CILIP Scotland reveals national librarian award winners

The Scottish branch of the Chartered Insistute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIPS) has revealed its national librarian award winners. The prizes were given during a ceremony held in Dundee yesterday (4th June). 

Alison Nolan, team leader at Inverclyde Libraries, took the award for Scotland’s Library and Information Professional of the year. Judges commended Nolan’s “exemplary approach to engagement”, having spearheaded an initiative which integrates a health and wellbeing focus into strategic planning and developing connections with organisations such as Alzheimer Scotland and Barnardo’s. 

Meanwhile Jimi Mitchell, senior library administrator at The Sir Alex Ferguson Library in Glasgow, received the award for Outstanding Practice and Achievements. Mitchell launched a recording studio at the library last April, which allows free access to industry-standard recording equipment and has welcomed more than 70 inductees in its first year. 

The final winner at last night’s awards was Tony Lyon, librarian at Glasgow’s Mitchell Library. Lyon was praised for his “sheer grit and determination” when rolling out the We Make Music Libraries initiative, which offers musical instruments as free loans to Mitchell Library users.

CILIPS director Sean McNamara commented: “The nominees for these awards represent some of the best library workers in the country and it’s hugely inspiring to see so much good work going on in challenging times. We were delighted to give this award to Alison for the many great things she is doing in Inverclyde and in particular the way she engages communities, and ensures libraries meet local needs in a myriad of ways.” 

The national librarian prizes were presented during CILIPS’ annual conference, which took place at the Dundee Apex Hotel.