In the time of all things digital and the need to demonstrate value for dollar, how does an academic library justify investing scarce resources in acquiring and developing a new special collection likely to attract a small number of specialized users? In 2011, York University Libraries acquired a broadly representative collection of approximately 700 artists’ books – works made or conceived by artists that cross the boundaries between book and art - spanning the years 1960-2010 from Granary Books. This session will describe the unique circumstances that led to the acquisition of the collection, ongoing efforts to build and promote the artists’ books collection, as well as accompanying successes and challenges. Topics covered will include: marketing and publicity using traditional and digital strategies; building support within the library and the broader academic community through outreach and fostering relationships; enhancing discoverability through digital exhibitions and descriptive cataloguing; as well as engaging users through information literacy programs and special events programming. Attendees will be invited to share their experiences and strategies for building support for special collections in academic libraries in times of restraint and a focus on digital resources.
