What is BLA?

BLA (the Business Librarians' Association) exists as a forum for the discussion and exchange of ideas and to facilitate networking opportunities, co-operation and participation in joint activities.

Who is eligible for membership?

Membership of the Association is open to UK institutions which offer courses in management education at Masters level or above. Library staff with sufficient involvement in business information provision at those institutions are encouraged to contribute to the group.

How much does it cost to join?

The annual membership fee is £50.

How does it operate?

The Association is run by a committee – which is elected from amongst the membership – who are tasked with organising BLA events and facilitating information sharing and communication between members.

When does BLA meet?

The group meets every year for an annual conference which is organised by the BLA committee in conjunction with hosts from a volunteer member institution. In recent years conferences have taken place in Leeds, Dublin and Liverpool. Formal business which requires quorate opinion and discussion is dealt with at our Annual General Meeting, which takes place on the last day of the annual conference. Aside from the conference, members also meet at other BLA events such as training courses and meetings on topics of special interest. The BLA committee meets regularly throughout the year to discuss and progress projects, initiatives, surveys and reports of benefit to the membership.

Photo: Delegates at the annual conference

Where is this year's conference?

The 2011 conference will be held at the Mercure St Paul's Hotel in Sheffield from the 13th - 15th July. It is being jointly hosted by the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University. More information can be found on this year's conference page.

How else do members communicate with each other?

Information is also shared between members via the Members Only private forum on this website and the lively LIS-business mailing list. If you have a burning question about your library service, or you want to find some elusive data then these options are for you.

How can I join BLA?

For more information on joining our Association, fill in the application form or contact the current Membership Secretary, Lorna Hibbert: Lorna.Hibbert@northumbria.ac.uk