Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS/NA) Archives | University of Illinois Archives

Caroline Backlund, president of ARLIS/NA in 1982, cuts a cake celebrating the society's 10th anniversary at its annual conference in Boston.

Since its inception in 1972, the Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS/NA) has served as a unifying force for those in the art information world by offering programs for professional growth, forums for scholarly communication, and advocating for art library standards by partnering with national and international organizations. In the society's own words:

 

"ARLIS/NA is a growing, dynamic organization promoting the interests of more than 1,000 members. The membership includes architecture and art librarians, visual resources professionals, artists, curators, educators, publishers, students, and others throughout North America interested in visual arts information. To serve this diverse constituency, the Society provides a wide range of programs and services within an organizational structure that encourages participation at all levels."