NEWS
Be a part of CILIP’s fight for Information Freedom
A NEW Information Freedom Committee created by CILIP to help champion the rights of people to think, read and speak freely is looking for members. Chaired by Dr David McMenemy, the committee will be a crucial new tool in the fight to uphold freedom of expression in the information sphere. With threats of censorship on the rise and access to information increasingly contested, CILIP has moved to develop the committee to help protect rights and develop a robust set of guiding principles and practical advice for all those working in information and knowledge settings. The new committee will be formed of eight members, work-
ing alongside Dr McMenemy, who urged anyone interested to get in touch. He said: “It is very exciting to now be at the point of recruiting members for this essential new committee. Intel- lectual Freedom is such an important democratic value and as one of CILIP’s key principles it is vital that we can provide a robust but inclusive approach to advocating for freedom of access to information and freedom of expression that we can all stand behind as a profession. “Consider putting your name forward to serve on the committee
to ensure we have the widest possible committee membership representing a diversity of experience from across the profes- sion. The work of the Intellectual Freedom Committee will be important and impactful for our members and for wider soci- ety, please consider being a part of it.” The committee will take collective responsibility to deliver tangible, positive impacts on issues relating to intellectual f reedom, beyond the remit of their own work, sector and experiences. Some of these issues are likely to be complex,
Dr David McMenemy.
contested and unclear, requiring sound judgement, a collaborative approach, and the ability to bal- ance different viewpoints trans- parently and clearly. Working closely with the CILIP Board and senior leaders, the Committee will help shape and lead an evidence-informed work programme to promote these val- ues across the sector and beyond,
ensuring every citizen is informed by a wide range of trust- worthy i nformation and empowered to use it as they wish. CILIP Chief Executive Louis Coiffait-Gunn said: “The CILIP Trustee Board’s ongoing commitment to intellectual freedom is clearly illustrated by the creation of this new Committee. With David’s expertise and inclusive approach, the Intellectu- al Freedom Committee will take evidence-informed actions to provide strategic leadership, practical support, and persuasive advocacy on this critical issue. “In an era of AI-amplified disinformation and falling
trust in many institutions, society needs strong, confident and trustworthy voices speaking up for everyone’s rights, including access to information and freedom of expression. With David at the helm, the new Committee will ensure these values remain central to our profession and visible in public life.” Sign up to the CILIP newsletter for the latest on how to apply at
www.cilip.org.uk/CILIPmailinglistsignup.
Phil Bradley named as Jason Farradane Award winner
The UK electronic information Group (UKeiG) is pleased to announce that the winner of the prestigious Jason Farradane Award for 2025 is Phil Bradley. The Jason Farradane Award is presented in recognition of
an outstanding, creative and inspiring contribution to the library, information and knowledge profession. The judging panel was unanimous in its praise of Phil’s 40-year career dedicated to promoting the effective utilisation of digital resources, alongside his unwavering commitment to excel- lence in information retrieval education and training. Over four decades Phil has proactively and energetically embraced and demystified every form of disruptive tech- nology from CD-ROM, through the web, HTML coding and design, social media and artificial intelligence. He has made significant contributions to the corpus of library and infor- mation knowledge with an impressive and prolific CV of books, journal articles, columns, conference presentations and media appearances. Phil has raised the profile of the information community
6 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL
with active involvement with professional organisations, including the Institute of Information Scientists, CILIP and UKeiG. CILIP recently awarded Phil a 2025 Presidential Citation. For four years he was a member of the CILIP pres- idential team, including two years as President. Phil, who is retiring this year, found out the news at his
final AI Seminar, saying: “I’m deeply honoured to receive the Jason Farradane Award, especially when I look at the calibre of those who’ve received it before me – people whose work has inspired and shaped our profession. To be counted among them is both humbling and immensely rewarding. It’s been an absolute joy to spend my career travelling the world teaching librarians, writing for them and in some small way helping to empower them with my talks. I firmly believe there is no greater profession on the planet and no greater group of dedicated, curious, and generous people. This award feels like a tribute to everyone who believes in the power of information and learning to connect people and change lives. It’s been a privilege, thank you.”
Winter 2025
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