ASLIB : Library Association of the World

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Ch. Bakht Yar Zafar

History of ASLIB, function, aims 

Abstract 

ASLIB (The Association for Information Management) is a professional organization for information professionals, librarians, and knowledge managers. Founded in 1910, it is based in the United Kingdom. Its purpose is to promote and support the professional development of its members, and to encourage the effective use of information and knowledge management in organizations. ASLIB provides training, professional development opportunities, networking events, and publications, such as journals and conference proceedings, and conducts research and advocacy on issues related to information management and librarianship. It is a member-driven organization, with members from various sectors and countries. The organization aims to promote the value of information management and librarianship to the wider community, and to foster an environment of collaboration and cooperation among information professionals.

Basic Information 

ASLIB (The Association for Information Management) is a professional organization for information professionals, librarians and knowledge managers. It is based in the United Kingdom and was founded in 1910. The organization’s mission is to promote and support the professional development of information professionals and to encourage the effective use of information and knowledge management in organizations.

ASLIB provides a range of services and resources to its members, including training and professional development opportunities, networking events, and publications such as journals and conference proceedings. The organization also conducts research and advocacy on issues related to information management and librarianship.

ASLIB is a member-driven organization, and its members include librarians, information professionals, knowledge managers, and other information professionals from various sectors such as education, government, business, and the non-profit sector. It is an international organization with members from the UK, Europe, and other countries.

ASLIB is dedicated to the professional development of its members, and it provides a range of services to support them, such as training, publications, and networking opportunities, to help its members stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their profession and to build a community of like-minded professionals.

History 

The Association for Information Management (ASLIB) was founded in 1910 in the United Kingdom. It was originally established as the Association of Society, College and Technical Libraries, with the goal of promoting the professional development of librarians working in these types of libraries.

In the early years, ASLIB focused on providing training and professional development opportunities for its members and on promoting the value of librarianship to the wider community. The organization also published a journal, “The Library Association Record,” which provided a forum for the exchange of ideas and information among its members.

In the 1920s and 1930s, ASLIB expanded its focus to include other types of information professionals, such as knowledge managers and information scientists. This reflected the growing recognition of the importance of information management in organizations.

During World War II, ASLIB played a key role in supporting the war effort by providing training and resources to librarians and information professionals working in government and military organizations.

In the post-war years, ASLIB continued to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its members. The organization became more international, with members from Europe and other countries, and it expanded its focus to include issues such as information technology and electronic information resources.

Today, ASLIB continues to provide training and professional development opportunities, networking events, and publications to its members. It also conducts research and advocacy on issues related to information management and librarianship, and promotes the value of information management and librarianship to the wider community.

Purpose 

The purpose and aims of ASLIB (The Association for Information Management) are to promote and support the professional development of information professionals, librarians and knowledge managers. The main objectives of ASLIB are:

  1. To promote the development and effective use of information and knowledge management in organizations
  2. To provide training, professional development opportunities, and networking events for its members
  3. To provide a forum for the exchange of information and ideas among its members
  4. To conduct research and advocacy on issues related to information management and librarianship
  5. To provide a range of publications, such as journals and conference proceedings, to keep its members informed of the latest developments in the field
  6. To promote the value of information management and librarianship to the wider community
  7. To encourage the development of information professionals through qualifications, professional registration, and career development opportunities
  8. To provide a voice for the profession in national and international forums
  9. To foster an environment of collaboration and cooperation among information professionals.

ASLIB is committed to the professional development of its members and dedicated to the promotion of the value of information management and librarianship, to support its members in the effective use of information and knowledge management in their organizations.

Main Services of ASLIB?

The main services of the Association for Information Management (ASLIB) are:

  1. Training and Professional Development: ASLIB provides a range of training and professional development opportunities for its members, including workshops, seminars, and conferences. These opportunities help members stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field and improve their skills and knowledge.
  2. Networking: ASLIB organizes networking events such as conferences, seminars, and meetings, where members can connect with other information professionals, share ideas and best practices, and build relationships.
  3. Publications: ASLIB provides a range of publications to its members, including a journal, “Information Management,” which contains articles and research on a wide range of topics related to information management and librarianship. ASLIB also publishes conference proceedings, newsletters, and other publications.
  4. Research and Advocacy: ASLIB conducts research and advocacy on issues related to information management and librarianship. The organization provides information and resources to members on these topics and represents the interests of the profession in national and international forums.
  5. Qualifications and Professional Registration: ASLIB provides support and guidance for members who wish to gain professional qualifications and register with professional bodies.
  6. Career Development: ASLIB provides support and resources for members to develop their career in information management and librarianship.
  7. Online Resources: ASLIB provides an online platform for its members to access information and resources 

    Working Structure of ASLIB

    The working structure of the Association for Information Management (ASLIB) is composed of a combination of a board, committees, and staff members.

    1. The Board: The board of directors is the governing body of ASLIB, responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization and making decisions on behalf of the members. The board is composed of elected members, who serve for a set term, and the officers of the association, who are elected by the board members.
    2. The committees: ASLIB has several committees, such as the Professional Development Committee, the Research and Advocacy Committee, and the Marketing and Communications Committee, among others. These committees are responsible for specific areas of the organization’s work, such as training and professional development, research, and communication. They are composed of volunteers from the membership who are appointed by the board.
    3. The staff: ASLIB employs a small staff team responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the organization. They work closely with the board and committees to implement the organization’s policies and programs, and to provide services to the members.

    The structure of ASLIB is designed to be flexible and responsive to the changing needs of its members. The board, committees, and staff work closely together to ensure that the organization’s activities are aligned with the needs and interests of its members.

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