The Visual Arts Library & Information Plan (VALIP): history of a campaign

Abstract

The concept of a Library and Information Plan (LIP) as an aid to better management and improved services was proposed in England in 1986, when gaps in library provision and the inadequacy of services were becoming apparent. In 1991 the Council of ARLIS/UK & Eire obtained a grant to draft a proposal for a research project, arguing the need for a LIP covering art, design and architecture information in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Further funds were found to appoint a Steering Committee and a research consultant, and a Visual Arts Library and Information Plan (VALIP) was published in 1993. An Executive Committee was formed to negotiate the inclusion of VALIP in whatever national machinery came into existence. During that year the Secretary of State for National Heritage announced plans to create a new Library and Information Commission, but despite encouraging signs, government support was not given to fund a VALIP Manager. Progress was made with some parts of the VALIP programme of work, but the Steering Committee and the Executive Committee disbanded in 1997, leaving ARLIS to find other means of improving access to visual arts materials.