Opportunities for the sector Like many information and knowledge sectors, health librarianship is experiencing rapid change driven by technology. And while some of this change manifests as short-term challenges, there are opportu- nities running alongside. The congress will focus on key topics, helping delegates to nav- igate and thrive in changing circumstances. Imrana says: “Health librarianship in
Elizabeth Ketterman.
and contexts, recognising both our shared challenges and the unique strengths of our local communities,” she says. “By intentionally creating spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, we can build relationships that extend well beyond the conference itself. When health knowledge, library and information pro- fessionals work together globally – sharing practices, resources, and perspectives – we strengthen our collective capacity to sup- port health, equity, and scholarship in our respective communities.” This year’s theme, Flourish: Growing Our Communities, provides a platform for knowledge to spread, and the congress is also embracing an open and inclusive ethos. The call for papers set out to ensure be as welcoming as possible with Imrana noting: “Inclusivity is about ensuring that everyone involved in or interested in this sector of our profession had the opportun ity to participate in the call for papers as we kept the sub- themes of the Congress quite broad. “Interpretation of specific words and phrases may mean different things to different people, so we ensured our judging panel was internationally diverse. I approached colleagues whom I thought would strike the balance of academic excel- lence and ethnicity to represent this global event after volunteers had stepped up.” She adds: “We had a diverse group of health knowledge, library and information professionals to put the expression of interest together to bid for the opportu- nity to hold the Congress in the UK. We then strengthened it with one of CILIP’s Disability Network leads, Morag Clarkson when we did site visits and interviewed for the conference organiser. Finally adding Kate Lomax from Artefacto as the techni- cal advisor on the second site visit.” Organisers have been keen to deliver a venue that meets everybody’s needs as well as pushing for sustainable options wherever possible, including a largely vegan/vegetarian menu.
February-March 2026
2026 is focused on navigating rapid change whilst remaining grounded in our core values of access, equity, and trust. Key issues include the ethical use of artificial intelligence, supporting evidence-based practice amid misinformation, and ensuring equitable access to health infor- mation across diverse populations and settings. At the same time, the profession is addressing workforce sustainability and wellness, evolving skill sets, and the need to demonstrate impact within increasingly complex health and research environ- ments for public benefit.
The three-day event, taking place from 14-16 July, is CPD certified and features to confirmed keynote speeches so far, with CILIPS Chief Executive Sean McNamara opening the conference and Lucy Aphramor, UK Dietitian and EDI Consultant, speak- ing on day two.
Elizabeth points out: “Globally, health knowledge, library and information professionals align with CILIP’s ethical framework although the words we use may be slightly different. The sub-themes for ICML 2026 also align with this.” With early bird rates available until Friday 13 March, there is still time to book your place at the best price. Imrana said: “We look forward to welcom- ing you to #ICML2026 which is going to be the mega health libraries event of the year, and we encourage everyone to attend as it is only run every four to five years across the globe. We welcome first-timers and new professionals as well as regular congress attendees to the event which will help us to flourish and grow our communities. “The early bird discount has been extended
to 13 March 2026, and we have just added some discounted accommodation, courtesy of Glasgow Convention Bureau.” For more details and to book your place
visit
www.hlg-conference.com/icml2026/accom- modation.
Programme highlights
Day one l Keynote: Connecting out commu- nities for a Healthier Scotland – Sean McNamara, Director CILIP Scotland;
l AI indexing and government inter- ference: measuring frequency changes in MeSH for “DEI” terms over the last 10 years – Isobel Eddyshaw, Academic Liaison Librarian, University of Exeter
Imrana Ghumra.
and Monica Casey, Senior Information Manager, NICE;
l Prompt Engineering for System- atic Reviews: Using AI for sensitivity improvements in LGBTQ+ and Ethnic Minority Search Strategies – John Barbrook, Faculty Librarian, Lancaster University;
l Tactical, Timely, and Impactful: How a Strategic Marketing Approach Has Enhanced Our Health Literacy Training Offer – Bethany Courtney, Assistant Librarian, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust;
l Demonstrating Value and Impact: The Knowledge for Healthcare Value and Impact toolkit – validation, collaboration and the benefits – Clare Edwards, Knowl- edge and Library Services Senior Manager, NHS England;
l Coffee across the pond: implementing a transatlantic randomised coffee trial for hospital nurses, Phillip Barlow, NHS Sup- port Librarian, Imperial College London;
l Unbound: Letting go of the book as the library’s primary icon – Beth Jackson, Knowledge Skills Librarian, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire;
l Bloody Brilliant Libraries: Tackling misogynistic misinformation through menstrual health literacy – Kirsten MacQuarrie, Sector Development Manager, CILIP Scotland;
Sean McNamara.
Phillip Barlow. INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 33
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