INSIGHT President’s view
Leadership in action for 2025
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EFLECTING one of the priorities in our #WeAreCILIP strategy, my focus as President is on Leadership in Action. Effective leadership is key to shaping and driving strategic change and a core skill for
designing, managing and evaluating knowledge and library services.
Moreover, on the ground we are all leaders. Irrespective of role or seniority, it is the leadership qualities of individuals that make an impact. Through personal credibility, building relationships, connecting and empowering people, CILIP members change lives for the better – informing, influencing and inspiring turn by turn, day by day.
Aiming to complement the work of groups, networks and the staff team, I have set these goals for the year:
l Demonstrate our contribution to building the economy. Certainly “Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries” (Herbert). However, “Evidence does not speak for itself but needs to be mobilised at the right time, and through the right people, to make a difference in decision making” (National Institute of Health Research, 2013). I’m issuing a clarion call to each and every one of us, to act as a stronger advocate for the value of library, knowledge and information teams. Alongside, drawing on existing research into how services in your sector help organisations and communities thrive, I recommend the Advocacy resources on the CILIP website.
Looking ahead, I see Knowledge Mobilisation as a potential game-changer. I will work with CILIP K&IM to collate KM tools and techniques on which all CILIP members may draw to add value to their service offer. Please get in touch about favourite tools and techniques that you’re happy to share. I want to promote KM Chartership too; I’d love to hear how pursuing this professional route has helped you?
l Promoting CILIP Learn is high on my agenda. “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” (Seneca the Younger). Together CILIP Learn and the PKSB make a powerful combo for members bringing a focus on action to gaining new knowledge about different aspects of leadership, and keen to enhance their leadership skills.
l Enable senior leaders to explore key issues of shared interest, and exchange their knowledge. I’d argue there has rarely been a tougher time for senior leaders in our field, and some will have surprisingly few opportunities to invest in
Spring 2025 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 15
Sue Lacey Bryant is CILIP President.
Fresh from a house move, how better to kick off my first month as President of CILIP than to register at our new public library? It was jampacked. Rhymetime was in full swing and people were quietly reading and studying throughout. Thinking of trips I’ll be making this year, I borrowed several travel guides. I can’t wait to meet members from across the many sectors in which library and information professionals make a difference.
their own development. The plan is to invite Employer Partners to join occasional round table discussions, which will also flag opportunities to encourage their staff to actively engage with CILIP and CILIP Learn.
l Celebrate and promote the work of members as frontline leaders. I know library and information professionals influence the development of a more prosperous, just, inclusive and sustainable society. Alongside sharing your stories of success, I also want to celebrate the leadership role that so many CILIP volunteers embrace. This is what powers the lively and mutually supportive professional networks from which all members benefit.
It’s a privilege to serve as President. CILIP’s charitable purpose is “to work for the benefit of the public to promote education and knowledge through the establishment and development of libraries and information services and to advance information science” (Royal Charter). In pursuit of this common cause, I invite you to encourage fellow members to consider playing a more active role in CILIP’s communities, and to invite other friends and colleagues to join.
It is a source of optimism, that library and information professionals are highly trusted. With Barbara Kingsolver, “I’m of a fearsome mind to throw my arms around every living librarian who crosses my path, on behalf of the souls they never knew they saved.”
As President, I invite you to be very proud of your work, of your profession and to make the most of your membership of CILIP. IP
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Together CILIP Learn and the PKSB make a powerful combo for members bringing a focus on action to gaining new knowledge about different aspects of leadership...
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