European Librarians in African Studies (ELIAS)

In 2005 the first initiative was taken towards forming a network for librarians in African studies across Europe by Africanists librarians in the UK. In 2007 the first ELIAS conference was held in Leiden, The Netherlands.

The ELIAS network is an informal network for all librarians, archivists, documentalists or other information workers working with materials from and about Africa in institutions (libraries, archives, organisations, NGOs etc.) in Europe.

ELIAS exists to

promote exchange and cooperation amongst its members;
promote information and accessibility of African resource materials of any kind;
promote exchange and cooperation with those in other countries, particularly in Africa, with similar concerns;
provide activities, platforms and tools to achieve its aims and objective

ELIAS meetings

2024 in London, Friday 24 May 2024, The National Archives, Kew. Open theme

2023 in Cologne (Germany). Tuesday 30 May 2023, Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum. Theme: Images of Africa

2022 in Bordeaux, Sciences Po Bordeaux, Friday 24 June 2022 (Programme) ELIAS program 2022.pdf

2020 on Zoom, Friday 29 May 2020

2019 in Edinburgh, Tuesday 11 June 2019 (the day before ECAS 8). Theme: Religious collections on Africa – Reading archival & library collections against the grain
2018 in Vienna (Austria), Friday 1 June 2018

2017 in Basel (University Library), Wednesday 28 June 2017 (the day before ECAS 7)

2016 in Tervuren, Friday 17 June 2016

2015 in Paris, 7th of July 2015, the day before ECAS 6

2014 in Frankfurt

2013 in Lissbon, attached to ECAS 5

2012 in Basel

2011 in Uppsala, attached to ECAS 4

2010 in London

2009 in Leipzig, attached to ECAS 3

2008 in Paris

2007 in Leiden

ELIAS activities