2026 SPE Annual Conference: Catalyst for Exchange
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print this pageLibraries and Archives: Catalysts or Cloisters for Photographic Education?
Deborah Hollis: Shannon Benine, Zulay Chang, Andrew E. Hershberger, Julie Liebersat
Friday, March 20 - 2:30PM to 4:30PM
Valdosta
Are libraries and archives catalysts for exchange of visual narratives or obstacles in preserving photographs and photo-based artistic works? Historically, libraries and archives are seen as a public good, making knowledge available in myriad formats to all. However, these institutions are time capsules of social and political biases across historical periods. What can image makers and researchers learn from understanding collecting and access guidelines? How do photography archives in academic libraries and/or research centers operate? How does library and archive culture spark or suppress creativity for an image maker, or limit what is retained and made available to researchers and the public?
Sharing experiences from their respective fields, experts from the library and archives sector discuss the fundamentals of collecting policies, acquisitions and collection development to provide insights that explain how photographic prints, photobooks and/or artists' books are added to a library or digital collection. The strengths and weaknesses of publicly-funded cultural heritage organizations are discussed to explain archive and library culture. This proposed interdisciplinary panel of three or four experts aims to share insights related to the layered histories of academic collections.
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