60 years of library studies in Aberystwyth

In 2024, the Department of Information Studies celebrated its 60th birthday. This seemed a great milestone at which to celebrate the achievements of thousands of students and over 100 staff who have been part of this journey.

The College of Librarianship Wales (CLW) was established in Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth in 1964. After 25 years, in 1989, the College became part of the University of Wales Aberystwyth, as the Department of Information and Library Studies. In 2002 its name changed to the Department of Information Studies, and in 2018 we moved from our home in Llanbadarn to the Penglais campus of Aberystwyth University. You can read a brief history on the page about CLW.

This anniversary year (2024-25) marks 35 years in Aberystwyth University as well as CLW’s 60th birthday.

Ariel view of hillside with houses and college buildings
View of the purpose-built campus (C) Aberystwyth University

We are planning a series of events and projects to mark the anniversary, including a review of its impact on library and archive education in Wales and beyond, and this reminiscence project.

The reminiscence project will collect memories and written accounts, pictures and other material related to the College, to DILS and DIS, and the careers of staff and students. We hope this will lead to an exhibition of memories and memorabilia, online and potentially a small exhibition based in Aberystwyth in 2025 (details to follow).

We welcome your participation in this project and if you would like to be involved, or just to get more information, please drop us a line via our contact page, including if you would like to be added to our mailing list.  

Survey gathering memories

Please fill in this survey about your memories of your time at Aberystwyth.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Alumni Reunion Weekend 20-22nd June 2025

The Department invites you to lunch (buffet and cake) to celebrate 60-plus years of information studies at Aberystwyth, and also at the Alumni Reunion Fair afterwards. Register for the reunion weekend.

For more information about the Alumni weekend contact alumni-events@aber.ac.uk with any questions. Registration closes 30th of May.

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