The Academic and Research Libraries Committee is a Standing Committee of the Council of The Library Association.

Standing Committees are by Council to advise it on policy and other matters. Subject to the need to seek prior approval of Council for major changes in policy and for decisions which have significant cost and staffing implications, each Standing Committee has delegated authority to act on matters within its terms of reference.

Composition

The Councillors on Academic and Research Libraries Committee are:

Andrew McDonald (University, Colleges & Research Group) (Chair)
Judith Elkin
Peter Harbord (Northern Branch)
Catherine Hume (Multimedia Information & Technology Group)
Geoff Langridge (South Western Branch)
Glynis Platt (Colleges of Further & Higher Education Group) 

The Honorary Officers of The Association (i.e. the President, the Honorary Treasurer, the Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee and the Chair of the Council) are ex-officio members of all standing committees.

The current Honorary Officers are:

President, Bernard Naylor
Honorary Treasurer, Jacqueline Cropley
Chair of Policy and Resources, Barry Cropper
Chair of Council, Martin Stone

The Committee is augmented by co-opted members from special interest groups of The Association, and by observers representing other interests and relevant expertise.

Barbara Buckley (Resource)
Caroline Rock (ELG)
Anne Bell (UC&R)
Diana Dixon (ISG)
Donald Mitchell (COLRIC)
Kate Gardner (CoFHE)
Nik Pollard (SCONUL)

Members of staff of The Library Association advise and assist the Standing Committees, as well as ensuring the implementation of committee recommendations and policies.

The Academic and Research Libraries Committee is mainly serviced by the staff of the Member Services Directorate. These staff are divided into teams which reflect the responsibilities of Sectoral Committees. A Professional Adviser heads each team, is the officer expert specialising in the sector concerned and acts as Secretary to the Committee. The team leader for Academic and Research Libraries is Kathy Ennis.

Terms of reference

The terms of reference of the Academic and Research Libraries Committee are:

This Committee shall advise Council and develop the policy of the Association in respect of library and information provision in the academic and research sector.

Meetings