Back at the Liverpool Exhibition Centre for the second day at CILIP Conference, starting with a really thought-provoking keynote from Prof Jacqueline McGlade talking about sustainable development and knowledge systems.

The takeaway message for me was that we need to map our networks and reimagine what we mean by beloning. Prof McGlade quoted Simone Weil, ‘To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul.’

Morning sessions included a workshop on Censorship and Intellectual Freedom – a follow up to Thursday afternoon’s collaboration session, and a session on evidencing impact using the IFLA Storytelling Manual.

After lunch and a quick speed dating session of the Member Networks, there was a really great workshop on allyship led by John Vincent and Shirley Yarwood Jackson. We looked at what makes a good ally, what the barriers are, and what support is needed to overcome them. There was a really supportive environment, focused on the importance of standing in the gap in support of minority groups and recognising that EDI is not a tick box exercise but a journey, not a destnation. Sadly we also need to realise that progress made is being eroded.

The final session was a celebration from CILIP President Kate Robinson, highlighting that our strength is in our community, and #WeAreCILIP.  Our bursary winner Hannah was invited on stage to say what CILIP membership has given her as she has turned an empty classroom into a library that is at the heart of the school.

Keeping connected and keeping learning have been the main messages throughout Conference this year as we recover from Covid. Removing barriers and widening participation through CILIP Pathways and Apprenticeships is really important, and I’m really keen to help school librarians gain academic and professional qualifications that will bring them in to the wider library and information profession.

A great two days, and a lot to take in, but fantastic to feel part of a wider community.  As Hannah says, ‘Librarians rule!’ #WeAreCILIP.