About Us | Contact Us | Print Page | Sign In | Join now
CILIP Members' Fest 2026 Programme


Home Programme   Register  

CILIP Members' Fest

2 - 6 March 2026

See below for our jam-packed programme of online events, 'ask us anything' sessions and in-person networking..

All events are open-access, so whether you are a CILIP member or not, you can attend free of charge, take advantage of our thought leadership and training sessions and meet fellow community members.

The whole programme is designed to introduce you to what we and our amazing communities do, encourage you to make the most of your membership, and provide opportunities for you to super-charge your career by introducing you to committee, mentoring and other professional network openings.

Bring a colleague / recommend us to a friend / tell your boss...
Hopefully we'll see you at a session soon!




CILIP's New Strategy & Ask the CEO
Attend this session with Louis Coffait-Gunn, CILIP's CEO, to find out more about CILIP's upcoming strategy and have the opportunity to ask questions.

Monday 2 March, 11.00am - 12.00pm
Online via Zoom



Pathways into the Profession
In this session we will present the different pathways that are available into the profession and hear from an expert panel on their experiences with the different routes.  Learn about the diverse career paths available and hear from inspiring speakers.

Monday 2 March, 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Online via Zoom


 

AI literacy across library sectors
A panel of speakers from a variety of library sectors will discuss their current experiences of AI in their workplaces, outlining the key issues and concerns regarding AI in their sector at present, as well as any current plans or initiatives within this area. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their own experiences of AI, ask questions and share ideas on ways to manage this fast-moving technology within libraries.

Monday 2 March, 2.00pm - 3.30pm
Online via Zoom


 

What's it Really Like Working in Government Information in 2026?
A panel of three GIG committee members will talk about their work in the sector, the diverse areas of policy they support, their routes into the civil service environment, the skills required, and the unique selling points and big challenges GKIM offers knowledge and information professionals.

Tuesday 3 March, 12.00pm - 1.15pm
Online via Zoom


 

CILIP Scotland | CPD and Membership workshop
This is a free online CILIPS-led Continuing Professional Development workshop, supporting attendees to engage with key themes affecting the profession and varied aspects of our member offer, including Professional Registration.

Tuesday 3 March, 2.00pm - 3.30pm
Online via Zoom


 

Shaping the Future Together: Research & Development at CILIP
Step inside CILIP’s Research and Development work and explore how members can help steer new ideas from spark to reality. We’ll reflect on recent projects including Google Super Searchers and New Skills for the Future Library Leader, share what we’ve learned, and open a conversation about where we go next. Come along to hear how your insight, networks, and curiosity can influence CILIP's future work.


Wednesday 4 March, 11.00am - 12.00pm
Online via Zoom


 

Libraries under attack: how can we best support colleagues overseas?
Across the world, library and information professionals are facing unprecedented challenges including war, censorship, cyberattacks, and more. How can we, as a global community, respond effectively and ethically? Join the International Library and Information Group (ILIG) for a thought-provoking session where we tackle this urgent question.


Wednesday 4 March, 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Online via Zoom






Teaching with Special Collections
Join our expert panel for a discussion on teaching with special collections. Discover practical approaches, new methods, and ways to enhance learning experiences.

Wednesday 4 March, 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Online via Zoom


 

Professional Registration 101
Attend this drop-in session with CILIP's Sector Development team to find out how professional registration could be valuable to you and support your career, hear about the process and pick up top tips from experts to prepare your submission.


Wednesday 4 March, 1.00pm - 2.00pm
Online via Zoom




South West Social | Visit to the Plymouth Proprietary Library
This is an opportunity to have a tour of the Plymouth Proprietary Library, a small, friendly, independent library on the outskirts of the city. Some of our rare archives would be out on display and I can explain how we operate and the various events and activities we run. Hot drinks and biscuits will be provided.

Wednesday 4 March, 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Plymouth






Libraries' work with care-experienced children & young people
How can libraries play a meaningful role in supporting care-experienced children and young people? Join the Community, Diversity, and Equality Group (CDEG) for a practical and insightful session introducing John Vincent's new book from Facet Publishing: Libraries and Care-Experienced Children and Young People: A Practical Guide.


Wednesday 4 March, 3.00pm - 4.00pm
Online via Zoom


 

Health misinformation crisis: How libraries can help
Health misinformation is everywhere, from treatments and vaccinations to over-the-counter medications, and it’s challenging people’s ability to find reliable, high-quality health information. How can library and information professionals respond?


Thursday 5 March, 10.00am - 11.00am
Online via Zoom


 

How to Get Published: From Idea to Print
Ever wondered what it really takes to get your work published? Whether you’re a first-time writer or looking to expand your publishing portfolio, this presentation will walk you through every stage of the process - from developing your idea to crafting your submission and pitching your work.


Thursday 5 March, 11.00am - 12.00pm
Online via Zoom


 

New research lightning talks
Join this taster session which introduces you to the CILIP Library & Information History Group and provides a platform for students and early career researchers to present new research or work in progress in a supportive and collegial space.


Thursday 5 March, 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Online via Zoom


 



National Year of Reading - How Youth Libraries can support your Special Interest Group
This session will provide an overview of the range of resources and training provided by YLG. and will include an examination of fiction and non-fiction texts, including picture books, graphic novels, middle grade and young adult books. Speakers will also share examples of working practice in sharing non-traditional texts with harder to reach audiences of all ages and reading abilities, boosting literacy, wellbeing and engagement with reading.


Thursday 5 March, 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Online via Zoom


 

Connecting in with your organisation and making an impact
In this session we will explore the importance of aligning your skills and your service to the wider organisation's aims and objectives.  Hear from a panel of service leaders on how they have created an impact in their organisations, clearly demonstrating the value of their skills and that of their team.


Thursday 5 March, 3.00pm - 4.00pm
Online via Zoom


 

Yorkshire & Humberside Social
Join the Yorkshire & Humber network for an evening of drinks, nibbles and games at atmospheric pub The Trembling Madness in York. We've hired a cosy private room and there will be plenty of opportunity to chat and meet friends old and new.

Thursday 5 March, 6.30pm - 9.00pm
York



Apprenticeships, the EPA and beyond
In this session we will present an overview of apprenticeships for the sector, highlight best practice when considering the assessment phase and look at the next steps you can take to develop your career once you have completed the apprenticeship.


Friday 6 March, 11.00am - 12.00pm
Online via Zoom


 

Cultivating a Research Mindset: Practical Strategies for Library Practitioners
This session presents an overview of the library and information research group and its activities. Then, using an interactive workshop approach, participants will explore the concepts of research and evidence in relation to library practice; examine barriers to applying research and undertaking research within a library practice session, and discuss potential solutions to undertaking research in library practice.  Session leaders will share their tips and experiences on getting involved in research projects within library practice.


Friday 6 March, 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Online via Zoom

 


 

Designing Better Search: Usability Lessons for Information Retrieval
Search is central to how we discover, evaluate, and use information - yet many systems still fall short of supporting real user needs. This session explores search not only as a technical function but as a human–computer interaction challenge.

Friday 6 March, 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Online via Zoom

 

 

Events Newsletter

Keep up to date with all our events, sign up to the Events Newsletter