Reflections on being a Student Representative for CILIP North West by Lorna

What was it like being a student rep?

I started as a CILIP NW student rep in September 2017 alongside Helen Kiely and Kathryn Graham. When we started, the role was very flexible in terms of how much input we could put in. This worked in our favour because it meant we could really make the role our own. Throughout the year we helped organise two visits: to John Ryland’s Library and The Portico Library, as a result of feedback from a student needs survey we conducted. We also took turns to attend CILIP NW committee meetings throughout the year where I developed a better understanding of the internal workings of our professional body.

What are the benefits of being a student rep?

The committee is made up of LIS professionals from various sectors so it is a great way to learn about different types of libraries.
It is empowering to be able to say how the network can support students and actually make this happen. It’s not as scary as you think because …there’s loads of support from the committee team. Christine Tate the New Professionals Officer was so supportive to us. She really helped us settle into the role and guided us throughout. The Events Officers were great at getting the events set up once we had thought of the initial ideas.
Before, CILIP was a bit nebulous to me and mainly consisted of emails and copies of the Information Professional. Now I have a much better understanding of how it works and would feel more confident suggesting ways it could improve – whether I was on the committee or not.

What would you say to someone thinking about being a student rep?

The role is what you make of it: you can simply attend meetings, you can have a go at planning an event, or do something CILIP hasn’t even thought of yet!
If there’s something that you’d like to do but you don’t know how, suggest it and the committee will help make it happen. You’re never on your own.
It’s not too big a time commitment and totally feasible alongside full-time study – I did it alongside having a full-time job. I highly recommend it.

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