1 INTRODUCTION

A survey of the AIC membership in 1988 identified publications as the highest priority means for promoting increased exchange of information among conservators and greater general awareness of the goals and methods of preservation. In pioneering two new forums for up-to-date information—the Annual and the Paper Conservation Catalog—the AIC Book and Paper Specialty Group (BPG) has been especially responsive to these concerns. These publications enlarge the individual conservator's resources and, as both process and product, have increased the collegial aspect of the group by fostering increased contact among members interested in sharing information and ideas. The Annual and the Catalog have also served as models to other AIC specialty groups. This paper presents a brief overview of these publications and reports on the status of a related project, the Book Conservation Catalog.