The potential for art to enrich our lives is well understood, both in how we interact with visual cultures around us, and in the development of our own creativity. It can connect us through shared experiences and dialogue; challenge us in offering new perspectives on well-entrenched stories and beliefs; and it can bring us together to imagine a shared future. Art libraries play an important role in the potential of art to do all these things, serving as catalysts for creativity and connection.

Regarding IFLA’s recent 2024 Trend Report, something that surely resonates with art library professionals is outlined in Trend 3: Trust is being renegotiated. In museum and gallery collections, this is well understood. Art information workers must consider the kinds of representation the public will encounter in our collections, who is being represented, and what is being conveyed about the cultures and history it represents. Are the art and artefacts in our museums and libraries telling important truths?

As libraries reflect on who our audiences may or could be, who is in our collections and how they are represented, cultural heritage collections, and specifically art libraries, are well placed to broaden shared understandings and challenge dominant narratives. By making our collections more inclusive and expanding access beyond our traditional audiences, we can extend insights into the breadth and depth of global visual expression. For audiences seeking connection and understanding, art libraries are more than just keepers of collections, we are enablers of seeing and being seen.

Claire Eggleston, IFLA Art Libraries (ARTLIB) Section