London Book Fair 16-18 April 2007

I joined CILIP (in the persons of Ian Snowley and Louisa Myatt) to represent UKeiG at a focus group organised by CILIP and Reed Exhibitions to look at what the organisers could do to make this year's London Book Fair more relevant for librarians. Reed is aware that only a relatively small number of librarians attend the show while at the same time seeing it as an event that should have huge potential for the profession. The overall "librarian attendance" was up 38% last year and they are looking for a similar rise in 2007.
We discussed issues - such as funding to attend events, and time to attend only a limited number of such shows - and I am pleased to say that Reed responded by looking for packages that they could offer CILIP members (they already offer FREE entry) to make a visit to the show possible.
In terms of making it more relevant and attractive to librarians, the organisers are considering a range of possibilies targetted specifically at the profession.
Both Ian and I felt very encouraged by the discussions and are confident that the London Book Fair will become a must for those librarians able to attend. Reed want to arrange a further meeting of the focus group later in the year, so I should be able to report more on what they are planning at that stage.