As the chartered institute for the information, knowledge and library community in the UK, CILIP would like to support and offer solidarity to our professional colleagues in Ukraine currently displaced following the invasion by Russia.

Any Ukrainian information professional who has sought or is seeking refuge in the UK from 1 January 2022 is now eligible for free CILIP membership with access to the support and benefits of this professional community.

Ukraine is a nation with a rich literary heritage and tradition. Its libraries and archives are home to great collections of works of literature, history and research, documenting the development of Ukrainian culture, identity and language. It is of vital importance to ensure that this body of knowledge, research and creativity is protected for future generations and that its personnel are sustained and protected.

Librarians, archivists and information professionals play a vital role in promoting reading, literacy and access to information for the citizens and communities they serve.

The integrity of the public record as well as the safety and intellectual freedom of the civilian population are pre-requisites of any Nation State that aspires to legitimacy or credibility within the international community.

CILIP CEO, Nick Poole said,

“To me, libraries stand for freedom, literacy, knowledge, tolerance and understanding and it has never been more important to defend these ideas. While I appreciate that libraries, archives and the public record can be a secondary consideration during times of war, we know that they are absolutely essential to preserving the continuity of both national identity and the fundamental rights and freedoms of individual citizens. By offering this membership we want to extend our support and solidarity to our professional colleagues displaced to the UK from Ukraine.”

How to join:

How to apply: please email membership if you qualify, with a short outline of your library and information sector background.