reminded the meetin g that one of the ideas behind the joint-meeting/more elaborate meeting initiative was to provide outreach to new or aspiring art librarians. Often such people need exposure to basic art bibliographic tools--training of a sort which library schools are in creasingly reluctant to offer because only a handful of students will sign up for it. Various people suggested making any DVC-sponsored continuing education sessions open to attendees from other chapters.

Deborah Kempe remarked that Philadelphia would be a good central location for a regional continuing-education session featuring a well-known instructor. She thought that some people from the New York Chapter (her home chapter) would be interested.

In conclusion, Krista was charged to continue investigating what would be desirable and feasible for a regional or joint-chapter meeting in the Spring of 2001.

NEW BUSINESS

- Nominating commitee.

Members were sought for the Nominating Committee for the Fall 2000 Chapter election. Karen Lightner, Nancy Halli, and Lilah Mittelstaedt volunteered.

- DVC-Chapter listserv /discussion list.

In the course of the day's discussions, Ed Deegan remarked that, as all current Chapter members now have e-mail service, perhaps the Chapter could have its own listserv or discussion list. This might facilitate participation by members who don't attend our semiannual meetings. Ed was charged to explore this possibility, and particularly whether Temple University would be willing to act as a host.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 A.M.

********************************************************************************

******************************

ARLIS/NA Delaware Valley Chapter Members Survey Results. May 1 2000

This survey was designed to help determine ways to attract more members

to our Chapter and encourage greater involvement from the existing

membership. 15 surveys were returned.

I. Frequency of meetings. The majority preference is for two meetings,

Fall and Spring.

Fall/Spring = 11

Fall/Spring/Summer = 1

Fall/Spring/Winter = 1

Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer = 2

II. Interest in Continuing Ed. Programs (In addition to our usual

format of informative/business meetings, it has been suggested we

sponsor short, continuing education (CE) programs that would contribute

to the professional development of our members).

- General interest level in having CE programs was divided down the

middle, with budgeting cited by one person as a factor.

- Almost 2/3 of respondents would have financial support to attend a CE

session (9)

- Over 2/3 of respondents would be granted leave to attend a CE session

(12)

SO: here is a breakdown of interest in the following types of sessions:

V=Very interested S=Somewhat interested N=Not interested 0=No

answer

New printed sources in art reference: V=6 S=4 N=4 0=1

New online/web sources in art reference: V=12 S=2 N=0 0=1

Online/web search instruction techniques: V=7 S=4 N=3 0=1

Synthesis of the above categories: V=8 S=4 N=2 0=1

Local art-related collections of interest: V=5 S=9 N=0 0=1

Vocabulary/authority tools: V=3 S=7 N=5 0=0

Digital scanning processes/issues: V=7 S=7 N=0 0=1

Web page design: V=7 S=6 N=0 0=2

Other sessions suggested:

- Cataloging visuals on computer.

- Discussion and information exchange relating to the interaction

between library as place and the virtual library.

- Preservation and conservation of photograph collections.

- "...reference sources session would be great! (The 'What I didn't

learn in Library School' session from ARLIS/NA Phila.) What happened to

the thought that Lois Swan Jones would come and do this?"

New online/web sources in art reference generated the greatest overall

interest. But other new technology programs were popular as well. Note

that "Local art-related collections of interest" had a majority of

'Somewhat interested', rather than 'Very interested', yet this category

reflects the nature of most of our meetings. Other sessions suggested

should be considered, too.

III. Factors affecting meeting attendance. Time of meeting and

transportation were the biggest factors, with staff coverage also cited.

No limit was set for # of items one could check.

Time of meeting =5

Location =5

Ability to be absent from work =3

Transportation =4

Lack of interest/relevance =2

Other =2 ("not enough staff to get away")

Other comments in this regard:

Don't drive! / Time is usually ok, depends, I would prefer Philadelphia

but recognize that there should be some variety in meeting locations /

Prefer Philadelphia...prefer train access...easy access to public

transportation / Staff coverage is difficult, all day meetings are

particularly bad

IV. About 2/3 would be interested in a weekend meeting, provided it was

exceptional ("How do you feel about weekend meetings, whereby an

event/program is planned for most of the day, and perhaps involves some

travel?").

- "I would attend if possible, and if I were interested in the program"

(11)

- "This option does not interest me", or "I could not/would not be able

to participate" (4)

Comments:

- Prefer weekday meetings

- It would have to be a program I was very interested in to attend on a

weekend...

- If the program is scheduled far in advance (and if there is the

possibility of good food--lunch dutch treat?)

- IF I were interested

V. Suggestions/comments for other meeting formats or types of events

showed an interest in variations on our usual formats and new CE

programs:

- Content does not address concerns of an applied arts curriculum

library.

- Most interesting meetings to me would be behind the scenes or special

tours of major museum shows or private collections (i.e., something you

can't arrange on your own).

- Slide presentations or tours of either collections or exhibition

events would be stimulating, i.e. if there was a meeting at PAFA a

slide presentation or talk would be great. (Like Delacroix tour or

Curtis joint meeting slide presentation).

- The CE programs listed above.

VI. 12 respondents were in favor of discussing a change in bylaws as

described below. 3 respondents did not answer this question, no one

checked that they did not want this discussed.

("Would you be in favor of considering a change in the bylaws to release

the Past-President from formal duties, and make the Newsletter Editor a

position by appointment, with re-appointments as needed? This would

make running for the Presidency less of a long-range commitment and

possibly pave the way for greater interest in the office. It would also

open up the option of giving the newsletter responsibility to persons

interested in that particular task.")

- Yes, I would be open to discussing this change to the bylaws at a

future meeting (12)

- No! It takes too long to change the bylaws, or, I like the duties as

they are (0)

- No answer (3)

VII. The degree of interest or willingness that people have in running

for office is LOW. Most people cited work demands, lack of

institutional support, and previous participation.

- Very interested/willing =0

- Somewhat interested/willing =5

- Not interested/willing =9

- No answer =0

Comments about issues that play into lack of availability/interest in

running for office:

I'm 77 years old... work 3 days a week / Been there/done that...would

not be able to give the duties the attention they desrve (time &

commitment) / Somewhat, but cannot in near future / [VRA

commitments]...ARLIS seems to demand more of a time commitment [than

VRA] however, so I do think that changing the presidency to a two year

commitment might help us recruit more officers in the future. Have

already served... / No time! / Been there/done that, unfortunately with

a small chapter, most of the people have taken on chapter responsibility

/ Again, staff shortages a factor for me as Dept. head.

VIII. General Comments:

Sorry for the lack of enthusiasm. I am in a business (publisher). /

Given the small number of institutions that have art department[s] and

the fact that these institutions are cutting back rather than adding

staff, it is probably inevitable that the group is small. Options would

include more joint meetings like the one with the music association or

cutting back to one meeting per year that is more of an event and might

attract others who don't want to participate in more that occasional

events. / Thank you for doing this survey...

IX. Conclusion:

We want relevant, exciting and interesting programs with good food

available and joint sessions. We do not have a lot of manpower to

accomplish this. We can try to use the framework of time preferences and

CE suggestions produced by this survey to plan our next meetings.

Sessions with high education or content value may increase membership,

but also help establish support from our institutions for us to

participate in Chapter activities. Other conclusions????

Respectfully submitted by Mary Wassermann, ARLIS/NA Delaware Valley

Past-President. 1 May 2000.

ARLIS/NA Delaware Valley Chapter

Fall 2001 meeting

Monday, October 22, 2001

at the University of Pennsylvania Architectural Archives

MEETING MINUTES

Before the meeting opened, Julia Moore Converse, Director of the Architectural Archives, welcomed the attendees and spoke briefly about the history and the current organization of the collection.

Mary Louise Castaldi, Chapter President, called the meeting to order at 1:15 P.M. and welcomed the attendees. She reported Krista Ivy’s resignation as Chapter President last June, a consequence of her unexpected move to California. As Vice-President/President-Elect for 2001, Mary Louise assumed the duties of President upon Krista’s resignation. She also congratulated Allen Townsend, Past-President of the Chapter, on his recent election to the position of President-Elect of ARLIS/NA.

Minutes of the previous chapter meeting, held November 3, 2000, were presented by the Secretary-Treaasurer and approved by the meeting. Andrea Goldstein, who maintains the Chapter’s website, will post the minutes there [http://astro.ocis.temple.edu/~andrea]. Ed Deegan, Secretary-Treasurer, made his report, which is appended to these minutes.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

OLD BUSINESS

Northeast Regional Meeting.

The President read former President Krista Ivy’s report about the Northeast Regional Meeting of May 13-14, 2001, which was sponsored by the New York, DC/MD/VA and Delaware Valley Chapters, and hosted by the DVC. The Philadelphia Museum of Art underwrote the cost of the May 13 welcoming reception, held at the Museum. Bryn Mawr College Libraries provided financial support for the luncheon held at the College on May 14. ARLIS/NA made a special grant of $500 to help with speaker expenses. Attendance (39 registered participants) exceeded expectations. In addition to members of the three sponsoring chapters (including Ted Goodman, current ARLIS/NA President), Laurie Whitehill Chong, ARLIS Northeast Regional Rep., attended. The meeting was a financial success: $2,217.50 was raised, and expenses totaled $2,106.55, leaving a profit of $110.95. The full report, including an itemized report of income and expenses, is available upon request from the Secretary-Treasurer [edeegan@pobox.upenn.edu] and will be appended to the file copy of these minutes.

Website

Andrea Goldstein, maintainer of the website, reported that an HTML version of the Chapter’s Bylaws soon would be available on the website [Now available. See http://www.astro.ocis.temple.edu/~andrea]. Suggested additions to the website should be sent to her [andrea@astro.ocis.temple.edu].

E-mail reflector list

Ed Deegan announced for the record that the Chapter’s e-mail reflector list, hosted by the Univ. of Pennsylvania Libraries, has been up and running since late 2000. All current members are on the list. As announced last winter, a message sent to arlis-dvc@library.upenn.edu will be distributed automatically to everyone on the list. The list address should not be divulged to people who are not Chapter members. Non-members wishing to send a message to all Chapter members should contact Ed Deegan [edeegan@pobox.upenn.edu. Ed will continue to forward separately messages not related to Chapter business to non-members who wish to receive them.

Marietta Bushnell Boyer Travel Award

NEW BUSINESS

Chapter contribution to 2002 ARLIS/NA Conference

With regard to whether the Chapter should make a contribution in support of the 2002 ARLIS/NA conference, Jean Adelman made a motion to make an unrestricted contribution of $250—the same amount we contributed for 2001. The motion was seconded by Allen Townsend. A vote was taken, and the motion passed unanimously.

2002 membership renewals

Ed Deegan announced that he was ready to accept Chapter membership renewals for 2002. Printed membership forms were available at the meeting, with an e-mail version to be sent to all members during the following week. The renewal drive must begin now, as we need to replenish the travel award fund if we want to make an award for 2002. Most of our travel award funding comes from members’ contributions, which are an option with membership renewal.

Alternatives to Spring meetings

Our Bylaws require only that we have one business meeting per year. As we need to elect new officers each Fall, we must have a meeting then. In the past, we have held an additional business meeting each Spring. The success of the Northeast Regional Meeting, which preempted the Spring 2002 business meeting, prompted a general discussion about whether Chapter-organized professional development activities should replace the Spring meeting permanently. Remarks included the following:

-regular activities of this sort may spur new interest in/attract new members to the Chapter.

-was anyone willing to investigate this matter? Ann Gardner volunteered to “co-investigate”. Mary Louise Castaldi also will participate, as will Nancy Thorne, ex-oficio.

-Nancy Thorne, a recent graduate of Drexel University’s College of Information Science and Technology mentioned students’ frustration as the lack there of any art librarianship training. Our professional development activities could also be useful to them, so we should make an effort to involve interested students.

-Carol Graney asked Nancy for suggestions about what sort of activities would be of interest to practicing art librarians (i.e. not elementary) yet also useful to students.

-Allen Townsend pointed out that the Chapter’s aim historically has not been professional development in the sense of formal classroom training, but rather visits and exposure to regional institutions and resources.

-Jean Adelman remarked that wide experience is very important. A recent good example: the joint ARLIS/MLA meeting which was held at the Curtis Inst itute, giving attendees a chance to learn about the Institute’s history and activities, its art collection, and other topics—all rather pleasantly.

-Allen Townsend said that the DVC needs to have direct contact and cooperation with whoever is teaching the Drexel CIST’s Humanities Reference course—the only course there which even touches on art librarianship. This could include library site visits and perhaps a visiting lectureship by one of our art librarian members. Someone mentioned that Judy Donovan had done some work along those lines in her former position as Design Arts Librarian for Drexel’s Hagerty Library.

-Bill Keller, Fine Arts Librarian at Penn’s Fisher Fine Arts Library, said that the FFAL and its associated Image Collection could be part of a resource set for the support of Chapter outreach activities.

-Carol Graney remarked that, while visiting institutions--typically a part of DVC meetings--is useful and informative, professional development in the form of organized sessions also is important.

-Ed Deegan mentioned that the Chapter probably needs to have at least a brief business meeting in the Spring in order to make arrangements necessary for conducting the Fall elections. With no meeting held in Spring 2001, no Nominating Committee was appointed and nothing was done about nominations until late August. The result was a scramble—needlessly hard on the committee members.

Announcement

ADJOURNMENT

POSTSCRIPT: PRESENTATION ON THE PHILADELPHIA ARCHITECTS AND BUILDINGS PROJECT. Following the meeting, Nancy Thorne gave a presentation on the Philadelphia Architects and Buildings Project, a joint effort of the Athenaeum of Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania Architectural Archives, the Philadelphia Historical Commission, and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

In some sense a descendant of Sandra Tatman and Roger Moss’s 1985 Biographical Dictionary of Philadelphia Architects, 1700-1930, the PABP brings together the collections, data and expertise of the four sponsoring institutions and other local cultural institutions. It covers Philadelphia and five surrounding counties and includes architects who were active in this area, whether based here on not. Some projects done elsewhere by locally-active architects also are included. It’s an online resource which is able to fully present the web of architectu ral/professional influence, cross-connection and association which the earlier, printed work could only suggest, and it includes lots of images. The emphasis in the PABP database is on the “project”, which is defined as a one design (whether built or unbuilt, and of a building, a group of buildings, or even an addition or alteration) done by one architect (or office) for one client. It’s still very much a work-in-progress, but already is quite useful, as well as fascinating. Check it out at: http://www.philadelphiabuildings.org


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