The role of associations of information and library education in teaching and research: Recent and potential developments in Britain and Europe 1

Abstract

This paper considers the development of associations of Schools of Librarianship and Information Sciences, illustrated by recent experiences in Britain and Europe, and examines their potential future contribution. It discusses in general terms the need for the Schools to establish a vehicle for collective action, and notes the origins of BAILER: the British Association for Information and Library Education and Research, and of EUCLID: the European Association for Library and Information Education and Research. It reviews the potential for associations of Schools to play a part in staff development, in student development, and in developing the discipline and its standing. It describes the activities of BAILER and EUCLID in facilitating information exchanges between member Schools, and in supporting international conferences. It discusses the potential and actual use of Information and Communications Technologies in the work of the associations, and briefly considers other operational issues such as membership involvement and financial support.