Association of Library and Information Professionals of the Czech Republic

Association of Library and Information Professionals of the Czech Republic (SKIP in Czech) is a voluntary, special and professional organization of librarians and information professionals which has a character of a civic association.

The mission of SKIP is an effort to constantly improve the standards of library and information services and in that manner to increase the professional prestige. It also works toward the goal of better conditions for the development and activities of libraries and information centres.

SKIP has more than 2,000 members (over 890 libraries and over 1,050 individuals) which makes it the largest professional body for librarians, information professionals and libraries in the Czech Republic. It is organized regionally – it has ten regional committees. Specialized activities are handled by sections such as that for public libraries, by clubs such as that for children libraries, and by commissions such as a commission for international relations.

Our activities include:

  • participating in the creation and implementation of professional legislation
  • cooperation with educational institutions and other organizations which deal with librarianship and information science in this country and abroad
  • organization of professional and social events for librarians and information professionals
  • taking part in professional training of specialists and contributes toward lifelong learning for librarians and information professionals
  • developing contacts with professional associations and organizations of the same or similar objective both in this country and abroad, it is a member of IFLA and EBLIDA
  • publishing a professional newsletter Bulletin SKIP

Our projects include:

  • Start Life with a Book – a national version of the Bookstart project
  • I Am Already a Reader – Book for First Grader – a project to support reading habits in children
  • March – Readers' Month and Library Week – nationwide campaigns aimed at promoting libraries and library services
  • Night with Andersen – an annual sleepover for children in libraries and other institutions
  • Archives, Libraries, Museums in the Digital World – an annual conference bringing together professionals from all types of GLAM institutions

If you wish to learn more about us in English, feel free to consult the following resources:

You can also consult a leaflet in German (pdf, 6.53 MB).

Are you interested in joining SKIP? Or do you wish to find out more? Please feel free to contact us.