Created in 1930, AIB is the most important Italian professional association in the library sector. It is run by volunteers and is self-financed through association fees, professional courses and sale of publications.

AIB represents Italy in major international organisations (including EBLIDA, IFLA and IASL) and acts closely with other Italian and foreign associations and with the European Union, including the participation in Community projects. AIB is a member of CoLAP (Coordination of Professional Associations), UNI (Italian National Unification), Federculture, EDU – European Dewey User Group, and is partner of born to Read and Ibby Italy.