Top Ten Young Librarians of the Future
In 2006, Love Libraries launched a search to find the Top Ten Young Librarians of the Future. The search revealed ten fantastic individuals who are re-inventing England’s public library service with their ambition, energy and inspiring ideas.
After the winners were announced, the young librarians were invited to attend an awards celebration ceremony in London, and each awarded with certificates commending their work in public libraries. The celebration day brought the winners together for the first time and they participated in an interactive debate on the future of the library service and exchanged views on a variety of themes and issues including: the importance of the reading service; priorities for the development of future libraries and workforce development.
Since winning, many of the librarians have appeared in local newspapers, local TV and even the national press, earning them a celebrity status in the library sector, but more importantly helping to raise the profile of their services, combat media criticism about libraries and challenge traditional stereotypes of librarians. Winning the award has led to career development opportunities, as several individuals have since secured new or secondment roles in the library sector, along with sponsored places at events and conferences.
The librarians are continuing to use their ‘top ten’ network to exchange ideas through podcasts and blogs, help inform and influence national policy and programmes and make positive contributions to re-inventing the public library service.
If you would like to find out more about what each of the top ten have been up to since winning their awards, click on the links below.
