NEWS
Help to shape CILIP’s stance on Intellectual Freedom
A NEW committee to help shape the profession’s voice around Intellectual Freedom is being created by CILIP, and the search is on its inaugural Chair and members. The Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC) will guide CILIP’s
work as it looks to lead and influence the debate around the right to access and use information freely. Building on CILIP’s ethical values, the committee will enable CILIP to be an authoritative voice for the profession creating a strong plat- form for effective advocacy at all levels. The role of the Chair will be crucial in developing and delivering the aims of the committee, as well as working constructively with committee members to ensure the IFC is as effective as possible. Expressions of interest have already been received and the process of appointing the Chair is underway.
About the Committee The committee has been created to champion Intellectual Freedom – the cornerstone of a healthy democracy and a thriving information-rich society. Defined as freedom of access to information and freedom of expression, intellectual free- dom is central to our profession and values. The Intellectual Freedom Committee will provide strategic leadership and expert advice to CILIP on matters relating to intellectual freedom, influencing policy and practice for the benefit of our members and wider society. This includes advising the Trustee Board and helping to shape a dynamic, evidence-led work programme aligned with CILIP’s strate- gic goals.
Next steps To ensure that the committee has the best possible start, CILIP is looking to recruit a Chair to work with CILIP’s lead- ership team and the Board of Trustees ahead of the launch of IFC. The aim is to create a strong foundation for the com- mittee, helping to create a productive space for Starting with the appointment of a new Chair this summer,
the newly formed IFC will provide strategic leadership, expert advice, and public advocacy on this critical issue. Working closely with the CILIP Board of Trustees and senior leader- ship, the committee will help shape an evidence-led work programme that protects and promotes intellectual freedom
and the values that underpin them. The committee will not only focus on the impact and importance for the sector, but more widely for society, helping citizens become empowered in how they protect their own intellectual freedom. Once the Chair has been selected, there will be further recruit-
ment with up to five members from across the sector co-opted on to the committee. The aim is to have the committee con- vened by autumn, ready to begin the programme of work.
Why it matters
There are signs that intellectual freedom is under threat. High profile cases of book bans in the US are just the tip of the iceberg, and there are signs that the UK and Europe are facing similar threats to hard-won freedoms. CILIP Chief Executive Louis Coiffait-Gunn said: “Now more
than ever, we need strong, confident voices speaking up for freedom of expression and access to information. The new Intellectual Freedom Committee will ensure these values remain central to our profession and visible in public life.”
Expression of interest CILIP will be calling for anyone interested in joining the committee once the Chair has been appointed. Committee members should be able to:
● Bring passion, insight and a commitment to the principles of intellectual freedom;
● take a broad, profession-wide view, beyond personal experience or sector;
● be willing to contribute to complex and sometimes con- tested discussions with integrity, openness, and sound judge- ment;
● To work collaboratively, advocating for our profession and its public benefit;
● bring strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Anyone interested in joining the committee can sign up for CILIP’s newsletter for the latest announcements at
www.cilip.
org.uk/CILIPmailinglistsignup.
Honorary Fellowships 2025 IP Announcement Members are being asked to put forward nominations for
CILIP is inviting nominations for this year’s Honorary Fellowship Awards.
CILIP’s highest accolade, which recognises the contribution of an individual to the information, knowledge management and library professions. Honorary Fellows do not have to come from the profession, and past winners have included Professor Chris Witty and Dolly Parton, as well as those from the Profession such as former CILIP CEO Nick Poole
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and former Scottish Library and Information Council CEO Pamela Tulloch.
An Honorary Fellowship is awarded for a significant impact on the profession or the wider world through. CILIP members can nominate individuals until 29 August, and must be able to demonstrate their impact in the nom- inations.
Full details of how to nominate and the criteria for nomi- nations can be found at
www.cilip.org.uk/honoraryfellowship.
Rewired 2025
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