The European Union is known for many things, but not for the quality of the publications it spawns. The cover of this book is smart enough and the paper white, but the page layout is execrable. Determining the type size tested the limits of my books on typography; calling it 6‐point is generous, and with four columns of small box‐like directory entries spread over the width of an A4 page, each page had the appearance of those now‐obsolete microcards. But the book is better than it looks: closer acquaintance (closer in more than one sense) brought respect. This is a directory that lists more than 650 EU trade and professional associations. Such associations play an important part in the European Union since they defend the interests of the members they represent by trying to influence the guidelines and decisions of the Union’s institutions. Most of them lobby, and they are useful sources of information.
This, the second edition, is in English and French, and gives details of the members of the associations, some 8,500 in all. Thus, under EBLIDA, the European Bureau of Library, Information and Documentation Associations, we have directory information, date of foundation, areas of activity, working languages, number of staff, information available, and its 36 members, including six in the UK. The associations themselves are arranged alphabetically, not by name, but by acronym or abbreviation! (The day has come at last ‐ the acronym takes precedence over name!) If the acronym or abbreviation is not known, there is an index of names, and if neither is known, there is an index of keywords. There is also an index of acronyms and abbreviations, from AAC and ACE, to YES and ZDA, ideal for a Euro librarians’ Christmas quiz! Amusingly, a few recalcitrant associations are not playing the acronym game. Between UPLAC and WAPAC is Wall and Floor Coverings, and between WFA and WTTC comes Wines and Spirits. Cheers!
Seriously though, this is an excellent, detailed compilation of European trade and professional associations. Subjects range widely: the above initialisms are for Starch Industries, Beverage Cartons and the Enivronment, Young Entrepreneurs, Zinc, Dried Yeast Producers, Waste Paper Trade, Advertisers, and Travel and Tourism. And Floorcoverings and Wines! Just a pity about the microprint.
