SCOLMA:
the UK libraries and archives group on Africa
** New Lunchtime Seminar **
Jazz, Photographs And Youtube: Using Modern Media to Enrich
Research on Twentieth Century Africa
Dr Susan Williams Senior Fellow - Institute Of Commonwealth Studies
Tuesday February 2nd, 1-2pm, SOAS
See our Events page for more details
SCOLMA
- provides a forum for librarians and others concerned with the provision of materials for African studies in libraries in the United Kingdom
- has published since 1973 a journal African Research and Documentation (3 issues p.a.; put on to two indexing services in 2006: Proquest and Library Literature and Information Science Index)
- has published since 1963 several editions of the SCOLMA Directory of libraries and special collections on Africa, initially within the UK but later across western and, from the 1993 (5th) edition, the whole of Europe. 6th edition currently a work in progress, to be online
- organises conferences and seminars on bibliographical, library and publishing topics relating to Africa, and contributes speakers and panels to other related conferences and workshops (e.g. ASAUK, British Library)
- seeks to monitor, co-ordinate and improve the acquisition of library materials on Africa, for example through its co-operative Area Specialisation Scheme for the acquisition of materials from Africa - participating libraries specialise in the acquisition of materials from particular areas of Africa and act as information centres (about to undergo its periodic review)
- maintains a website providing information on its activities (about to be reviewed and developed)
- hosts an on-line discussion list for members
- acts, and is increasingly recognised, as an expert body providing specialist advice and, when appropriate, as a pressure group
SCOLMA's activities include regular meetings and seminars, including international conferences. Under the Area Specialisation Scheme participating libraries specialise in the acquisition of materials from particular areas of Africa and act as information centres.