The inaugural Chair of our new Intellectual Freedom Committee is Dr David McMenemy, Reader in the School of Humanities in Information Studies at The University of Glasgow and CILIP Scotland President for 2025.

David’s career path aligns perfectly with this important new role. With over 25 years as an academic in library and information studies and more than a decade of prior professional practice, he brings extensive experience across the spectrum of library and information services.

He has a thorough understanding of current and past intellectual freedom challenges. He also has clear ideas about the ethics, knowledge, and actions that can help the profession successfully navigate the most controversial issues of the day on behalf of all their service users.

Dr McMenemy said: “I firmly believe that this new Committee needs to see and understand the challenges to intellectual freedom in their full complexity. It can then reinforce our profession’s commitment to intellectual freedom as being at the heart of our contribution to society, before we then advocate to others about this fundamental right.

Advocacy for the library and information profession is one of the most crucial aspects of our practice. In providing services to society, we must live and breathe our ethical principles and must be seen to do so.”

Kate Robinson Chair of Trustees at CILIP commented: “The CILIP Trustee Board’s ongoing commitment to intellectual freedom is clearly illustrated by the creation of this new Committee. With David’s expertise and inclusive approach, the Intellectual Freedom Committee will take evidence-informed actions to provide strategic leadership, practical support, and persuasive advocacy on this critical issue.

In an era of AI-amplified disinformation and falling trust in many institutions, society needs strong, confident and trustworthy voices speaking up for everyone’s rights, including access to information and freedom of expression. With David at the helm, the new Committee will ensure these values remain central to our profession and visible in public life.”

Working closely with the CILIP Board of Trustees and senior leaders, the Committee will help shape and lead an evidence-informed work programme that promotes these values across the sector and beyond, ensuring every citizen is informed by a wide range of trustworthy information and empowered to use it as they wish.

CILIP provides every single expert library professional, regardless of career stage or sector, with a strong ethical framework to help counter the disturbing effect of censorship. This is accompanied by strong policies such as CILIP's Intellectual Freedom Policy and guidance such as Managing Safe and Inclusive Library Services. 

Joining David on the Committee will be two Trustees from the CILIP Board. Recruitment will open soon for the remaining members of the committee including from those outside the profession and of CILIP membership who share our values and aspirations, and who wish to work with us on this important new initiative.