The Arts Libraries Society / Australia and New Zealand is a dynamic organization which promotes arts librarianship. It acts as a forum for the exchange of information and expertise, and cooperates with other national and international organizations in the field of arts information management. The membership includes architecture and art librarians, visual resources professionals, artists, curators, educators, publishers, booksellers and others interested in arts information management.

View the Arlis/ANZ President's blog.

See the variety of institutions in which we work (more images will be added over time).
View our Constitution.

And see more about what we get up to.

Contact our Executive.

To find the Chapter nearest you, contact a Chapter Office Bearer - listed under the Forum for each Australian State and New Zealand.



The Arts Libraries Society / Australia and New Zealand (ARLIS/ANZ) was established in December 1975 to promote arts librarianship and co-operate with other national and international organisations in the sector.

It was initially called the Art Libraries Society, but became the Arts Libraries Society in 1980, after an amalgamation with the Sydney-based Museums Arts and Humanities Group.


The society is keenly interested in exploring ideas and generating discussion on all facets of arts information management. We are also committed to collaborating, knowledge-sharing and connecting amongst arts information workers in public libraries, higher education and training institutions, art galleries, museums and other arts organisations. ARLIS/ANZ publishes a journal, holds a biennial conference, maintains this website and its forums, maintains an e-list, and members meet regularly at the State Chapter level.

To join the society, see details on our membership page.