www.cilip.org.uk/empoweringimpact ‘‘
Rob Green Editor-in-Chief
Rob.Green@
cilip.org.uk
T
HIS issue we feature some significant reports and reviews looking at issues that are affecting many areas within library sectors. And while each report is concerned with specific areas in the profession, there are lessons that stretch across boundaries. From workforce development to information literacy and the use of artificial intelligence, the profession faces similar challenges and opportunities, no matter which sector we are working in. This crossover is not coincidence. Library, information management and knowledge management roles overlap in many key components and skills, and there are lessons to be learnt and shared. CILIP provides a home for these distinct but similar communities, creating a unique network for all those working in profession.
Professors David McMenemy and Steven Buchanan have authored a report based on research of public library staff and their experiences of mis- and disinformation. It’s findings perhaps won’t come as surprise to many of those working in public libraries, but as well as highlighting current issues it also offers a way forward. And recommendations that are aimed at the public library sector, can be adapted and shaped to fit other organisations.
Likewise the workforce development piece, Developing the future public library workforce: Realising our shared ambitions, sets out a framework for services to deliver a future ready workforce. And while the report is framed around public libraries, the challenges and solutions it looks at can be applied across sectors, from identifying skills needs and creating pathways into librarianship to diversifying the profession and delivering future leaders.
For school librarians there was encouraging support from the Education Committee, which released a report praising the work that happens in well-run school libraries. It called on government to take concrete action to not only support existing libraries and librarians, but to go further and invest in the infrastructure and people needed to ensure every child has access to a school
library. The report recognises the immense value that students get from having access to a school library that includes a librarian.
Anyone working in an information or knowledge setting will understand how important it is for the value they bring to users to be recognised. While much of the work is unseen, the results for users can be transformative. The final piece is a review of existing research on the use of AI in libraries, and provides a consolidated view of the current state of play. Elena Macevičiutė and Thomas D. Wilson examine how AI is changing the way people seek, evaluate, and use information.
This issue also sees the launch of CILIP’s tech conference, Rewired. As you would expect, discussions around AI will be featured throughout the programme, which is being co-curated with CILIP’s UKeiG committee. Among the confirmed speakers for the November Conference is Rónán O’Beirne, the new Chair of CILIP’s Intellectual Freedom Committee, and you can read his thoughts on the next steps for the committee. And this issue of Information Professional also has a strong focus on AI. John Sheridan, Chief Digital Information Officer at The National Archives, discusses how AI bots are changing the face of interactions with collections it holds - and his views may surprise some of you.
Mark Ford offers expert insight into how AI can impact on knowledge management in legal settings. He looks at the current landscape and explores how and where knowledge managers can incorporate new tools into their work, while bringing their non-KM colleagues along. And Marion Shaw also looks at AI, data and why culture is as crucial to success as the technology. She points out that without a strong culture and organisational buy-in, many are missing out on the true potential that AI can bring.
Enjoy this issue and we will be back later in the autumn. And if you haven’t already listened to our sister podcast, simply search for The Info Pro Podcast and hear from guests including Richard Ovenden, Professor David McMenemy and Dr Andrew Cox.
EDITOR
This issue also sees the launch of CILIP’s tech conference, Rewired. As you would expect, discussions around AI will be featured throughout the programme, which is being co-curated with CILIP’s UKeiG committe.
August-September 2026
INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 3
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