Submitted by
Edward H. Teague, chair, International Relations Committee
Head, Architecture and Allied Arts Library
205C Lawrence Hall
University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97401
(541) 346-1954

A. Leadership and Membership Update

Ed Teague will continue as committee chair.  2000-2001 committee members:  Marilyn Berger, Daphne Dufresne,  Jeannette Dixon (IFLA Representative), Renata Guttman, Judith  Herschman, Beverly Karno, Susana Tejada, Carol Terry (IFLA 2001 Liaison).  Affiliate member:  Lorna Corbetta-Noyes. Board liaison: Leslie Abrams.

B. Activities of the IRC in 2000-2001

The primary activity of the IRC this year has been planning a session for the ARLIS/NA 29th annual conference.    The session, which will take place Sunday, April 1, is described below (from the conference program):

Session 1: Treasures of the Dragon: Exploring Art Libraries and Publishing in China

This groundbreaking session features first-hand accounts of issues and trends in art publishing and  librarianship in contemporary China. Dr. Betty Jo Irvine will speak about her 3-month adventure  visiting art libraries in China. Dr. Angela Lew will discuss her collaborative efforts with Chinese art  publishers to make their works more accessible to North American audiences. Special guest speaker Mr. Gu Yinhai will discuss the challenges he faces managing one of China's largest art libraries.

Speakers:
B.J. Kish Irvine, Fine Arts Librarian, Indiana University
Angela Lew, Librarian/Art Bibliographer, California State University,
Northridge
Gu Yinhai, Assistant Curator and Chief of Libraries, Shanghai Museum
of Art

The session is supported by Paragon Books and the Getty Grant Program.

There has been considerable work behind the scenes in securing and managing the Getty Grant for the speaker and in managing inherent communication issues related to China.

C. Communication Issues

The next post-conference Update deadline is April 10.   An article about Mr.Gu will be submitted
IRC website links to affiliate and prospective-affiliate organizations have been reviewed and enhancements are proposed.
A listserv has been established to enhance IRC communications.
The new management firm has not routed to the chair publications from the affiliates.

D.  Budget  Issues

Ed has recommended to the Board that IFLA dues no longer be considered as an IRC budgeting responsibility.  (Membership dues are a standing ARLIS/NA responsibility.) Board seems to concur.

E.  Program Planning

Since ARLIS/NA and the VRA are meeting in conjunction, a program dealing with international issues in managing images, such as copyright, might be worthwhile.  Or, the impact of the web on art librarianship at the global level.

F.  Strategic Planning

Strategic plan items #107,  #108 ongoing activities.
(New) :  A proposed, revised charge is under discussion.

G.  Issues for the Executive Board

1.  Revised committee charge is forthcoming.  General issues: Broader statement of responsibility for IRC and revisiting the nature of committee membership (size)

2.  How are affiliate publications being managed?