NEWS
To research or not to research?
A SURVEY of the experiences, skill and confidence of librarians conducting research is looking for more responses. The Library and Information Research Group (LIRG) said: “librarians themselves are often not seen as researchers and little is known about librarians’ confidence and skills to conduct research,” adding that the findings will be used to develop a strategy, identify training needs and encourage research. It said: “We invite all LIK professionals, across all sectors to participate so that we have as complete a picture as possible across the UK. You do not need to be a CILIP member to participate.” For more details visit
https://bit.ly/3Q990Dg
Imposter syndrome masterclass
A PRACTICAL online workshop set to run on 29 November will help attendees see when a negative voice is controlling their decisions and behaviour and help them make more empowering choices. The Managing the Imposter Within Masterclass is lead by Jo Walley and runs from 1.30pm to 4pm and will include group discussions and personal reflection to max- imise individual learning and to learn from others. It is designed to improve confidence, communication, and lead to better results in work and every area of life. For more details visit
https://bit.ly/3RRqCou
Artificial intelligence workshop
AN AI workshop for librarians, informa- tion and knowledge professionals will run on 1 December, from 1 pm to 4 pm. Delegates will find out about the nature of AI and how to use it responsibly. The UKeiG Zoom course will give an introduction to AI designed specifically for library, information and knowledge pro- fessionals but part of the course will give an insight into what is involved ‘under the hood’ of AI applications. For more details about Artificial intelligence
for librarians, information and knowledge professionals, visit
https://bit.ly/46kpI8d
ALA’s Tracie D Hall steps down
THE American Library Association has announced that Tracie D Hall, its Executive Director for nearly four years has resigned, after lead- ing it through the pandemic and an era of organised book-banning and increased political polarisation. In a statement released by the ALA a day before her resignation, Tracie said: “To serve as executive director of ALA at any time would be a formidable task… To take on that role at the outset of a pandemic and during an unprecedented escala- tion in censorship attempts has required intensive effort, which I have relished and learned from. And though there is still so much to do, I believe I am leaving the association – stewarded by its dedicated board, membership, and committed staff – on course to achieve new levels of im- pact in the realization [sic] of its mission.” Tracie, who was included in Time Mag- azine’s 100 most influential people in the world earlier this year, took up the role at the ALA in January 2020. Later that year she gave the key note at CILIP Con- ference. In a pre-conference interview, before President Trump was beaten by Joe Biden, she highlighted the difficulties libraries and librarians would face: “All of the conversations leading up to the elec- tion: conversations about social justice in the context of policing reforms… George Floyd and Breonna Taylor… Jacob Blake,
conversations around opioid addiction, economic inequity… education gaps, those questions push on our mission even more so, to provide learning and access to education for all. The reality is that in 2020 those gaps have hardened and calcified. They have been widened and weaponised and this really pushes on us to mobilise around ALA’s mission in a way that really constitutes move- ment building. To be a librarian in the 21st Century is to recognise that we must attend to the social issues that make for the differences in information access and equity. I think that we have to imagine ourselves as activists.” In the ALA statement about Tracie’s res- ignation ALA President, Emily Drabinski, said: “Tracie has been a strong guiding force for ALA and a tireless champion for libraries, library workers, and the communities they serve… A passionate steward of our profession, she has demon- strated unparalleled leadership and an unwavering commitment to ALA’s mis- sion, especially at a time when there has been unprecedented attention around our work. As she now moves onward, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Tracie for her outstanding service and indelible contributions to ALA and wish her con- tinued success in her future endeavours.” The ALA said it will name an interim executive director in the coming weeks.
Sandbox opportunity for data protection innovators
ORGANISATIONS working with complex data protection initiatives are being invited to work with the ICO’s Regulatory Sandbox, which provides an increased level of support. The ICO is looking for 20 organisations
that are handling sensitive data and which are creating innovative products and ser- vices to help ensure privacy. The Informa- tion Commissioner’s Office will share a range of resources to chosen organisations, as well as helping them assess the final out- come against regulatory requirements. Stephen Almond, ICO Executive Director
of Regulatory Risk, said: “We’re passionate about helping innovators – big and small – engineer privacy into the design of their
6 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL
products and give their customers confi- dence in them as they take them to market. “Through our Regulatory Sandbox, organisations get unique access to bespoke regulatory advice and support as they take their ideas from concept to reality. Only the most innovative proposals can be accepted. “I’m excited to see what new technolog-
ical developments are put forward for our next cohort of entries.” Applications to join the sandbox must
be in by the end of the year and should focus on one of three themes – biometric processing; emerging technologies; or excep tional innovations. To find out more and to apply visit
https://tinyurl.com/2h9ad94j.
October-November 2023
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