Annual Study Weekend

The next ASW will take place in Cardiff in 2026 (dates to be confirmed).

The Annual Study Weekend (ASW) takes place from Friday afternoon to Sunday around Easter each year. It provides attendees with thought–provoking and practical information as well as opportunities for networking with their opposite numbers from a range of libraries across the UK and Ireland.

A draft programme for the ASW usually becomes available from December of the preceding year onward. Details of and booking forms for the next ASW can be found in the Events listing as they become available. 

Delegates consistently rate IAML (UK & Irl)’s Annual Study Weekend highly, finding the content both informative and relevant with excellent networking opportunities. Here is some of the feedback from the 2025 ASW (held online):

• “It was really useful and provided a lot of insight”
• “Excellent content and presentation throughout—congratulations! I’m just sorry I could only attend on two out of the three days.”
• “Presentations very good and varied, interesting content even where not relevant to my individual workplace.”
• “Really interesting range of topics with knowledgeable speakers.”

Some delegates return year after year but there are always a good number of ‘first timers’, including students of library and information studies as well as staff just embarking on a career in music librarianship.

The Music Libraries Trust is able to provide a limited number of bursaries each year – priority is given to those who would otherwise be unable to attend and who have no other sources of funding.

For details of the next ASW as they become available see under Events.