Attending the LILAC conference for the first time earlier this year showed me that it is crucial for librarians across all sectors to develop our information literacy practice right now. It also demonstrated how much the connections and learning that come out of the conference can help us to do this.
As an NHS librarian, I’m delighted to have recently become the first person working in the health sector to join the LILAC committee. As the new External Relationships Manager, I will be helping to organise the bursaries and awards for the conference.
After benefitting so much from the networks and lessons I gained through attending, it’s great to be able to offer the opportunity to attend LILAC to others from different sectors and backgrounds, as the diversity of attendees makes the conference truly engaging. There are 5 free places for people in the following under-represented groups in the UK:
- Ethnic minority backgrounds
- School libraries
- Further Education
- Public libraries
- Health libraries (e.g. NHS – please note; librarians working in Higher Education who support health subjects are not eligible to apply)
Each of the five bursaries will include three days at the conference and social events. They also include up to £250 in expenses for reasonable travel and accommodation.
We are also offering ‘Local to LILAC’ day delegate bursaries for people who live or work near to the conference venue. Each of the six bursaries provide a free day place to one day of LILAC to experience what the conference offers and £50 for reasonable travel expenses.
All winners will be randomly selected using a lottery system. You must be a librarian, volunteer, or information professional working in the UK. To apply, just register for an account (if you already have an account then you just need to login and go to ‘my account’ where you’ll see details of how to apply). Complete the application form for the bursary you are applying for, confirming you have your line manager’s approval to attend, if successful. Winners will be notified early December if they have been successful.
More information about both bursary options, and the application forms, is available on the LILAC website.
The closing date for applications is Friday 21 November 2025 (17:00 GMT).
We can’t wait to see you in Sheffield!
Beth Tapster (External Relationships Manager) on behalf of the LILAC committee
Great initiative! The LILAC 2026 bursaries are a fantastic opportunity for aspiring library and information professionals to gain valuable learning and networking. Students may also explore other funding options like the University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships here: https://www.studyinuk.com/university-of-bristol-think-big-scholarships/