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Foundation of Library and Information Science

Notes organizes an increasing number of short courses on currently important aspects of library
and information science and carries on a continuing dialogue with library schools for
maintaining high standards of library education. These are available at Book Point Ltd., 39
Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon O X 14 4 TD (UK).

Library Legislation: The role of the Library Association in promoting library legislation
is acknowledged in all quarters. The Public Libraries Act of 1892, Public Libraries Act of
1919 and the revision of the bye-laws of the Public Libraries and Museums Act of 1964
were due to the initiatives of the Library Association. It has been active in clarifying issues
arising from legislations, whenever situation warrants. The Library Association has to its
credit many surveys conducted by it in regard to the public library system in the country.
Library Research: Research and development are also given prominence by the Library
Association. It sponsors numerous projects on its own initiative and with its own resources.
It also works with the British Library and ASLIB in several areas of research.

Relations with other institutions: The Library Association is represented in many official
bodies and committees and has been offering advisory service and professional assistance
in many programmes of library development. It had a role in the establishment of the
British Library in 1973. The Library Association has helped the formation of the regional
library system and promoted inter-library cooperation.

Library Standards: The Library Association has been advocating high standards of library
service: It has evolved a code of ethics for the library profession. It has taken interest in
evolving standards and guidelines of techniques, procedure, equipment etc. Though not
working along trade union lines, the Association has been constantly striving for the
betterment of salary, service conditions and status of library professionals.

Publications

The Library Association has an impressive publications programme. The publications are brought
out by, the Library Association Publishing Ltd. The serial titles of the Library Association are:
Library Association Record (monthly) Journal of Librarianship (quarterly) British Humanities
Index (quarterly) Applied Social Science Index and Abstracts (Bi-weekly) Library and Information
Science Abstracts (Bi-monthly) (LISA) Current Research in Library and Information Science
(three issues) Current Technology Index (monthly). It brings out from time to time monographs,
directories and other occasional publications. One of the best seller of LA’s publications is
Walford’s Guide to Reference Materials 6th edition, 1995 3 volumes. During the centenary year
in 1977, it brought out a number of centenary volumes, out of which was a History of the
Association by W.A. Mumford, 1977. Its annual publications are L.A. Yearbook and Proceedings
of Public Library Conference.

International Activities of Library Association (U.K.)

The Library Association collaborates with UNESCO, IFLA and FID and participates in their
programmes towards international cooperation and exchange of experience and expertise. It
assists the British Council in implementing its assistance programmes in developing countries.
It organizes visits, study tours, fellowship programmes, etc., which are part of cultural exchange
programmes. It is particularly active in relations with Commonwealth countries. It has helped
to establish the Commonwealth Library Association.

Perspective for Future

Since 1986, the Association has been considering its future development and in this connection
two reports, Futures-l and Futures-2, have appeared. With a creditable record of performance in

214 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY