NEWS
IFLA Elections: act now to add your nominations
CILIP members have the opportu- nity to represent the UK profession on the international stage with the upcoming IFLA elections. IFLA, the International Federation of
Library Associations, is the worldwide body for library, knowledge and infor- mation associations. Its role is as a global ambassador for library and information services – helping to shape policy, share best practice, and enhancing professional practice.
As a founding member of IFLA, CILIP’s role within the organisation is
Our experience
Every IFLA election sees CILIP mem- bers successfully stand for some of the many roles on offer. Here Ayub Khan and Jenny Wright share their experi- ences and offer advice for others look- ing to take on a position with IFLA. Ayub Khan is Head of Warwickshire
Libraries and Heritage and Culture, and has had a long association with IFLA, having first attended IFLA Conference in Jerusalem in 2000, saying: “I was hooked on International Librarianship. Often com bining holidays with IFLA conference locations. I later joined the multicultural round table and then the IFLA Buildings committee. In 2022 I plucked up the courage to stand as an IFLA governing board member and was delighted to be nominated by CILIP and elected by the membership of IFLA.” During his time with IFLA Ayub helped
to support the development of interna- tional best practice in library related fields. He says that the experience pro- vided both personal and professional opportunities that he would not have found elsewhere. “It was enormously stimulating, and I met colleagues and friends across the globe. I learnt so many skills, chairing and being involved in committees. I also gained a broader knowledge of library and informational work across the globe
8 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL
an important one and ensures a strong relationship with international partners. As a member CILIP can support our own members’ nominations in the latest round of elections, helping to assure the UK Profession and CILIP’s voice is rep- resented on the world stage. Election to one of IFLA’s SIGs, Sec- tions or other positions provides individ- ual members with unique opportunity to influence, develop new skills and join a global network of information profes- sionals. There are more than 800 positions
and in different continents. “This helped broaden my perspec-
tive and enhance my networks. Being a member of the governing board provid- ed me with an opportunity to lead an organisation on an international scale.” Ayub adds: “There will never be a good time, so take every opportunity that there maybe, and if you are unsuccess- ful in being elected, don’t let this put you off. Persevere and try again. I have never looked back at my international involvement. I’ve learnt that the library profession is similar across the world, it’s just the content which differs.”
Jenny Wright is a cataloguer with over 30 years’ experience, currently working for BDS. Her professional experience has led her to a number of roles on commit- tees in support of professional standards, including CILIP’s Metadata and Discovery Group; UK Committee on RDA; European RDA Interest Group (current Chair); and the BIC Library Metadata Group. Of her involvement with IFLA, Jenny
says: “I first attended the WLIC in 2016 and after observing section meetings and meeting with other attendees I was interested to participate; I was elected to the Cataloguing section standing com- mittee in 2017. “Although not an office bearer of the Cataloguing section, I have supported the work of the committee by contribut- ing to conference organisation (calls for papers management, and moderating
available in the elections, which take place every two years. These include roles on the Governing Board, Professional Council, European Regional Council, Advisory Committees, Review Groups, Special Interest Groups, and Sections.
Act now The process for applying to one of the IFLA roles is already underway, and the deadline to submit your applica- tion is 24 February. Anyone interested in putting their name forward can find out more details on the CILIP website at
https://tinyurl.com/CILIPIFLA25.
‘‘
Discussing both esoteric and practical issues in my field with international colleagues has been very rewarding professionally.
– Jenny Wright
sessions) and working groups such as the Multilingual Dictionary of Catalogu- ing and the Genre/Form WG.” Jenny, who will be standing again at this year’s elections, says: “Discussing both esoteric and practical issues in my field with international colleagues has been very rewarding professionally. In the process, personal connections are made and it’s also rewarding on a person- al level. The opportunity to visit places I would not otherwise prioritise has also been enriching. “The international conversation is
well worth joining. If your employer is not paying expenses then the financial consideration is not insignificant, but don’t be put off as there are grants and other supports available, as well as the potential to attend many events online.”
Spring 2025
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