What is your role on the committee?
I am a Comms Team Member and support the work of the CILIP Information Literacy Group by contributing to its website and social media content.
When did you join and why?
I joined the team in May 2021 and was drawn to the role because it’s an opportunity to develop my communications skills whilst staying informed and engaged with information literacy across the sector. I work in an academic library and support the delivery of information literacy sessions for students at various stages in their studies. I’ve discovered that even in an academic environment, it’s necessary to be a media and information literacy advocate. I think ILG does a great job highlighting the value of information literacy in society and for everyday life. I wanted to take part in this work!
What do you do in your role?
As a newly appointed Comms Team Member, I’m still learning the role, but I’m excited to help promote the work ILG is doing. So far, I’ve been involved in reviewing blog posts, creating social media content, and responding to emails in the ILG Comms inbox.
What is your day job?
I am currently seconded to the role of Scholarly Communications Coordinator at the University of Essex, and provide support to postgraduate students and researchers throughout the research lifecycle. I create resources and help plan sessions that cover a range of skills that are important for an academic career, such as managing and evaluating references, copyright, academic publishing, the peer review process, citation metrics, and increasing research impact. These topics build on information literacy skills that students develop in their first year at university, and even earlier than that. As part of the ILG Comms Team, I hope to build connections with professionals engaged in other stages in the ‘lifetime’ of information skills, from early years intervention to lifelong learning.
What are your other interests?
I enjoy interior design and like to share my home décor projects as a hobby. I also have a 14-month-old daughter, and let’s be honest, she is now the main character in my life. Other interests have faded somewhat into the background for the time being, but I’ve also picked up new ones, like visiting the public library for a new selection of children’s books and a sweet treat after.