IN DEPTH
100 days and counting – building connections
CILIP Chief Executive Louis Coiffait-Gunn looks back on his first one hundred days, revealing highlights from a busy schedule that has already taken in con- ferences, awards, and a general election. From ‘first impressions’ to ‘what next’, Louis shares his thoughts on CILIP and asks YOU to let us know your thoughts on what we should be focusing on.
AS I recently celebrated my 100th day since joining CILIP, I want to share some of my first impressions, highlights from what we’ve done in that time, and our plans for the future.
I also want to say a huge thank you for the warm welcome and all the support I’ve already received from so many of you, it’s such a privilege travelling around and meeting people in this life-changing sector, learning about what drives and frustrates you, and working with CILIP colleagues to support you. I know it’s just the beginning and there are many more people to meet and things to learn, but I’m already really fired up by all the ways we can work together to do even more for society.
First impressions As a sector, I’ve been struck by the sheer breadth of what different CILIP members do, including but going far beyond the stereotypical building full of books. The public benefit is huge, but often hard to track, given how many different agendas are being served and how intangible the impact can be at times. It’s also clearly a proud service sector, often quietly providing support to different groups of users, sometimes without them realising it. That’s particularly true of online services, where members’ hard work to provide access to trustworthy infor- mation isn’t always obvious to users. There’s also something interesting about the fact most of you are embedded within wider institutions. What is clear is that many people really do love libraries and librarians, just look at all the celeb- rities – especially among the author community
September 2024
Louis Coiffait-Gunn is CEO of CILIP.
– who come out in vocal support. Further evidence includes the generous bequests granted to CILIP by some members in their wills recently, what an amazing way to help support the next generation entering the profession. By one measure, CILIP will be 150-years-old in 2027, and I’m acutely con- scious of honouring that heritage even as we mod- ernise to thrive through today’s challenges. The identities of knowledge, data, and informa- tion professionals don’t seem quite as distinct as librarians, which is an opportunity for CILIP to help. There’s clearly a common core of values, skills, and knowledge at the heart of this whole sector which only CILIP – with its Royal Charter – can support and grow. Finally, I see a powerful network of skilled and ethical professionals, woven in different ways across our communities, but currently punching below its weight. Partly that’s about being natu-
INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 15
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