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For me, the essence of volunteering has been in making close friendships and networks with lots of people that I would not have met otherwise.


from the obvious generic skills, like event management or leadership, I’ve learned about mobile libraries, about open access journals, Book Aid’s shipping container community libraries in Africa, and so much more.” Jamie adds that although he had been often taken advantage of events and training provided through CILIP’s groups, he had not realised how much work went into creating them. “My earliest memories of attending CILIP events originate in the late 1990s. They include a London evening informal hosted by the late Bob McKee, and my first con- ference offered by the Career Development Group (CDG) on the hybrid library. CILIP’s Ridgmount Street was also there for certificated training on various subjects, includ- ing the then new-fangled Google. These are all, of course, invaluable to members, old and new. But I had no idea of the work that went into them, nor entertained any idea of speaking at them.” Jamie says that being an active member of these networks has provided “a lot of career highlights have come from my voluntary work and probably would not have happened other wise. I’ve organised a Decolonising Libraries Con- ference in 2019 with Cardiff Metropolitan University and CILIP ILIG. As former Chair of CILIP ILIG, I’ve been a part of CILIP’s Working Internationally Project, helping judge funding applications and plan its conference. This year, I’ve been part of the CILIP Board and contributed to their next draft strategy, which will replace We Are CILIP.” Jamie’s involvement with CILIP and its groups has devel-


oped over the years and he now sits as the Chair of CILIP Cymru Wales (CCW). Jamie is based in Wales, and he is quick to reveal that his connection to CCW stretches beyond his role as Chair.


He says: “From afar, I had long-admired CCW having attended their conferences in the 2010s. Special mention to Paul Jeorrett, past chair, a particularly humorous and memorable master of ceremonies. Post pandemic, I decided it was high time to join up and give something back to Wales and its libraries. After a stint redesigning their Team of the Year Award with Katrina Hall, Lou Peck handed the baton to me.”


Team effort As with all of CILIP’s Member Network activity, success comes from a team effort and collaboration. Jamie says of his own involvement: “The role of Chair takes up several hours a week and involves being CCW’s lead officer. I work closely with the Community Development Manager (CDM) for Wales; last year, Sioned Jacques and now Sue Polchow. Sue and Sioned have helped me understand CILIP cam- paigns and how to adapt and amplify those for Wales.


Summer 2025


“I have overall responsibility for our business plan, coordination of activities in its delivery, and financial position. Our mission is to increase CILIP membership and workforce development through training which includes support for professional registration. And to be the voice of the profession. A jewel in the crown of CCW is its Kathleen Cooks Fund, a legacy gift which lets us support training, col- lections and content creation costs for CILIP members in Wales.”


Commitment Each of the roles that are available through CILIP’s net- works will require different skills and different levels of commitment. It’s worth remembering that there are plenty of opportunities to get involved before taking on a formal role. The first step is to join some CILIP Groups and Net- works, if you are not already a member, and look for events, training and activities that you can attend. Start to build up your network within the group, and think about what opportunities would match your interests, what you can offer and what skills you want to learn and develop. Jamie says that the best advice he could give is to put


aside any worries you may have, and seek out opportunities that meet your needs. He says: “I would say just do it. Get involved. Put aside any imposter syndrome feelings. Our library communities, events, even CILIP itself, depends on volunteers. We must keep the flame of libraries alive for the next generation. That’s what matters. Go along to a commit- tee meeting, test the water and see if you like them.”


Join All CILIP’s Member Networks and Special Interest Groups are free to join for members. They provide a range of sec- tor-focused activities, training and events, as well as a com- munity network for you to join. Groups are open to all CILIP members, no matter what area of the profession you work in and can provide insights into different sectors for anyone considering exploring new career opportunities. Find out more about CILIP’s Member Networks and Special Interest Groups at www.cilip.org.uk/community. All volunteering opportunities are advertised on CILIP’s Information Professional jobs website at www.informationpro- fessionaljobs.com.


INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 59


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