Title: Ms
Forename: Maria
Surname: Cotera
Post Nominals: BA, MCLIP
Candidate manifesto
CILIP requires strategic leaders with forward vision, able to recruit, retain and inspire others in order to grow and flourish: I worked my way up from Career Development Group local committee member (2004-2010) to CDG President (2009), developing the activists network, the concept of CILIP new professionals and the organisation of new professionals conferences (2009, 2010) to create community, make CILIP more inclusive, ensure fair representation and unearth new leaders. I worked towards growing CDG membership and a sound, transparent governance by implementing clear election procedures, a democratic decision making system and a new financial model, and represented CDG at CILIP Policy Forum.
We need a CILIP which proactively advocates for our professional value and the services we provide: I worked on the CILIP Political Manifesto T&F Group, setting six clear priorities for the next Government, which was sent to all political parties before the national election – the first example of CILIP proactively engaging with politicians at the national level. This year I organised an international advocacy conference which brought together CILIP staff, members and international colleagues to share advocacy ideas and learn from each other’s successes.
We need a fair and inclusive CILIP which understands and recognises the value of all its members, regardless of which sector or country they are in: I have worked in public libraries, academia, the commercial and charity sectors. A committee member of CILIP International and Information Group (2006-) and member of CILIP Diversity Group, I celebrate diversity and champion equality within our workforce and the world at large, and have served on CILIP Equalities Audit T&F Group (2010).
If elected to Council, I will contribute my previous experience, my strategic vision and my passion for CILIP and the profession to create a more dynamic, inclusive, efficient and inspiring Institute for all.
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Nominators' Supporting Statements
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Statement 1
Title: Ms
Forename: Kathy
Surname: Ennis
Post Nominals: BA(Hons), DipLib, MCLIP
I have been privileged to know Maria for some years, both as a practising information professional and in my capacity as an employee of CILIP. I am nominating Maria because:
- Her unfailing commitment and personal contribution to the work of CILIP on behalf of all members
- Her unquestioned professionalism
- Her ability to inspire others, exemplified by her work with CILIP Career Development Group
- Her contribution to the CILIP agenda internationally through her work with IFLA, notably the establishment of the IFLA Women’s section, and with the African Prisons Project
- Her creativity and sense of fun
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Statement 2
Title: Mr
Forename: John
Surname: Lake
Post Nominals: BA FCLIP
I nominate Maria Cotera for election as a Trustee because I believe she is dedicated and passionate about the profession and is willing to give her time and energy to help it evolve with ideas, imagination and a sense of responsibility.
I have known Maria since her involvement with IFLA in 2004 where she is now highly respected amongst the IFLA officers and community.
I have worked with Maria in the ILIG Committee for 2 years. Witnessing her commitment to improving services for members has convinced me that she will be a suitable candidate for the work of a Trustee.
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Statement 3
Title: Mr
Forename: Christopher
Surname: Rhodes
Post Nominals: MA
It is difficult to overestimate the impact that Maria has had on LIS new professionals.
Maria’s vision and organisational talent created the CILIP New Professionals Conference in 2009, the first conference of its kind.
The explosion of new professional activity which followed this conference is due in a large part to her facilitating events and opportunities for new professionals to forge communities and raise their visibility.
She has used her considerable network of contacts to establish new professionals as an integral part of the LIS world.
Maria’s ability to advocate for members of CILIP will make her a valuable trustee.
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Statement 4
Title: Mr
Forename: John
Surname: Vincent
Post Nominals: MCLIP MCMI
I have worked with Maria Cotera on many occasions, including at Umbrella, as well as co-organising a visit to CILIP by a group from the University of Missouri.
Librarianship needs strong leadership, a fighting spirit, and an understanding of the role that libraries play towards social justice, and I believe that Maria will bring all these to CILIP, as well as integrity; advocacy skills, particularly around being an activist; an understanding of diversity issues both in the UK and abroad; and a willingness to stand up and promote the role of the profession.
I am delighted to nominate Maria Cotera.
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Statement 5
Title: Ms
Forename: Eleni
Surname: Zazani
Post Nominals:
I am part of the CILIP community due to Maria. She inspired me to get involved with my local committee of the Career Development Group, and then mentored, supported and encouraged me to step up to my current role in the national committee. Maria has also recruited, inspired and supported many others who, like me, are now active CILIP members.
CILIP needs leaders like Maria to drive its “20-by-20” strategic ambition; she has a real passion for CILIP and is able to transmit this to others – for these reasons I am delighted to nominate Maria Cotera for CILIP Trustee.