Western European Specialists Section | The American Library Association Archives

The Western European Specialists Section (WESS) was formed to represent librarians and others who specialize or are otherwise professionally involved in the acquisition, organization, and uses of information sources  originating in or relating to Western European Countries; to promote the improvement of library services in support of study and research activities in Western European affairs.  Its committees include Conference Planning, Nominating, Publications, and Research and Planning.  There are also two ad hoc committees, Continuing Education and Conference Proceedings, as well as several Discussion Groups (1).

First begun as the Western European Language Specialists Discussion Group in 1973 (2), it received full section status and a name change to the WESS in 1973 (3).

WESS has published its Newsletter since 1975 (4).

1.  ALA Handbook of Organization and Membership, 1988/89, p. 70-71.

2.  WESS Newsletter, April 1987, pp. 3, 7.

3.  Ibid.

4.  Ibid.