Is librarianship in the UK a true profession, a semi‐profession or a mere occupation?

Surveys the process of professionalization as it applies to UK librarianship in its evolution from occupation through semi‐profession to full blown professional status. Examines Abbott’s ideas on the heartland of work and jurisdiction in relation to librarianship and some of the issues bearing on the profession today, such as deprofessionalization and hospitality of membership. Gives an historical overview of the first events in the passage of the Library Association along the professionalization continuum. Outlines a model of a fusion‐fission process underlying the life cycle of professional bodies.