Attending the #CILIPConf24 with a bursary from the Health Libraries Group 

Emma Stirland, Library Assistant, University of Liverpool

I attended the CILIP Conference 2024 after being awarded a bursary from HLG. This was my first CILIP Conference and I was excited to attend the leading event for the library, information and knowledge sector, network with industry leaders and meet new professionals from different fields. It was also a great opportunity to produce social media content for the ECLAIR Community, a network of new professionals and LIS students. Below, I have outlined my experience and reflections on attending the event as a new professional.

Day 1: 10th July 2024

I arrived at the Hilton Metropole in Birmingham at around 9.30 am after two, miraculously on-time, trains. I was anxious as I made my way to the event – however, the CILIP team was present upon arrival and the hotel was well-signposted, which helped to alleviate some nerves.

Day 1 Seminars:

  1. Opening Keynote: Intellectual Freedom by English PEN
  2. Libraries, Health, and Digital Literacy with speakers from YouTube Health, The Reading Agency and NHS England
  3. Lunchtime Keynote: Truth Decay in Europe by RAND Europe
  4. Cyber Security: The Current Threat Landscape and Data Breach Preparedness with speakers from the British Library and Experian
  5. Libraries Change Lives with speakers from Inflect and CILIP
  6. Presidential Dinner

I attended ‘Libraries, Health and Digital Literacy’ because I wanted to gain insights into health librarianship. As I am interested in social media, I also look forward to hearing from YouTube Health. Though the workshop was less relevant to my daily practice, I did, however, learn tips for using digital health sources such as the YouTube Health Shelves; with my previous work in public libraries, I enjoyed hearing how public libraries are working to decrease the digital divide when accessing online health information. My key takeaway was the need to examine short-form content on TikTok and Instagram that offers health advice. I left with ideas that I hope to explore, such as:

  • How should we approach digital and health literacies when consuming health information on TikTok?
  • How is this content different from what is on YouTube and NHS services?
  • How can we equip users with the literacies to judge the validity of health videos on apps like TikTok?

I hope to explore these questions further through conversations with health librarians and in my MA course that starts in September.

Another highlight of Day 1 was the Presidential Dinner. The combination of a three-course meal, live music and football was a lively way to end the day! I sat with a group of new professionals from public libraries, knowledge management and school libraries, which made for varied conversations and LinkedIn connections. I then retreated to my room to finish watching the match and relax before another busy day!

Day 2: 11th July 2024

I was up and early for a 7.30 am breakfast to beat the 9 am rush and managed to secure a table for one amongst the conference attendees and holidaymakers – I was a bit jealous of the group of women next to me, clearly jetting off to some tropical location later that day. The breakfast was incredible – I’d expect no less from a Hilton hotel – and I was grateful for my past self for making me get up an hour earlier.

Day 2 Seminars:

  1. Welcome Address from the CILIP CEO and Keynote Speech by the Director of Library Services and University Librarian at Ulster University
  2. Getting Match-Fit for a Senior Leadership Role with speakers from the University of East London and NHS England
  3. The Sector’s Response to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals with speakers from 2030 Hub and the University of Strathclyde
  4. Lunchtime Keynote and Book Signing
  5. Evidence-informed Practice: Moving the Agenda Forward
  6. Panel Discussion: Inclusive Collections

‘Inclusive Collections’ was the session I enjoyed the most, especially the discussion on academic literacies and how academic librarians occupy the ‘third space,’ and can use this vantage point to challenge hierarchies of knowledge within academia. This discussion was inspiring because I am interested in applying critical discourse analysis to library and information contexts and examining power dynamics in academic discursive environments. The speaker from CILIP Cymru Wales explored local heritage, developing inclusive collections and how ultimately libraries should include both the local community and the rest of the world in their contemporary reflections – this sentiment was a fitting end to the conference and captures the significance of our work as information professionals. As the conference ended, the prize winners were announced, and I was surprised to have won the competition ran by The Design Concept and managed to safely transport my Starfish Balance Stool home – on 2 trains at rush hour! I returned home equally tired from a busy two days but energized by the stimulating discussions that I had experienced. I am already looking ahead to next year’s conference as I had such a positive experience from start to finish.

Attending the CILIP Conference was an incredible opportunity. While the conference is open to all library and information professionals, for new professionals and students, the cost of the full conference package can be inaccessible, and I would not have been able to attend without the support of the bursary.

I did experience feelings of imposter syndrome when introducing myself at roundtable discussions – this was eased when I met other bursary recipients and everyone I spoke to made me feel welcome. I had some interesting conversations with professionals from different fields about their roles and interests, and met delegates from around the world, including Athens and Montreal!

“That is what I love about our profession – as librarians, we intuitively welcome the exchange of knowledge and value the opportunity to build connections.”

I want to thank the CILIP Health Libraries Group for the wonderful opportunity and support throughout the process. Attending the conference truly increased my confidence in my networking skills and made me feel like an active part of the wider profession.