CILIP NW Bursary: Academic Libraries North Conference 2023

by Nicola Glynn

I was over the moon to receive funding from CILIP NW to attend the ALN conference 2023 (the process of applying was quick and easy, thank you so much!). Attending the conference was on a list of activities I was aiming to complete whilst working towards professional registration and it was a fantastic opportunity to gain an insight into the sector within which I work.

The conference was held on 21st and 22nd June, the first day online and the second day in person in Leeds. This year's theme was ‘Revolutionary thoughts: constructively disrupting the status quo in libraries for the new normal.’ A reflection of the pressures which have encouraged new ways of working.

As the conference approached, I eagerly awaited the release of the program, I was amazed at the variety. It was bursting with guest speakers, sponsor presentations, a panel discussion, short papers, lightening talks and workshops. With topics ranging from wellbeing (staff and students), AI, outreach and engagement, inclusion and equality, staff development and information, and digital literacy, to name but a few! I rapidly read the abstracts, finding it difficult to choose between the parallel rooms.

The two days were inspiring, engaging and fun. I have so much to takeaway, share, learn from, put into practice, and follow up. Overall, attending the conference was a brilliant experience, being able to explore latest ideas, enhance my professional development, improve, practice, and contribute towards a better experience for service users.

I am already looking forward to next year!!!

Comments

Sustainability, Accessibility and Resilience: Reflections from the CILIP Conference + Expo 2022 by H Kiely

I was lucky enough to be awarded the bursary from CILIP NW to be able to attend the CILIP Conference this year in Liverpool. I am incredibly grateful to have had this opportunity especially as prior to attending I had just started my new job in what is (for me) the brand-new area of academic libraries. I went in feeling as bright-eyed and new as I did the first time I attended a conference some years ago, a little overwhelmed at the choice of so many different talks but looking forward to learning a lot! Spotted my new workplace at the drinks reception! Museum of Liverpool Life. The theme for the CILIP conference was Sustainability in all its forms. Day one opened with an incredibly powerful and moving keynote from Sayf Al Ashquar, Secretary-General of the Libraries, University of Mosul; Director of Central Library, Iraq on the destruction of the Central Library in Iraq by ISIS soldiers. Destruction of Central Library, Iraq. “To control the people, [ISIS] destroyed the knowledge.” ...

Professional Registration by Sue McKenzie

"To be, or not to be, that is the question." (Shakespeare). I have been procrastinating about my professional registration for a while now. It’s easy to put it to one side and blame the day-to-day job for not having time to do it. So, when I was invited to attend a CILIP Professional Registration workshop at our local Educational Library Service, I decided it was the encouragement and kick I needed to get going. I was to find out that this was exactly the same for several others who were attending as well as a few who had not yet registered. An investment in your future We all know that getting professional acknowledgement will not necessarily get us more pay. But I decided long ago that it wasn’t about the money - I don’t think many of us work in libraries for the money! For me it was about the recognition of doing my job well. Throughout the professional registration process, the candidate is encouraged to reflect on their learning and become more en...

CILIP North West Careers Panel - Sinead English, Assistant Librarian, University of Football Business Etihad Campus

Sinead English Assistant Librarian, University Campus of Football Business During the CILIP North West Member Network Career Panel event on 23 April, Sinead spoke about her career journey, particularly about her early career and her move from a Health to Higher Education Library role. Here are some of her reflections on the event and some great tips! I was incredibly nervous about speaking at this event, filled with the dreaded imposter syndrome telling me that it was too early into my library career to be speaking. However, when I had looked back at my job experiences, I decided that it may be useful to demonstrate to attendees the way in which I’ve managed to build up my transferable skills in order to get to my current role. Volunteering Opportunities Since giving my presentation I've been reflecting on the similarities between when I was looking for my first role in libraries (following the aftermath of the market crash)...

CILIP North West Member Network Blog

Search This Blog