ties between CILIP and the many library, information and knowledge professionals within the health service, through her strong advocacy as Chief Knowledge Officer for the NHS in England. She says: “Through this time I led the NHS to reap the benefits of taking an active role as an Employer Partner of CILIP. By initiat- ing the CILIP Technology Review and sponsoring the revision of the PKSB, (the Professional Knowledge and Skills Base which is the sector’s skills standard for the profession) the NHS was underpinning the workforce planning and development of healthcare knowledge specialists. Writing the final chapter for Facet’s Introduction to Healthcare Knowledge and Library Services published in 2024, similarly helped me to stay future focussed. It was also extraordinary to be part of such an impressive collaborative effort. Sue’s belief in the benefits that come with membership of CILIP are born from her own experience. She says: “I’ve been passionate about the importance of continuing professional development throughout my career. Like Seneca the Younger, I’m a great believer that ‘Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.’
“There is a personal discipline to apply- ing for professional registration which I see as beneficial and I was proud to become a Fellow of CILIP in 2019. Now I find revalidation is also an opportunity to ‘take stock’, enabling a mix of taking time to be pleased at progress while consider- ing what skills and experience I may need to call on in the next phase. “Positive affirmation of the value of our work as library and information professionals is special; it’s wonderful when it comes from people who use our services and equally special when it comes from our peers. As colleagues, as fellow volunteers, this is something that we can offer to each other, week by week, and I see that the various CILIP Awards add a further dimension of national recognition and celebration. I’ve been honoured to receive both the Walford Award from the Knowledge and Information Management Group, and the Cyril Barnard Memorial Award from Health Libraries Group.” Sue is conscious that her CILIP mem- bership has brought benefits throughout her career – helping her to develop skills and widen her knowledge of professional issues, even when it has been tough to create the time and space for CPD. “When I was working part-time with two young sons, it was hard to pursue training opportunities but, ever curious about initi- atives and developments in the field, I got into the habit of welcoming each delivery of Information Professional (formerly The LA Record and CILIP Update). I think
Spring 2025
– together helping communities thrive, helping organisations to succeed, and open- ing up new opportunities for individuals. “Recently, as Vice-President, I have already had the pleasure of meeting members and have visited several libraries. In October I chaired the East Midlands network CILIP Fest in Nottingham, hosted by the University of Law. The following week I attended the Libraries Change Lives reception at the House of Commons. In November I visited the Brotherton Library at the University of Leeds, joined a Panel discussion on the implications of AI at The Leeds Library, met with the senior leadership team at Leeds Public Library, and gave a keynote to a Confer- ence of NHS librarians and researchers at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust.
Sue Lacey Bryant.
Information Professional is a relatively unsung benefit of membership, so I want to give a ‘shout out’ to everyone who contributes. The interviews and news content are high quality and often thought provoking. I warmly encourage members to make the most of it. Get in touch with the editorial team to share the initiatives that you’re really proud of, and also make a point to scan Information Professional cover to cover. It’s a valuable tool to keep up to date with best practice.” While Information Professional mag- azine provides a convenient way to stay up to date with CILIP and the profession beyond your own sector, there are a wealth of other benefits available to mem- bers. Whether that is through training and learning opportunities (in person or online at
www.cilip.org.uk/TrainingandCPD), events (
www.cilip.org.uk/events), or profes- sional registration there is something for everyone at every stage of your career. The CILIP website showcases the many benefits that CILIP membership offers. Members can follow social media for the latest updates on activities as well as sign- ing up to the CILIP eNewsletter to ensure you don’t miss out on the latest news and activity from CILIP (
www.cilip.org.uk/CILIP- mailinglistsignup).
So, what to expect from Sue as CILIP President? Firstly, she will certainly con- tinue to advocate for the profession and the people who work in it.
“I am in awe of the work that is done by the profession, right across the UK
“This has given me a taste of the CILIP Presidential year to come, and I am look- ing forward to witnessing and advocating for the valuable and important work you each do for the communities you serve.” My focus as President is on Leadership in Action. It’s one of the priorities we set in our #WeAreCILIP strategy. Effective leadership is key to shaping and driv- ing strategic change to support thriving communities. Leadership is a core skill for designing, managing and evaluating knowledge and library services. More than that, any one of us can take a leadership role – connecting, influencing and inspir- ing positive change.”
My ambitions through the year are to:
1. Demonstrate how library, knowledge and information teams contribute to building the economy: encourage our CILIP communities to promote the evi- dence and share Knowledge and Informa- tion Management tools and techniques; promote KM Chartership and support the CILIP Growth event.
2. Build on the launch of CILIP Learn to encourage members to make the most of every opportunity to develop their under- standing of leadership skills.
3. Facilitate senior leaders to exchange knowledge on key issues of shared interest, engaging with Employer Partners.
4. Promote the role of CILIP members as frontline leaders influencing the develop- ment of a more prosperous, just, inclusive and sustainable society.
As President, I’m looking forward to encouraging members to come together to share their expertise and wealth of experience, inviting interesting and thought-provoking conversations as we move ahead to developing our strategy for the coming years
You can read Sue’s regular President’s Column in the Information Professional, starting this month on page 15. IP
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