diff --git a/configure.in b/configure.in
index 2c8f9a1d7..1e2d47463 100644
--- a/configure.in
+++ b/configure.in
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ CFLAGS="$CCOPTS"
 dnl
 dnl We now use glib
 dnl 
-AM_PATH_GLIB
+AM_PATH_GLIB(,,AC_MSG_ERROR(Test for GLIB failed.  MC requires GLIB.))
 LIBS="$LIBS $GLIB_LIBS"
 CFLAGS="$CFLAGS $GLIB_CFLAGS"