Thursday 19 December 2013

CILIP Cymru Wales welcomes Welsh Minister’s statement on the value of public libraries


The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals Wales (CILIP Cymru Wales) welcomes the statement on public libraries made by Welsh Government Minister for Culture and Sport, John Griffiths which acknowledges the role libraries play in delivering government policy and the contribution they make to local communities through learning opportunities, free access to digital services and as safe public places.

The statement, made on Tuesday 3rd December 2013, also addresses the issues raised by the Executive Committee of CILIP Cymru Wales in their recent open letter to the Minister. This focused on the potentially damaging effects of local council spending cuts on Welsh public library services and urged the Minister to work with local authorities to ensure Wales continued to develop a sustainable, innovative and professionally run public library service.

CILIP President Phil Bradley said “this is an extremely encouraging response from the Minister. I welcome especially his emphasis on the statutory basis of the public library service and his commitment to ensuring that Welsh people will continue to have the benefits of a professionally run library service responsive to local need”.

The Minister’s statement also highlights the fact that Wales has the only strategic framework for the development of library services in the UK and draws attention to the important partnerships libraries have with further and higher education and the National Library of Wales. He announces too his intention to commission an expert review of current and future plans by local authorities to deliver public library services.

“The Expert Review is very timely” stated Phil Bradley, “and CILIP Cymru will be pleased to assist in any way possible. There are very challenging times ahead and it is pleasing to see those responsible for libraries working together to provide the public library service Welsh people need and deserve”.

Written statement on public libraries in Wales

CILIP Cymru Wales open letter to Minister

Inquiry into Public Libraries in Wales

Mandy Powell
CILIP Policy Officer, Wales


Thursday 21 November 2013

CILIP Cymru Wales writes to Minister over threats to library services


Concerns over threats to library services in Wales raised in open letter to Minister for Culture & Sport

The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, Wales (CILIP Cymru Wales) has written an open letter to the Minister for Culture and Sport, John Griffiths AM, expressing concerns over the impact local authority budget cuts could have on public library services across Wales.

In the bilingual letter the Executive Committee of CILIP Cymru Wales have outlined what a powerful and important resource public library services are in meeting the Welsh Government’s objectives.

The Welsh Local Government Association announced in October 2013 that local authorities are facing reductions in core funding of £175m in 2014/15, with a further £65m in 2015/16. CILIP Cymru Wales are deeply concerned that public library services could suffer disproportionate cuts.

Phil Bradley, CILIP President, said,
 “Libraries are an essential part of any community. Good libraries – that are well stocked and run by professional librarians – transform people’s lives through access to information, reading and learning.  They provide access to the internet to people who cannot afford their own connection. A library can help people back into work, it gives them a safe space to research and educate themselves and it's a cornerstone in children's literacy. A library is a place that people who need support and guidance can turn to, and a librarian can help them find information they need. Cutting resources to a library hits those in the community who are most in need, most in trouble, who most deserve our support.”

The open letter reads:

John Griffiths AM
Minister for Culture and Sport

Dear Minister,

The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals Wales (CILIP Cymru Wales) wish to express our serious concern at the impact budget cuts to local authorities will have on library and information services across Wales. Although we understand that tough decisions have to be made as the funding available for all public services in Wales decreases, we are keen to ensure that public libraries are not expected to bear heavier cuts than other services.

Public libraries are a powerful resource and important in addressing a number of the priorities set out in the Welsh Government’s  “Programme for Government”, including promoting growth and tackling poverty which the First Minister describes as his top priority. They play an important role in advancing knowledge by providing access to information, supporting entrepreneurial activity, and inspiring life-long learning and reading for enjoyment. They foster social mobility and strengthen our communities, catering, as they do, for the needs of all parts of society from toddlers and their parents, to students (of all ages) and researchers, from local activists to small businesses, and from the frail and elderly and their carers to hobbyists and creators.

Welsh public libraries address poverty by tackling the digital divide, providing access to the internet with trained staff delivering advice and guidance, and helping people develop vital information literacy skills. They will also become an important community resource in helping people claim Universal Benefit and enabling them to take advantage of a broad range of statutory and voluntary support available in their local community.  These and other aspects of the service are planned, shaped and delivered by skilled and knowledgeable professional library staff.

Welsh public libraries are a national resource delivered locally and must be seen from a national perspective. The Public Libraries & Museums Act 1964 requires local councils to provide a local library service which is comprehensive and efficient and that is available to all who wish to use it. We have welcomed the support that you and previous Ministers have accorded to the public library service in the past and your recognition of its statutory status and importance to Wales. We trust that you will continue to provide this support and take a leadership role in promoting proper public library provision across Wales with your colleagues in local government.  We understand the pressures faced by all councils in Wales at this time, but would urge you to work with them to ensure that a sustainable, innovative and professionally run service is still available across Wales and, should it be necessary, that you will intervene to uphold the provision of the statutory service within a local authority.

We would be happy to assist you in this work and look forward to hearing your thoughts on this.

Yours sincerely,

The Executive Committee, CILIP Cymru Wales

-ends-

http://www.cilip.org.uk/cilip-cymru-wales/news/concerns-over-threats-library-services-wales-raised-open-letter-minister 

The letter was mentioned by BBC Cymru
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newyddion/24945095

Mandy Powell
CILIP Policy Officer, Wales

Tuesday 22 October 2013

Schools Literacy and Resource Centre, Monmouthshire and Torfaen.

The SLRC van and staff member Annie
Last week (Wednesday 16th October) I had the pleasure of visiting the Schools Literacy and Resource Centre, Monmouthshire and Torfaen.
The SLRC works across the two local authorities to provide a loans and advisory service to schools and nurseries; it is funded by the education services of both authorities.


I was greeted by Angela Noble in the light and open office at the front of three units of a busy business park in Pontypool.

A view from the top of SLRC
The centre needed to move accommodation in 2012 with the closure of County Hall. Angela explained that the specialised needs of the service meant finding a home could have been tricky but when three units at the business park became available, they were perfectly laid out for the service which needs a reception area to meet with teachers, shelving for the book collections and storage space for other resources such as story sacks and project boxes. The SLRC also hosts a meeting area with WiFi that can be used by agile workers from both authorities.

Angela, who has over 30 years experience of working within education and libraries, leads a small team of talented staff ,3 full time and 1 part time, who provide resources, training and advice to 11 secondary schools, including one Welsh medium and 62 primary schools.

The SLRC provides a wide variety of support to school staff including:

  • Project loans, 20 professionally selected books and other resources that support the National Curriculum and Curriculum Cymru. Teachers can request up to 3 project loans on any topic at one time
  • Fiction exchange, a selection of quality fiction books loaned to schools for 12 months.
  • Photograph packs, A5 photographs are used to enhance the project loans and compliment the book collections.
  • Big Books, the SLRC has a large selection of Big Books suitable for Key Stage 1.
  • Story sacks, these colourful sacks contain books, games, puppets and toys to be used by teachers in nursery classes to enhance story times. 
  • Religious and historical artefacts, a selection of artefacts from all major religions and from periods of Roman and Victorian history.
  • All of these resources are delivered using the SLRC van.

Designing Libraries


Angela and her team also design school libraries and their expertise has been in high demand.
The SLRC team help teachers reorganise a school library to enable it to function effectively. They remove (and recycle) unsuitable, out of date material, classify the remaining stock and give professional advice on how to set up a cataloguing and issue system. The team also provide a written review of the library and give recommendations on how to select resources. Details of each school library either designed by, or reorganised by the team are kept on file to be reviewed and updated, ensuring the library is kept up to date and relevant to the needs of the school.
Many teachers have written to the team to express their appreciation, one teacher writes

 “The library is brilliant! Staff are really pleased and seeing all the effort you have put in has helped me gain PTA funding to buy new library furniture!”

Angela Noble at the SLRC

The SLRC team also support the shadowing of the CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Awards in primary and secondary schools.
Angela visits secondary school students to present them with multiple copies of the Kate Greenaway short list, produced by the Youth Libraries Group. Students look at and discuss the books with each other and vote for their favourites.
Primary school students take the Kate Greenaway short listed books home to share with younger siblings and feedback on their reactions to the books.
This often sparks off other creative input from the students; with many classes creating art work and producing dramatic pieces based on the short list.
Angela has noticed how these sessions have helped develop the debating skills of the children involved.

“The enthusiasm and passion shown by the students in these discussions demonstrates an understanding and ability to debate that astonishes any of their teachers present.  In some schools the same students have reappeared each year, so keen are they to take part”
Angela Noble, Schools Literacy and Resource Centre, Monmouthshire and Torfaen.

Only a few days before my visit, author Neil Gaiman talked about the “'the power of fiction to transform our understanding of the world and turn us into citizens” at his Reading Agency lecture.

 "The simplest way to make sure that we raise literate children is to teach them to read, and to show them that reading is a pleasurable activity. And that means, at its simplest, finding books that they enjoy, giving them access to those books and letting them read them."

Angela and her team, in using their professional knowledge and experience to support teachers and pupils are doing exactly what Neil describes and I left feeling amazed at how one small team can achieve so much.

You can contact the Schools Literacy and Resource Centre
Unit 1b, Torfaen business park, Panteg Way, New Inn, Pontypool, NP4 0LS
01633 644 560 / 644 565
angelanoble@monmouthshire.gov.uk




Mandy Powell
CILIP Policy Officer, Wales


Thursday 10 October 2013

CILIP New Professionals Day workshop

Last week (4th October) I ran a workshop at the CILIP New Professionals Day in London.
Although I have facilitated workshops before, and have a professional certificate in training , this was the first time I had planned and run my own workshop...and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I had 34 people in my session and received some useful feedback.

The theme of the session was 'developing professional skills' and my aim was to help delegates explore ways of developing professional skills using examples from outside of their day jobs. As the title of the event explains, the audience were new professionals , so I was aware that some may not actually be in posts and I wanted to help them find other ways of getting the experience they need in order to apply for jobs.

To prepare for the workshop I looked up a number of library and information job vacancies in the UK and chose the 6 skills most regularly asked for by employers.

On the day the room was set up theatre style and I wanted the 34 people to work with each other, so after a quick introduction from me, I asked them all to put themselves into small groups.

Monty Python breaks the ice.



I followed this with an ice breaker: I asked everyone to explain to each other which of the Monty Python team they were most like* This immediately lead to groans, laughter and lots of noise, which is of course exactly what I wanted...everyone talking and getting to know each other







I then asked each group to look at one of the 6 skills, and chat about ways they could develop examples.
I had slides ready with my suggestions, but I was very pleased to find that all the groups worked well together and came up with lots of ideas.

After each group had fed back to the whole room, I then asked the same groups to look at 6 activities or actions (blogging, networking etc) and asked them to answer three questions:

  1. What skills will it help you develop?
  2. How would you start?
  3. How would you improve?
Again, I had slides ready with suggestions, but they were just for back up in case there were any awkward silences..., but there were none.

I received some very pleasing feedback.

32 people took part in the workshop, 25 filled in feedback forms.


  • 19 rated the speaker's knowledge as Excellent, 6 as Good.
  • 23 rated the speaker's communication skills as Excellent, 2 as Good.
  • 8 rated the slides as Excellent, 14 as Good and 3 as OK.
  • 15 rated the handouts as Excellent and 10 as Good.
  • All 25 said yes they had enjoyed the session.
  • All 25 agreed the workshop helped them identify ways to develop professional skills.
  • 24 out of 25 said they had enough time to discus topics with their group.

                                         
Comments

“Really useful collaborative session”

“Great speaker!”

“Many thanks, it was useful”

“Good interactive workshop, thank you”

“Handouts are great, relaxed and fun workshop, thanks”

“Really fun session, well done”


It was a useful and interesting day, very well organised by Matthew Wheeler at CILIP. The best part was of course, getting to know more new professionals, whose enthusiasm was uplifting.
You can read more about the day and the other sessions here.

Matthew will also be speaking at the CILIP Cymru Wales FREE Information day and AGM , booking is open now.


Mandy Powell, CILIP Policy Officer, Wales

* For the record, I think I am most like Terry Jones.

Wednesday 25 September 2013

CILIP AGM, Birmingham Library

Left to right: Stephen Gregory CDG Wales, Mandy Powell CILIP,
Dot Higham and Thomas Allen


On Saturday the CILIP AGM was held at the beautiful new Birmingham Library.
160 members attended, including members from Wales, around 900 sent in proxy votes.
The AGM was lively and there was a lot of debate.

Members voted:

  • Against changing the organisation name to Information & Library Professionals UK (356 members for, 644 members against, 22 abstained).
  • In favour of the proposed subscriptions for 2014 (778 members for, 128 members against, 64 abstained).
  • In favour of the motion expressing ‘no confidence’ in Ed Vaizey MP (669 members for, 200 members against, 103 abstained).

CILIP Cymru Wales invited members to apply for free travel to attend the AGM and names were picked out of a hat.

One of the lucky ones, Dot Higham, Library Assistant, Holywell Library, tells us her impressions of the day...


What a day! Attending my first CILIP AGM in the brand new Birmingham Library! 
The  AGM was interesting in that the controversial renaming of CILIP as ILPUK was being voted on. 
The reaction from the attendees was in the main, quite hostile, resulting in the vote not being carried. (a moment of drama just before the vote - a fire alarm! Everyone had to leave the building.) There was also a lively discussion of the proposed membership fees for 2014  but a majority voted in favour. The greatest implication of this will be for students as joining will be free from next year. The hope is to attract more members to CILIP without the need for a more expensive recruitment campaign. 

In my opinion, the opening of this iconic new library could not have been better planned. It occupies a place next door to Symphony Hall and other worthy, timeless buildings, validating the presence of a library right in their midst. What better symbol of all that is good about libraries and worthy of protection. 


Another lucky name out of the hat was that of Thomas Allen, who works at Swansea Central Public Library.
Thomas is working towards Chartership and this is what he had to say about the day...


The CILIP AGM of 2013 was certainly an interesting one for an AGM virgin such as myself.  The preconceptions that this would be a very dry and brief affair couldn't have been further from the truth.  Probably on a personal note it became quite exciting from the moment I saw the non-avatar version of library luminaries such as Phil Bradley, Annie Mauger etc.  
The new Library of Birmingham also gave the meeting something extra too (although I did feel sorry for the empty old central library that seemed much like Woody to Buzz a la Toy Story 1) with it's Shakespeare room, gardens  vintage SF craft event and glass elevator that brings to mind a strangely appropriate Roald Dahl book.  
The meeting itself really picked up and impressed when it came to the speeches by the fellowship awardees.  Particularly poignant points were made; especially how the recent Hillsborough result showed the power of information.  However, what I was truly happy to take away from the AGM was the passion expressed in the questions that were put by the audience.  
This certainly makes me want to be part of the profession more than I did before. 

You can read more about Thomas on his Chartership blog.

Birmingham library in pictures.

The impressive new library of Birmingham was designed by Dutch architects Mecanoo and includes 10 floors, covering 31,00 square metres, making it one of the largest public libraries in the world.

Here is a short slide show of photos I took on the day, but you can learn more about the library here.

Mandy Powell
CILIP Policy Officer, Wales









Tuesday 13 August 2013

Youth Libraries Group Wales CILIP Carnegie & Kate Greenaway Awards Day 2013


Meet Gill Lewis, author Of Sky Hawk & Moon Bear
  • Friday 18th October 2013
  • Civic Centre, Swansea
  • Free event with refreshments throughout the day.
  • All staff providing services to children & young people are welcome to attend.

Short lists for the awards discussion & further details from angelanoble@monmouthshire.gov.uk

http://www.cilip.org.uk/youth-libraries-group/youth-libraries-group-committees/regional-committees/wales-0

Opportunity to attend the CILIP AGM at the new library in Birmingham.

CILIP Cymru Wales are offering the chance to three members from Wales to attend the CILIP AGM. 

CILIP Cymru Wales will cover the cost of your travel (train / coach ticket); in return you will be asked to write a short report of your experience to be published on the CILIP Cymru Wales blog.
Ideally, we would like one representative from public libraries, one from academic libraries and one from other libraries.

If you would like to be considered for a free place please e-mail 
mandy.powell@cilip.org.uk using the subject line CILIP AGM and stating the approximate cost of your travel.

Offer closes 28th August 2013

CILIP Annual General Meeting Saturday 21st September 2013
Registration 10.30am
10.30 Registration
11.00 AGM commences
13.00 Lunch*
*please note timings may vary depending on length of AGM

Address: Library of Birmingham Centenary Square, Broad Street B1 2ND Birmingham, BIR United Kingdom

For more information about the AGM please visit the CILIP website http://www.cilip.org.uk/cilip/events/cilip-agm-2013   


Cyfle i fynychu Cyfarfod Cyffredinol Blynyddol Sefydliad Siartredig y Gweithwyr Llyfrgell a Gwybodaeth Proffesiynol (CILIP) yn y llyfrgell newydd yn Birmingham.
Mae CILIP Cymru yn cynnig y cyfle i dri aelod o Gymru fynychu Cyfarfod Cyffredinol Blynyddol CILIP. Bydd CILIP Cymru yn talu eich costau teithio (tocyn trên / bws); yn sgil hynny, gofynnir i chi ysgrifennu adroddiad byr ar eich profiad i’w gyhoeddi ar flog CILIP Cymru.

Yn ddelfrydol, hoffem gael un cynrychiolydd o lyfrgell gyhoeddus, un o lyfrgell academaidd ac un o lyfrgell o fath arall.
Os hoffech gael eich ystyried i fynychu’n ddi-dâl anfonwch e-bost at 
mandy.powell@cilip.org.uk gan roi CILIP AGM fel testun a nodi amcan bris eich costau teithio.

Mae’r cynnig yn cau ar 28 Awst 2013
Cyfarfod Cyffredinol Blynyddol CILIP Dydd Sadwrn 21 Medi 2013

10.30 Cofrestru
11.00 Cychwyn y Cyfarfod Cyffredinol Blynyddol
13.00 Cinio*
*nodwch y gall yr amserau newid yn dibynnu ar hyd y Cyfarfod Cyffredinol Blynyddol Cyfeiriad:
Library of Birmingham Centenary Square, Broad Street B1 2ND Birmingham,
BIR Y Deyrnas Unedig I gael rhagor o wybodaeth am y Cyfarfod Cyffredinol Blynyddol, ewch i wefan CILIP http://www.cilip.org.uk/cilip/events/cilip-agm-2013 

Friday 26 July 2013

Newbridge Library has a new home!


Manic Street Preachers star James Dean Bradfield unveiles restored Newbridge library.
Newbridge Library has a new home, having recently been relocated into the Newbridge Memorial Hall and Institute in the heart of the town centre as part of a wider £5.6million EU-backed restoration project.
The unique and impressive facility is twice the size of the former building, and offers a variety of enhanced services for residents. The cash office service, previously on Newbridge High Street has also been relocated into the building, with additional opening hours to meet the needs of residents.
Caerphilly County Borough Council has supported this important initiative with £170,000 of funding to furnish the new library, introduce self service and security technology, wireless access and also contributed to the physical conversion cost. The library and cash office service will be an important long-term tenant within the Grade II-listed Institute building.
Cllr Rhianon Passmore, Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning said,
"It is an absolute pleasure to see this much enhanced library facility in such a truly iconic setting – bringing a contemporary dimension to this fantastic listed building renovation".
"We continue to make significant investments in library provision and enhancement works at libraries across our county borough, so it is especially pleasing to note that this facility is already proving popular among our residents, with a near doubling of the number of people already through the doors compared to the former facility".
She added, "This statement facility will be one which the community will be able to enjoy for many years to come, and is an excellent example of what can be achieved when the council and local groups such as the dedicated Memo and Institute trustees come together to achieve a collective ambition".

James Dean Bradfield - unveiling plaque to library














The library facility, unveiled earlier this week by Manic Street Preachers star James Dean Bradfield, offers a wide range of improved facilities including:
  • Dedicated spaces for children, young people, adults and learners
  • A wide collection of books and other resources
  • 17 free public access computers
  • Free wireless Internet access throughout
  • A self service kiosk and security system
  • Event and meeting space, suitable for author events, talks and story-times
  • Fax, photocopying and printing services
Also located within the newly reopened Institute building are multi-purpose community rooms, including a function room, meeting rooms and a Royal Air Force Association office. A striking new glass extension links the Institute with the Memo, and provides a new main entrance to the complex, as well as a new staff office, new WC’s and two passenger lifts.
The relocation of the library and cash office into this facility forms a key part of Caerphilly County Borough Council’s wider £12 million EU-backed regeneration works in Newbridge town centre.
For further information on library facilities across Caerphilly county borough, please visit www.caerphilly.gov.uk
Sent to us by
Gareth Evans
Interim Manager Community Education (Libraries and Community Centres)
Caerphilly County Borough Council

Monday 15 July 2013

CILIP Umbrella 2013 Conference, Manchester, 2-3 July.

Umbrella 2013 Conference Discover. Connect. Achieve. 2-3 July, Manchester
I was fortunate enough to attend the CILIP Umbrella 2013 conference in Manchester, 2-3 July.
The two day event was attended by 600 delegates and there was a lot for us to take in. The packed programme was divided into four areas of interest
  • Future Skills and Future Roles
  • Information to Best Support Society
  • Beyond Information Matters
  • Partnerships for Progress

There was so much on offer that I can only give you a glimpse in the space I have here, but you can view the whole lot on the Umbrella web pages.

Roly Keating, Chief Executive, The British Library gave a keynote on the first day entitled Born digital? The British Library at 40. We were given a history of the organisation and heard how developments at the library had lead to a need to change the organisational structure, with a Chief Digital Officer and Chief Executive at its centre.
Surprisingly, only 1% of the Library’s enormous collection is digitized, and this is the reason why they have partnered with organisations like Google: the British Library could not afford to undertake wide scale digitization on its own.

Enterprising Libraries

Keating announced The Enterprising Libraries programme, a partnership between Arts Council England, the British Library and the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). The aim is to “fund a number of projects in which libraries will use their role as community hubs to spark local economic growth and improve social mobility in communities across the country.”
You can find out more here


#uklibchat: instant ideas and collaboration + access to knowledge
Ka-Ming Pang, Online Support Librarian, St George’s University of London. @agentk23

#uklibchat runs regular discussions on library and information topics using tweets.
For those of you that already follow the discussions, you’ll know this is a useful way of keeping up to date with developments in the profession, as well as a way of contributing your own ideas.

Check out the website for more info http://uklibchat.wordpress.com/

Create the job you want!


Janice LaChance, CEO, Special Libraries Association International gave the keynote speech on the second day of the conference. Without the use of slides or video, Janice thrilled the audience with her tales of working at the White House as part of Bill’s Clinton’s inner circle...she has flown on Air Force One (respect).
The theme of Janice’s speech was reinvention, she explained how she trained and qualified as a lawyer, and is incredibly proud of her degree, but she has never practised because her career took off in other directions.
The lesson Janice urged us to take from her experiences is that we, as library and information professionals, should not let our careers be defined by titles. We were encouraged to look for the jobs we want, in what Janice acknowledged as increasingly difficult times, by thinking about the skills we have and applying them to the needs of organisations.

 ‘If you think of yourself in terms of your degree or job title it will limit your opportunities.’ said Janice. ‘Align your role with the organisation and specifically with the senior executives. Look at the organisation’s needs and weaknesses and look at leaders’ goals. If you adopt this mindset you will become more integral to the success of the organisation, not just your team or department.’

Janice argued that the jobs of the future will not necessarily be in a traditional library setting, she suggested the profession needs to look at how skills can be transferred and used in the wider world. As library and information profession, we need to show potential employers what our skills will bring to a role and how we will contribute to the success of their organisation.
She added that employers also have a responsibility to change the way they recruit, to focus on ability and potential rather than experience.

Janice ended her speech with three pieces of advice
  1.  Look for opportunity where you wouldn’t normally look.
  2.  Take risks that stretch your abilities.
  3.  Believe you can make a difference, not just a living.

Avoiding information overload

Gary Green, Technical Librarian, Surrey County Council Library Service gave a great session on the benefits and drawbacks of automated information feeds. Gary talked us through using a tool like If That Then This (IFTT) www.ifttt.com, which can connect over 60 online & messaging services and automatically feed information/data between channels.

I found this an especially helpful session because having just returned to work after 8 months, there is a lot to catch up with and there are so many channels of information, there is a danger of ‘Information overload’ . However, Gary gave suggestions for managing news feeds and avoiding bombarding people with too much information.
If you want to learn more, check out the link

An inspiring partnership

The session I found the most inspiring was called Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s a librarian! from Victoria Treadway, Clinical Librarian, Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust & Dr Girendra Sadera, Consultant, Critical Care and Anaesthesia, Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Victoria showed us how, as a clinical librarian working in a library setting, she developed the role with the help and support of Dr  Sadera, to become a part of the critical care team in a busy hospital.
As  clinical librarian, Vitoria provides information to the critical care staff about patient health. Previously Victoria would have to return to the library to carry our information searches.

However, together she and Dr Sadera planned a 10 month pilot project, where she became part of the critical care team, actually taking part in the health assessment rounds on the ward, and with the use of a portable devise, was able to search for health information there and then.
The information Victoria searches for can determine the treatment of a patient, for example, if information about a drug or particular form of treatment is found, the health care team can make use of it straight away to inform the way they care for an individual on the ward.

It was a truly inspirational presentation because it showed the very real benefits of having an information specialist as part of a wider team.
There was much more to the session than I have space to describe, so please do have a look at the project and find out more.
I am always keen to encourage librarians to gather and use facts and figures to make their case, to prove their worth and this is an excellent example.
http://www.whnt.nhs.uk/hrod/development/library_services/services/clinical_librarian_service.html



Mandy Powell, CILIP Policy Officer, Wales

Wednesday 12 June 2013

School libraries celebrated at the Hay Festival

Recently (23rd May) I had the pleasure of attending a reception for the School Library Association (SLA) at the Hay festival. The event was organised by the SLA and Hay Festival and received sponsorship from Frank Lampard - author of Frankie's Magic Football. 

There was a visit from the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. The Royal guests were actually delayed due to a fault with their helicopter ( I know how they feel, I often have a similar problem with the CILIP Cymru helicopter*), but it actually meant there was more time to meet with, and talk with school librarians.

The library profession is full of incredibly dedicated and enthusiastic people and none more so than the school librarian.  Many of you will know of the CILIP Shout About School Libraries campaign, which ran from October 2011 until late 2012 and highlighted the excellent work of library staff in schools and lead CILIP to produce School Libraries -a right 

As well as enthusiastic school librarians, there were also many school children in attendance, which gave the event even more of a buzz; it is always thrilling to see children excited about reading. One of the children presented Their Royal Highness's with a selection of picture books for their forthcoming grandchild. 

It was really good to see school librarians and their work celebrated at such a well known and respected festival.
If you want to find out more about the SLA and the work they support, please have a look at their excellent website 

Mandy Powell
CILIP Policy Officer, Wales

*Please note, CILIP Cymru does not own a helicopter , I mostly use public transport

Thursday 6 June 2013

Collaboration in libraries and learning environments - Maxine Melling & Margaret Weaver - CILIP Cymru Wales Conference 2013

Maxine Melling, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Operations), University of Gloucestershire andMargaret Weaver, Head of Library & Student Services, University of Cumbria discuss the changing environment in public services requires different approaches to be taken to how services are delivered to customers. This may result in the development of shared services, the convergence of many different services to provide a seamless customer facing experience, or the development of more active collaborative networks. Maxine Melling and Margaret Weaver have been closely involved in the changes associated with these developments. They have co-edited a book of essays, published by Facet, which offers an overview of the key challenges and opportunities arising as well as presenting some case study material. This paper will provide delegates with an analysis of current trends and some personal reflections on what this means for those responsible for those working in and leading library services during times of change. Recording and post-production by Genero www.genero-productions.co.uk/

Friday 31 May 2013

Keynote Address - Unafraid of the Future - Liz McGettigan - CILIP Cymru Wales Conference 2013



Liz McGettigan discusses the transformation taking place in the library system, how Edinburgh libraries are embracing new technology and partnerships to deliver  “Digital by Desire " not by default and transform to meet the changing needs of the people.
Apologies for the poor sound quality. We had problems with the microphone in this first session. Best played back with headphones.

Thursday 23 May 2013

Conference video roll-out 1 - Nottingham Joint Service Centres



CILIP Cymru Wales is delighted to bring you the first of four recorded sessions from last week's Annual Conference.

This session charts the journey in two Nottingham public library partnership projects in forming two Joint Service Centres. In JSC's the libraries have successfully provided citizens and patients with a caring and friendly welcome at each of these centres, promoting a positive image of the centre, partners and modern library services. Partner services include social care, primary and community health, housing, neighbourhood management, welfare rights, play and youth.  Our guides to this journey are Christina Dyer (Head of Library and Information Service (joint)), and Sue Sanderson, Assistant Centre Manager, Bulwell Riverside
Bulwell Riverside, Nottingham City Libraries.

Nottingham City Libraries were shortlisted for Library of Year in The Bookseller awards 2013, recognising the steps being made in bringing the Library Service right up to date and working in collaboration with all colleagues in the service, our partners and the local community who have been key in our achievement.

We are grateful to www.genero-productions.co.uk  for their expertise in filming and post-production of this video.

Wednesday 22 May 2013

Welsh Librarian of the Year announced



Photograph courtesy of Dan Staveley
http://www.danstaveley.co.uk/ 
Lori Havard, Head of Academic Services, Information Services & Systems at Swansea University has received the CILIP Cymru Wales Welsh Librarian of the Year Award for her work changing the perception of librarians and promoting the University library’s services.

Bethan M Hughes, Reading Services Manager at Denbighshire Public Libraries has won the public sector category for the Welsh Librarian of the Year Award. The judges were especially impressed with Bethan’s achievements successfully engaging readers.


This new award recognises and celebrates the contribution of librarians and information professionals to contemporary society in Wales and beyond. Awarded to an individual librarian or information professional, this award champions the achievements, impacts and innovation of those who make a significant difference to either the communities which they serve or to the profession in Wales. The Award was kindly sponsored by Sirsi Dynix, the library technology specialists.

Welsh Librarian of the Year Award – Overall Winner

Lori (centre of picture) is Head of Academic Services, Information Services & Systems, Swansea University and a member of the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals (CILIP). At Swansea University Lori has helped librarians become essential and valued partners in the education and research processes.

Lori has created strong partnerships with the Students Union and Students Newspaper, used social media to effectively promote the library service, to engage users, and to receive valued feedback.

Lori was praised for her initiative to celebrate Swansea University’s authors - academics who have written or contributed to key textbooks and works in their field. This initiative celebrates lecturers who have reached the pinnacle of success in providing new teaching and learning publications, who unlike their research colleagues would not otherwise gain wider recognition within the University.


“Lori is an inspirational leader and professional librarian, adapting to the changing shape of libraries and their services to make a difference, where it matters, with students and staff.” Steve Williams (Deputy Director of Information Services & Systems, Swansea University).

Lori was also winner of the Academic and Research Libraries Category within the award.

"I am very proud to have received the Welsh Librarian of the Year Award from CILIP Cymru.  Librarians do so much for the communities in which we serve, and  it was a great night to take time to recognise the value of our profession.  The stories and achievements of all the nominees were very inspiring to me, and I feel very excited for the future of libraries in Wales." Lori Havard, Welsh Librarian of the Year, speaking after the event.

Welsh Librarian of the Year Award – Public Sector Category Winner


In awarding the Public Sector Category Winner, CILIP Cymru Wales were also delighted to celebrate the achievements of Bethan M Hughes, Reading Services Manager, Denbighshire Public Libraries (far right of picture).

Bethan, a Chartered Member of CILIP, through partnership working has contributed to the highest participation rates at primary school level in the annual Summer Reading Challenge, developed and maintained a highly effective Writing Squads programme for children and supported Denbighshire in achieving highest average reading age for school leavers in Wales, as judged by Estyn – the Schools Inspectorate.

The judges praised Bethan’s work to bring children’s authors together with readers through inspiring events as a model of excellent practice. Bethan is passionate about promoting bilingualism and in working with less advantaged communities. She has represented the interests of libraries, librarians and readers on a wide variety of Welsh bodies, organisations and panels. She is also the Welsh representative on the UK-wide Summer Reading Challenge Steering Group.

Key Role


Speaking at the Award Ceremony on behalf of the sponsors, Sirsi Dynix, Barbara Pacut, Europe Middle East and Asia Sales Director, said,

 “The librarian plays a key role in the function of libraries in our communities, a fact that can often be overlooked in discussions and debates around buildings and cultural resources.  It is the librarian who shapes the character of a library, and who drives for its success. SirsiDynix is delighted to sponsor the Welsh Librarian of the Year Award in its first year, recognising the important contribution of an individual and as an advocate for the profession.”

Photograph courtesy of Dan Staveley
http://www.danstaveley.co.uk/ 
“All of the judges have particular nominations which stuck in our minds. If we could have rewarded all of them I think we probably would have.  All five nominees need to be commended on the very real impact they have had on the library sector. This award proves that librarian and information professionals in Wales are doing great things!” Karen Gibbins, Chair, CILIP Cymru Wales and Chair of the Judging Panel.



Stars of the Welsh Library World

All five nominees are worthy of this praise and recognition. Bethan, Carole, Lori, Preeti and Rebecca have all demonstrated achievement, innovation and impact, providing exemplars of good practice and role models for others to follow within the profession. Information about each of the nominees will be shared in forthcoming blogs, so that we can all learn from their successes!

Thank you!

Our heartfelt thanks go to all:
  • nominees - for agreeing to participate in the Award
  • line managers, colleagues and associates - for making your superb nominations
  • the judges - Guy Daines (CILIP), Hywel James (Gwynedd Libraries, representing SCL Wales), Paul Jeorrett (Glyndwr University, representing WHELF), Andrew Green (former National Librarian of Wales) and Karen Gibbins.
And the last word goes to the judges: 

 “It was an invigorating, stimulating and occasionally moving read”

 “It has been a real pleasure and priviledge to take part in the judging,”

“It gives one enormous hope and encouragement to see so many exceptional people contributing to Welsh libraries and the interests of their users” 

"I have been inspired”

Photo credits.

The headline photograph shows all shortlisted nominees for The 2013 Award. (Là R) Rebecca Mogg (Senior Subject Librarian, Cardiff University), Preeti Pathak (Ethnic Services Librarian, Cardiff Libraries), Lori Havard (Overall Winner – Head of Academic Services, IS&S, Swansea University), Carole Morgans (Welsh Department Librarian, Cardiff Libraries), and Bethan M Hughes (Public Sector Category Winner – Reading Services Manager, Denbighshire Libraries). 

The lower photograph show Barbara Pacut (Sales Director, EMEA, Sirsi Dynix), Lori Havard and Karen Gibbins (Chair, CILIP Cymru Wales and Chair of the Judging Panel).

Photographs courtesy of Dan Staveley http://www.danstaveley.co.uk/ 

Monday 20 May 2013

New Welsh Minister promises to continue "strong protection" for libraries in Wales

Welsh Minister for Culture and Sport, John Griffiths AM, opening the Trade Exhibition at
the CILIP Cymru Wales Annual Conference on Thursday 16th May. 

The recently appointed Welsh Minister for Culture and Sport, John Griffiths AM, whose portfolio includes responsibility for libraries in Wales, attended the CILIP Cymru Wales Annual Conference on Thursday 16th May 2013. Mr Griffiths spoke briefly prior to formally opening the Conference Trade Exhibition. Mr Griffiths said that it was his “chief task” to continue the Welsh Government's support and protect for libraries in Wales, even given the current financially challenging times.

Speaking to over 120 delegates at the Conference in Cardiff, Mr Griffiths applauded the theme of the conference. By working together in partnership and collaboration, libraries can find new ways to “do more with less” and to strengthen and enrich their services. For example, extending  links with health and education organisations will result in stronger and improving services that meet the needs of communities.

Mr Griffiths noted that many good things are currently happening in Welsh libraries. Technology, creativity and innovation combine to enable exciting projects such as:

  • the All Wales Library Management System projects in public and higher education libraries; 
  • shared online services making high quality news, research and family history  resources available to all public library users across Wales;
  • the planned development of a Welsh Libraries app for mobile phones and tablets. 

The refurbishment of public library buildings continues with the support of Welsh Government CyMAL funding, thus ensuring that public libraries are fit for today and are equipped for the future. Indeed the Minister was looking forward to officially opening a refurbished library in Pontycymer (Bridgend County Borough) later that afternoon.

Speaking about the inaugural Welsh Librarian of the Year Award established by CILIP Cymru Wales, Mr Griffiths recognized how lucky Wales is to have such talented, professional, committed, innovative and productive library staff. Mr Griffiths extended his congratulations to the shortlisted nominees and for the forthcoming announcement for the winner.

"Strong support and protection"

In recent times the Welsh Government has demonstrated strong support and protection for libraries in Wales. Mr Griffiths said that it was his “chief task” to continue this support and protection in Wales, even given the current financially challenging times.

CILIP Cymru Wales were delighted to receive the Minister at Conference. We extend our thanks to the Minister and to colleagues from Welsh Government CyMAL in making this visit possible.

With Mr Griffiths (2nd from right) in the photograph are: L-R Janet Peters (Cardiff University, representing WHELF), Annie Mauger  (CILIP CEO), Phil Bradley (President, CILIP), Steve Hardman (Swansea Libraries, representing SCL(W)) and Karen Gibbins (Swansea Libraries& Chair, CILIP Cymru Wales). Image credit - Huw Evans.


Tuesday 14 May 2013

Hello, it's good to be back!

Hello,  just a few words to say that I am back from maternity leave and very much looking forward to getting in touch with as many of you as possible.

I work all across Wales, so if you would like CILIP Cymru Wales to come to your library / institution and talk with staff about benefits and opportunities, please do get in touch.

I've been catching up on all things library and information and am excited by plans to re brand CILIP, which members of CILIP can read all about in Update . 

In Wales we have a new Minister for Culture and Sport, John Griffiths AM and CILIP Cymru Wales will be continuing our advocacy work with him, more on this soon.

The financial climate remains a challenging one, but there is positive news out there, with almost £1 million of capital funding to be allocated to modernise 6 public libraries in Wales, bringing the number of libraries modernised as part of the Welsh Government’s Community Learning Libraries Programme to 89.

I've got a lot to catch up on, but right now, it's almost time for the annual CILIP Cymru Wales Library and Information Conference, organised this year by the excellent Stephen Gregory and the CILIP team in Wales, so for the first time in 5 years, I get to put down my clipboard and enjoy being a delegate, bliss!
I hope to see you there.
#cilipw13


Mandy Powell
Swyddog Polisi, Cymru

Policy Officer, Wales


Sefydliad Siartredig Llyfrgellwyr a Gweithwyr Gwybodaeth Cymru

Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals Wales

Friday 10 May 2013

Conference build-up 8

In our first foray into video for CILIP Cymru Wales, Helen Staffer briefly talks about her anticipated highlights for the conference and has some tips for first time conference delegates.


Conference Anticipation 1 from CILIP Cymru Wales on Vimeo.

Helen Staffer is currently Events Officer on the CILIP Cymru Wales Executive Committee. In this role Helen has been instrumental in the complex processes of conference:

  • venue selection, 
  • theme identification, 
  • crafting the programme, providing a balanced, pertinent, informative and challenging programme, including identifying potential speakers and breakout session leaders,
  • choreography - ensuring that all will flow smoothly in the build-up to, during and after the conference, 
  • project management and leadership - liaising with the other members of the Executive Committee and the Policy Officer for Wales.
Helen achieves this on top of the "day job" (the site management of two of Cardiff University's Libraries), as well being extremely involved in many of CILIP Cymru Wales' other activities and interests! Many thanks Helen!

Like Helen, why not join the Committee?


CILIP Cymru Wales is always looking for new Committee Members. Prior committee experience isn't essential, but committee members do need to be:

  • enthusiastic and keen to contribute to the profession in Wales,
  • able to attend up to four Committee Meetings in a year,
  • willing to undertake work on behalf of the Committee,
  • a member of CILIP and living and / or working in Wales.
Why not help shape the future of the profession in Wales? In doing so you will be broaden your professional horizons, networks and profile, learn new skills, whilst being informally mentored and supported by a terrific group of colleagues in Wales. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain!

About the video

The video was shot on a hand-held video recorder and the resultant MP4 file uploaded to WeVideo - a free, cloud based video editing service. WeVideo allows you to trim and re-order video clips, integrate photographs, easily add in title screens, subtitles and transitions between shots. The service also enables the addition of soundtrack files to your video, but in this case only the audio stream from the camera was used.

So, having experimented with this would I do it again? Yes!!! But, clearly there's room for improvement:

  • Audio quality. We need to think carefully about the quality and recording level of the audio file, and plan to improve this. This video was originally intended to include "off camera" questioning. But the off camera prompts were much louder than Helen's contribution which made sound balancing very difficult. [OK, that and the fact that I hate hearing my own voice in recordings].
  •  Location. It was a beautifully sunny day and so being outside seemed such a good idea at the time. I like hearing the bird song and the City Hall clock chiming in the background, but I guess that these may be distracting for some viewers! Ditto - the  people moving around in the background of the shot, oh and that rather fetching containerised storage facility in the background.
  • Careful segmentation of the filming. The spontaneity of the film is an endearing feature but this makes for some editing difficulties. In future I think I would aim to pause between questions to provide really clear edit points and fade outs
In future I think I could put another video together in about an hour. This one has taken longer to produce because I had to learn how to use WeVideo, set up a Vimeo channel, "play" with the video camera etc. So if a clip has enduring value and multiple usage then there could be rewards in time saving. Using video may also  enable reaching and engaging with a new audiences, and provides valued variety of formats.

And what wouldn't I change? Helen - she's a natural in front of the camera!

Wednesday 8 May 2013

Conference build-up 7

With just a week to go before conference we continue our look at the conference sessions. This time the Entrepreneurial Information Professional.




Annie Mauger and Rebecca Davies will talk about the changing landscapes of the library and information communities, and how we can better form partnerships particularly with users and with fellow professionals in the delivery of services. This session will also suggest how we can get noticed in the organisations we work in as key people to be involved and engaged with.  Annie and Rebecca will also talk about the kind of skills that we need to do this and how we already have them!


Annie Mauger

Annie joined CILIP as Chief Executive in October 2010 after a career in public libraries in England and Scotland for more than 20 years. She was Head of Libraries and Heritage for the City of York before becoming Chief Executive of MLA Yorkshire in 2003. After this she worked as a consultant to charities and public sector bodies and as Chief Executive of a charity for asylum seekers and refugees. She has a degree from Exeter, a PGDipLib from the University of Wales at Aberystwyth and an Executive MBA from Leeds Metropolitan University. Annie is a passionate advocate for the skills and contribution of information professionals to society and economy, and speaks on this subject often to politicians, the media and other key stakeholders. She is currently working on her CILIP Fellowship.

Rebecca Davies

Rebecca is Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student and Staff Services at Aberystwyth University and performs the function of Chief Operating Officer.  Rebecca is a graduate of Aberystwyth University where she studied Librarianship and Education, and also completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Almost 20 years later she returned to Aberystwyth as Director of Information Services, and was appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor in 2011. Prior to this appointment she was the Head of the Assembly Library & Public Enquiry Service for the Welsh Assembly Government (2002). Her early career focused on health information provision and research and included; working within a health promotion unit, as Nursing Librarian at Trinity College, Carmarthen, as researcher at the Department of Information Studies, Aberystwyth University and as Health Science Librarian for the School of Health Science, University of Wales, Swansea.  Rebecca is passionate about libraries and using technology to make life easier and delivering excellent services.

End Note

We have two librarian Pro Vice-Chancellors presenting  at the CILIP Cymru Conference this year: Rebecca and Maxine Melling. Does this career pathway epitomize the entrepreneurial information professional? Is this something that you aspire to? Are you planning for your career, or is this a more organic process for you? Is there a point on the career horizon that you are heading for? How will you get there?

We will also be celebrating achievement, innovation and impact with the inaugural Welsh Librarian of the Year Award. It will be fascinating to see if Rebecca and Annie's description of the entrepreneurial professional mirrors what we see in our nominees and winner! 

Image Credit: Geralt via Pixabay (Public Domain CC0 image)


Monday 6 May 2013

Conference build-up 6



Shared services in public libraries form the topic for the second session of our conference on Thursday 16th May. We hear of an award winning model being adopted in Nottingham City Libraries, incorporating partners from health and social care, housing, welfare rights, neighbourhood management, play and youth services.

Christina Dyer, Head of Library and Information Service (joint) and Sue Sanderson, Assistant Centre Manager, Bulwell Riverside will guide us through the rationale for, practicalities, realities and benefits of a joint service centre model at Bulwell Riverside and St Ann's Valley Centre Libraries. Both opened last year under this new model, with exceptional increases in performance information in both libraries and positive feedback from citizens, patients and colleagues.

Both libraries were in desperate need of renovation, to stimulate stagnating performance and to develop the full, modern library offer. Including libraries in a JSC environment, has enabled the libraries to become a central part of the facilities at the heart of communities and of the buildings, providing a lively ‘shop window’. These JSC’s include the Library and Information Service as the lead service for the ‘Ask Here’ desk, the focal point of the centre where enquiries concerning all the partner services are responded to and signposted to, including social care, primary and community health, housing, neighbourhood management, welfare rights, play and youth.  The libraries have successfully provided citizens and patients with a caring and friendly welcome at each of these centres, promoting a positive image of the centre, partners and modern library service.

Shortlisted for Library of Year in The Bookseller Awards 2013 which recognises the steps being made in bringing our Library Service right up to date and working in collaboration with all colleagues in the service, our partners and the local community who have been key in our achievement.

"Collaboration in Nottingham: the Bulwell Riverside and St Ann’s Valley Centre Library Partnership projects" is scheduled between 11:00 and 12 noon at the CILIP Cymru Wales Annual Conference in Cardiff on Thursday 16th May 2013.

Christina Dyer's professional library career began as a trainee with Hertfordshire County Council. Christina moved to Nottingham City in 1998 by way of a variety of positions with Hampshire CC, Isle of Wight , Cornwall CC, Leicester and Leicestershire CC, and a spell away from public service at the BBC Music Library, and then the Department for Trade & Industry Business Library in London and also as a Marketing Manager for a company making electronic testing equipment for the broadcasting industry. Currently Head of Service, Libraries and Information as part of the Culture, Parks and Open Spaces and Leisure team in a Communities Directorate; Christina is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals and the Society of Chief Librarians.

Sue Sanderson. After 20 years in the banking and finance sector, Sue joined Nottingham City Libraries & Information Service in 1999. Sue has worked in libraries across the City as a Library Assistant and Library Manager and was appointed Assistant Centre Manager at Bulwell Riverside in January 2012.   In this role Sue is responsible for library and information provision including customer services within a busy Joint Service Centre. Currently Sue is Acting Centre Manager covering both Bulwell Riverside and St Ann’s Valley Centre.

Image Credit Pixabay under Creative Commons Public Domain license. 

Friday 3 May 2013

Conference build-up 5

By Alpha du centaure [CC-BY-2.0 ],
via Wikimedia Commons
With a HUGE thanks to our friends in CLIC,   the CILIP Cymru Wales Annual Conference now has a *FRINGE*. Pre-conference dinner meeting on Wednesday.


CLIC (Cardiff Libraries in Co-operation) has decided to organise a social evening for Wednesday 15th May. It’s a chance for anyone working in libraries in Cardiff and the surrounding area to get together with others and enjoy a few drinks!! And, as the conference begins the next day we are hoping that any attendees coming down early will feel free to stop by too. Colleagues will be meeting from 5.30pm at Las Iguanas on Mill Lane for dinner and possibly staying on for cocktails.

If you would like to dine please let CLIC know so that they can inform Las Iguanas of likely numbers. Further information from the CLIC blog.

Thursday 2 May 2013

Welsh Librarian of the Year Award - shortlist announced.


The shortlist for the Welsh Librarian of the Year 2013 has been announced and includes three public sector and two academic & research sector information professional. The winner will be announced at the CILIP Cymru Wales Annual Conference in Cardiff on Thursday 16th May.

CILIP Cymru Wales is delighted to announce that the following nominees have been selected to form the shortlist for the inaugural Welsh Librarian of the Year Award.

Academic & Research Sector:

Lori Havard                                         Swansea University
Rebecca Mogg                                     Cardiff University 

Public Sector:

Bethan M Hughes                                 Denbighshire Libraries
Carole Morgans                                    Cardiff Libraries
Preeti Pathak                                      Cardiff Libraries

Congratulations to the five people who have made the shortlist, and commiserations to those who were long-listed but didn't quite make it this far. In this inaugural year, the competition for Welsh Librarian of the Year has been extremely strong.  With multiple applications in the categories for public sector and academic & research libraries there were always going to be some unsuccessful nominations.  Everyone who was nominated for the Award deserves congratulations. Being nominated shows a great deal of respect and admiration from your colleagues and service users, and is a strong indicator of your professional impact, innovation and achievement.
  
The judges all commented how pleasing it was to receive such inspiring nominations, but especially so for the number of new professionals with Wales. Speaking about the Award, Andrew Green, former National Librarian of Wales, and judging panel member said:

“It gives me enormous hope and encouragement to see so many exceptional people contributing to Welsh libraries and the interests of their users.  I do hope this becomes a regular event, and attracts even more nominees in future.”

Another judge said: “It has been a real pleasure and privilege to take part in the judging”.

The Welsh Librarian of the Year will be announced at the CILIP Cymru Wales Annual Conference Dinner on 16th May in Cardiff. The winner will receive a prize of £500 and a trophy, both of which have been kindly sponsored by Sirsi-Dynix.

Further information

Details about the Award are available from the CILIP Cymru Wales web pagesThe long-list of nominees was announced here

Andrew Green, former National Librarian and Judging Panel Member has written about the Award in his  Blog [in Welsh]

SirsiDynix connects people with knowledge at more than 23,000 libraries around the world. Through library management technology and search and discovery tools, libraries using SirsiDynix technology bring relevant resources and the power of knowledge to their users and communities. SirsiDynix technology is architected to be open, scalable and robust, offering a complete solution out-of-the-box, and unparalleled flexibility through APIs and web services. Complemented by the most experienced training, consulting and support staff in the industry, SirsiDynix helps libraries create tomorrow’s libraries, today. www.sirsidynix.com