Art libraries differ from other academic libraries in their stock provision and in the way they are used. The disadvantages of multi-site libraries are outweighed by the difficulties of fitting the art library into a large central library, and by the advantages to the user of co-ordinated decentralisation. The implications for art libraries of centralised cataloguing systems require careful consideration; other problems include staff structures, the use (and abuse) of quantification, and the degree and type of user education. (Text of a paper presented to the course for senior art librarians on ‘Managing the Arts’, organised by ARLIS and the Polytechnic of North London in December).