Established in 1999 the Facultat d’Informació i Mitjans Audiovisuals stands proudly in Barcelona. Its history however stretches far further back. The faculty’s roots lie in the Escola Superior de Bibliotecàries. Founded in 1915 by the Mancomunitat de Catalunya this school was a pioneer. It trained the librarians who would manage the burgeoning Xarxa de Biblioteques Populars de Catalunya. The network of popular libraries began spreading across the country in 1918.
The Escola Superior de Bibliotecàries wasn’t just any school. It attracted illustrious professors. Eugeni d’Ors was a founder and director. Jordi Rubió i Balaguer served as a professor and later director. Carles Riba Jaume Massó i Torrents and many other significant figures in Catalan history were also involved. The school incorporated cutting-edge European and US trends in its approach to librarianship.
For many years the institution was not officially recognised by the Spanish government. It wasn’t until 1978 that the studies of librarianship received official recognition. This milestone was a testament to the efforts of the Catalan librarians’ collective to elevate their profession. In 1982 the Escola finally gained university status and was attached to the University of Barcelona. This achievement was marked by the award of the Corbata de l’Orde Civil d’Alfons X el Savi a prestigious honour.
The Escola’s journey continued. It evolved into the Facultat de Biblioteconomia i Documentació in 1999. This was a culmination of a long process to integrate library and information science into all levels of university education. In the early 2019-2020 academic year the faculty was renamed the Facultat d’Informació i Mitjans Audiovisuals. This better reflects its expanded curriculum. Today it offers degrees in information management audiovisual communication and a range of master’s and doctoral programs.
The Facultat d’Informació i Mitjans Audiovisuals is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to the evolution of information and communication. Its history encompasses a century of innovation and adaptation. It has consistently responded to the evolving needs of society. As we stand here it’s a place of learning a place of discovery and a vibrant hub in Barcelona’s cultural landscape. It’s legacy continues to shape the future of information. It’s a place where tradition meets modernity and the past informs the future. The Facultat d’Informació i Mitjans Audiovisuals. A legacy of learning in the heart of Barcelona.