It was evident early in the 1960's that a number of departments in the University of Leeds were developing independent programmes of study and research on African topics, and that it would be useful to strengthen this work internally and also to avoid unco-ordinated approaches to outside bodies for advice and financial support. Accordingly, after a working party had prepared a factual report on activities in different fields, the Senate established a Standing Committee on African Studies, which in turn set up a small secretarial and documentation Unit, to assist in the co-ordination, development, and documentation of African studies.