Scotland’s Library & Information Professional of the Year 2021
The winner of Scotland’s Library and Information Professional of the Year 2021 was Alison McAllister, Library and Information Service Manager (North Ayrshire Council). Many congratulations Alison!
Alison championed engagement in every aspect of her library service’s work during the Covid-19 pandemic, managing a team who used 3D printers to make visors for NHS staff, worked at community hubs providing information to local residents about food parcels, and supported NHS employees at a mass vaccination centre. Alison led the pandemic digital access project with Connecting Scotland and has also ensured that her staff were supported through regular online meetings and by establishing a ‘Library Links’ newsletter.
The announcement of Alison’s award was made at the CILIPS Autumn ReGathering on 26th October 2021. Alison said ‘it is a great honour to be awarded Library and Information Professional of the Year. I would like to thank CILIPS and the judging panel as well as my fellow nominees and North Ayrshire colleagues who represent all library sectors for the sterling work they do. It has been a challenging time and library services throughout Scotland have been exemplary in supporting their communities and this award is for you all.’
Special thanks to Bolinda Digital for sponsoring this award. In addition to her trophy, Alison received £500 of funding generously provided by Bolinda that can be used for professional development opportunities in 2022.
Award Sponsors
Bolinda Digital is an industry leading audiobook publisher, supplying libraries with audiobook content for over 30 years. Bolinda’s innovative lending platform BorrowBox, is the number one solution in the UK and offers a complete end-to-end service to libraries, with the best and most exclusive range of eAudiobooks and eBooks, since digital lending began. BorrowBox allows users to browse, download and borrow eContent in one easy to use app. It is the library that never closes.
Alison was selected as winner by our judging panel from a shortlist of three outstanding professionals: find more information on them by clicking on the links below.
