that they play their role in countering systemic bias in the future.”
Events
In March CCW hosted “E-Content Across the Sectors” bringing together experts from different sectors to share practices and answer questions on a range of topics linked to digital content. This has provided a gateway to new conversations about how libraries can deliver e-content to users, and will help to create best prac- tice that can be shared across sectors. In May, CILIP Cymru Wales held its Annual Conference, with delegates attending online. Keynote speakers included Martina McChrystal, Director of Library Services at the University of Glasgow; Mystery Beck – trainer and workshop leader and a Faculty Librarian at the University of Portsmouth; Durre Shahwar, writer, researcher, and Future Wales Fellowship Artist; Owain Rhys Roberts, Director and Deputy Chief Exec (Collections and Public Programmes) at the National Library of Wales.
Mapping School libraries
A joint project with Books Council of Wales has put the spotlight on school library provision in Wales. The aim is to provide a comprehensive map of library services for schools, and eventually establish a network across the sector. This network will then help to gather evidence and best practice, which can guide decision-making and
CILIP Ireland
IFLA finally came to Ireland, following the Covid postpone- ment of the 2020 World Library and Information Congress, bringing library and information professionals from across the world. CILIP Ireland took an active role in the event over summer, but it was not the only item on the agenda in 2022. Here Gerardine Blee takes a look back at CILIP Ireland’s activities over the past year.
Mentoring CILIP Ireland, in partnership with the LAI, launched a Virtual Mentoring Network. This is a new cross-border initiative, and the primary purpose of the scheme is to support those who wish to progress in their career by accessing an experienced mentor. The network provides an opportu- nity for mentees to engage in leadership conversations with mentors who can facilitate a new or different perspective alongside obtaining helpful insights, guidance, and support. A six-month pilot of the scheme ran from May until October and initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Following a detailed evaluation, it is our intention to open the scheme fully in 2023.
Election activity
In the run up to the North Ireland Assembly election on 5 May 2022 CILIP Ireland ran a very successful “Library Dividend” election campaign to highlight the role and value of local libraries. As part of the campaign our Relationship Manager engaged with all the local political parties and was invited to a meeting with the DUP Policy Team to discuss their policy approach to libraries. This was a unique and very valuable opportunity to advocate directly to key decision makers in government. Throughout the campaign CILIP Ireland
December 2022
improve support for school libraries. Amy Staniforth, from CILIP Cymru Wales said: “School libraries and librari- ans offer a valuable and essential service by providing children with access to information, reading recommendations and support, and to a safe space where they can make their own informed choices. We know there is great work going on in school libraries in Wales, but the evidence is anecdotal, and we’re worried that there are schools and librarians going without the support they need from the wider education and library sectors.” Angharad Sinclair from Books Council of Wales adds that the research will help inform the wider picture around school libraries, saying: “Currently, school libraries don’t fall under a specific local government or Welsh Government remit, and as schools, resources and staffing structures have changed over time, the bigger picture on library provision in schools has been lost.”
Sustainable futures
Environmental impact has been a key issue for CILIP throughout 2022 following the launch of We Are CILIP (see pp. 13-15), which puts sustainability at the heart of CILIP’s future plans. CILIP Cymru Wales has delivered a number of activities and projects to support that aim of sustaina- bility, including the creation of the Green Libraries: Wales Fund as part of the CILIP-led Green Libraries Partnership.
In Wales, grants have been funded by the Kathleen Cooks Fund, which has provided up to £5,000 (made up of two grants up to £2,500) to help library services create and deliver exploratory pro- grammes, activities and knowledge-shar- ing to improve the understanding of how libraries can help deliver meaningful change.
Team of the Year
A new award was launched by CILIP Cymru Wales this year, celebrating teamwork and collaboration. The Welsh Library Team of the Year winners were announced in November, with Training group, NHS Wales Library & Knowledge Service/NHS Wales e-library taking the title. Runners up in the award was the Academic Engage- ment team at Aberystwyth University. The award was made in recognition of
the work done by The NHS Wales Library & Knowledge Service to develop remote training, helping to ensure de-centralised teams were able to stay connected and up to date with the latest developments in the sector. CILIP Cymru Wales Chair Lou Peck adds “Every year I am reminded what an incredible and valuable library community we have here in Wales. “The Welsh Library Team of the Year Award is an opportunity for library teams across Wales to shout about their successes and lessons learned. It’s an amazing opportunity to have a peep into projects that go on, that we otherwise would not hear about.”
IFLA President, Barabara Lison, speaks at the CILIP Ireland caucus during IFLA WLIC Conference in Dublin.
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