NEWS
Wrexham wins CILIP Wales Team of the Year Award
Wrexham Library Service Team has won the CILIP Cymru Wales Team of the Year Award 2025 for its work in grow- ing the Welsh language and preserving and celebrating lo- cal heritage and culture. The award, which has been running since 2020, is open to teams from all sectors and of all sizes to celebrate the achievements of library and information teams across Wales.
A large number of nominations were received and eight teams were put forward for their inspiring work. Jamie Finch, CILIP Cymru Wales Chair, said: “It is my absolute pleasure to read the submissions of these eight entrant teams from across Wales, north and south. Our Award both shines a light on the creative, hard-working, and forward-thinking library teams we have in Wales, and helps celebrate their achievements. Libraries are here for every stage of life in their communities, making sense of AI, supporting the National Eisteddfod, evidence-based health- care, and more. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” The Wrexham Library Service Team was commended by the judges for its role in strengthening Wrexham’s unique Welsh iden- tity, acting as a focal point for raising awareness of Welsh culture and increasing opportunities to use the language. The service organised a variety of supporting events during the National Eisteddfod 2025 which was held in Wrexham. This included exhibitions of the Eisteddfod’s Crown and Chair; library team members giving Welsh language children’s story ses- sions on ‘the Maes’ – the Eisteddfod site; and a visit to the library from children’s book character Magi Ann to promote the Eisteddfod. Other activities throughout the year included reading groups and
‘Sgwrs Cymraeg’ conversational sessions with partner organisa- tions. The Wrexham Carnival of Words Literary festival was held at Wrexham City Library. One of its most popular events was ‘Love Letters to Wrexham’, featuring a panel of Welsh writers discussing their memorable books and blog posts dedicated to their passion for Wrexham and the surrounding areas in North Wales.
UKeiG is looking for a volunteer Digital Champion
THE Housing Ombudsman has pro- duced a follow-up report to its 2023 evaluation of knowledge and informa- tion management across the landlord sector.
The original report highlighted shortcomings
in the effectiveness KM and IM. The report summary states: “Effective Knowledge and Information Management (KIM) by landlords is fundamental for providing decent homes and services,” highlighting how good infor- mation and knowledge can help mitigate risk and shape national priorities. It goes on to say: “This matters in a world where we rely on retrieving information to make decisions and is essential if the housing sector is to harness the opportunities offered
Winter 2025
by artificial intelligence – and mitigate the risks. An algorithm will only be as effective as the data it relies on. Only with more ro- bust KIM will landlords be able, for instance, move from reactive to predictive repairs. “Complaints offer a unique window into the effectiveness of KIM – what information the landlord has, how it is used, and any gaps.” The ombudsman’s follow-up report is based
on evidence gathered from Housing Associ- ations, Local Authorities and other landlord organisations and found many had barriers to effective KM and IM, with almost half or respondents struggling with records manage- ment. Often time-pressure, inadiquate systems or training were reported as barriers. Despite these barriers, 80 per cent of respondents say-
ing that their organisations consider KM and IM to be either very or quite important. The report highlights a number of areas of
good practice and says: “Challenges around data need to be considered in both the strategic sense and in respect to practical application at the day-to-day operational level. We hope that in sharing some of the improvement actions and innovative approaches, we offer encouragement to those landlords who are working to meet the recommendations. “Ultimately understanding their residents and homes better, will allow landlords to better target interventions and an improved experience for residents.” Read the follow up report at
https://tinyurl.com/ IPDecOmbud.
INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL 9
Councillor Beverley Parry-Jones, Wrexham Council’s lead mem- ber with responsibility for libraries, said: “The team at Wrexham Library Service always works hard for our customers and to be rec- ognised for our contribution to growing the Welsh language and preserving our Welsh heritage is phenomenal.
“The team always comes together, particularly in challenging times, for the benefit of our communities – offering activities and library stock to increase knowledge and understanding of our Welsh language and culture. This year has seen new and successful part- nerships being formed which will continue for years to come. The dedication of the team is simply amazing – always creative, going beyond what is expected of them and always ready for a challenge.” Second place went to the NPTC Library Service Team for their Plan- ning & Creating a Podcast service. Llyfrgell + Team at Coleg Menai Bangor were third with their LibraryPlus facilities partnership. Also Commended was Aberystwyth University’s Academic Engagement Team for their bilingual fully accessible and inclu- sive AI Literacy Course.
This award is sponsored by the Welsh Government and CILIP Cymru Wales. The winners receive a trophy and £500.
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