Paul Clarke
Title: Mr
Forename: Paul
Surname: Clarke
Post Nominals: MCLIP
Biography
Candidate manifesto - max 300 words
“We don’t need you, we’ve got Google” How many times have you heard that? And how many arguments can you give to refute it?
It remains my belief that we are at a crucial time for our profession. The apparent accessibility of information has produced, in the minds of many, the belief that we as information professionals in whatever area are now redundant.
I still believe that CILIP as our professional association is the only organisation that can effectively refute that argument.
CILIP has just gone through a difficult period with the governance review, and one which may have lead to some real or perceived inertia in some areas as the organisation made the changes necessary to put itself on a sound financial foundation and equip itself to respond more effectively in future.
I think that future should include:
• More engagement with the membership: I was surprised that no one has approached me in my time as National Councillor with any issues they wanted me to raise in council, probably because there was no clear mechanism for them to do this. I volunteered as “duty champion” during the pilot phase of the Communities of Practice in the hope that more members would sign up – the discussions are valuable and fascinating but still not enough people are getting involved.
• CILIP making sure its position on key issues like censorship, information literacy, preservation and conservation, etc. are clear, well known and publicised.
• Advocacy to politicians, employers, members and I think a forgotten group, our users.
• Promoting what CILIP does. It does a lot very well, but seems reluctant to tell people.
• More advocacy!
If elected to serve on Council again these areas would be my priority.
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Nominators' Supporting Statements
Statement 1 - max 100 words
Title: Miss
Forename: Gillian
Surname: Edwards
Post Nominals: BA (Hons), MSc, MCLIP
I nominate Paul Clarke for a place as a Trustee on CILIP Council because being a work colleague of Paul’s I have seen at first hand his commitment to library and information work. His experience in public library services and at local Council directorate level is extensive. He is approachable and willing to listen and become involved and is able to understand problems and communicate at all levels. As a member of CILIP Council he has done sterling work over the last few years and his knowledge and experience will be needed as we move forward.
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Statement 2 - max 100 words
Title: Mrs
Forename: Julia
Surname: Newton
Post Nominals: MCLIP
I nominate Paul Clarke as a Cilip Councillor because I believe he has shown commitment to the role to date, and been active on Council and in communities of interest.
He has an analytical mind and is able to look at issues “in the round”. He believes in the profession but understands and acknowledges the business drivers for public libraries within a local authority context. He is an advocate for retaining professional skills that denote why people have chosen librarianship whilst being able to recognise and support talent in unqualified staff who make significant contributions to modern public libraries.
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Statement 3 - max 100 words
Title: Mr
Forename: Bruce
Surname: Madge
Post Nominals: FCLIP, DHMSA, PGCert
I nominate Paul Clarke for a place as a Trustee on CILIP Council because of the excellent work he has done in the past few years for CILIP both on Council and other committees. I feel that Paul will bring his experience and knowledge as a public librarian to Council as well as a keen eye for detail and a no-nonsense approach to business. His understanding of members needs will also be essential for the new Council in their deliberations as will his excellent communication skills. His knowledge of policy development will also ensure continuity within the new governance structure.
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Statement 4 - max 100 words
Title: Mr
Forename: Martin
Surname: Stone
Post Nominals: DipLib MCLIP
I nominate Paul Clarke as a CILIP Councillor as Paul has a good understanding of members’ needs and thinking. Paul has played an active part in establishing Communities of Practice and is aware of the crucial importance of advocacy for the profession. He has a wealth of experience of the practical issues facing library services today and would continue to put that to good effect if re-elected.
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Statement 5 - max 100 words
Title: Mr
Forename: Steve
Surname: Woods
Post Nominals: MCLIP
I nominate Paul Clarke for a place as a Trustee on CILIP Council because of the work he has done in championing the role of the professional librarian. He has represented public libraries in Council and other committees over the last few years. He has a wide knowledge of the profession and will be able to bring that knowledge and expertise to the new structure, thus ensuring that there is continuity in the next few years. I believe that his pragmatic approach will enable Council to reaffirm its contact with the membership base.
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Updated: 12 February 2008