Oct-Nov 2024 www.cilip.org.uk/infopro


Published by CILIP. Printed in Great Britain by Manson, St Albans, Hertfordshire.


Editor-in-Chief: Rob Green rob.green@cilip.org.uk Senior Reporter: Rob Mackinlay rob.mackinlay@cilip.org.uk


Rob Green Editor-in-Chief rob.green@cilip.org.uk


s we were putting the finishing touches to this issue of Information Professional, I was lucky enough to be part of CILIP’s team for the Libraries Change Lives event at Westminster. This month’s front cover was taken at that event, and one of the things that struck me was the huge diversity of sectors represented there.


A


That range of people and organisations did not happen by chance – CILIP was joined by a further 10 library and information organi- sations who joined us as co-hosts. But listening to the different sto- ries and perspective that were being shared served to reinforce the value of working together. And it seems that now, more than ever, a united front is needed to help ensure opportunities are grasped and challenges are faced.


As well as fantastic representation from people working across library, information and knowledge services, the event attracted politicians keen to learn more about how services can help their constituents. I talked to many of them and saw many more people taking the opportunity to engage and share their own Libraries Change Lives stories and experiences. The event was sponsored by Laurence Turner MP, one of the hundreds of new MPs that took their seats in the House of Com- mons following this year’s general election. Laurence’s support for libraries is hugely welcome and valuable, but it is also a recognition of the impact libraries had on Laurence’s own life. Speaking at the event he said that his own experience growing up had shown him “how important access to a library space was,” adding: “Without that I don’t think I’d be standing here today.” Fellow MP Florence Eshalomi, Chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee also shared her experi- ence of visiting her local library – as both a child looking for a space to read, study and learn and as a parent.


It is easy to forget the impact public libraries can have on people – especially if you have not visited one recently. Libraries Change Lives is about changing perceptions and reminding people of the inherent value of a library service.


And while public libraries might be the first touchpoint to connect with someone, it is often a great place to start a conversation and talk about how services are supporting education, from primary schools to university; how they are helping the UK’s scientists and researchers; or how clinicians rely on the support of knowledge and library staff to help them make the best choices. So, whatever your libraries’ story take the opportunity to tell it when you can.


Rob Green, Editor-in-Chief CILIP: established 2002.


Incorporated by Royal Charter 1898. Registered Charity 313014.


Chief Executive: Louis Coiffait-Gunn.


Member ship: enquiries to membership@cilip.org.uk www.cilip.org.uk/membership


Production/Design Editor: Richard Gibbons richard.gibbons@cilip.org.uk


Advertising Manager: Angela Krzyzanowska angela.krzyzanowska@cilip.org.uk


CILIP, c/o British Library, Room 150, 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB


infopromag@cilip.org.uk; 020 4513 2831; www.cilip.org.uk/infopro©; Information Professional 2023. All rights reserved. Other than as permitted by law, any part of this publication may only be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means with the prior written permission of CILIP, or in accordance with the terms of a licence issued by an appropriate reproduction rights organisation. Opinions expressed in Information Professional are not necessarily those of CILIP or the editorial team.


Annual subscription, UK, £98; outside UK, £120 For subscriptions contact: angela.krzyzanowska@cilip.org.uk


Cover picture: Libraries Change Lives, by John Cowley Publication dates


Publication and copy dates for the next three issues of Information Professional are:


December 2024: Digital published 12 December. Features: 12 November. News by 26 November.


January-February 2025: published 6 February. Features: 19 December. News by 14 January.


October-November 2024


INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 3


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60