AIIP HISTORY

Formation and Purpose

The Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) was formed on June 6, 1987, by Dr. Marilyn Levine and 26 fellow information brokers.

Dr. Levine was a professor of Library and Information Science at the University of Wisconsin and the owner of Information Express, an information brokerage firm. An advocate of free enterprise, she recognized the need for a professional association to serve information entrepreneurs like herself. The first members of AIIP were each a pioneer in providing information-related services such as online and manual research, document delivery, database design, library support, consulting, writing, and publishing.

AIIP members held their second annual business meeting in 1988 in Denver, Colorado. Members adopted bylaws, and AIIP was incorporated as a 501(c)(6) organization. Roger Summit, the founder of Dialog Information Services, was the keynote speaker at the meeting. Roger, who has been called the father of modern online search, continues to be a strong supporter of AIIP.

AIIP Today

Since its founding, AIIP has continued to be an important voice for the independent information profession. Known for its welcoming, collegial, and non-competitive culture, AIIP has members representing countries from around the world.

The Association continues the legacy created by Marilyn Levine by holding an annual symposium and membership business meeting. AIIP also provides members with a private email discussion group, partners with industry vendors who give members access to discount subscriptions, delivers educational programming year-round, coordinates peer support and mentoring programs, provides opportunities to network with colleagues worldwide, and offers business- and industry-related resources for its members.

AIIP members represent a diverse set of specialties including research and investigation, marketing and communications, information management and technology, training and consulting, and writing and editing.

More About AIIP

• AIIP Professional Standards
• AIIP Awards
• AIIP Board of Directors
• AIIP Past Presidents
• AIIP Member Business Directory