Mentor of the Year Award

The award

Every year CILIP seeks nominations for Mentor of the Year,  based on the experiences of mentees who are receiving support from a mentor to expand their knowledge and skills within the library, information and knowledge sector.

CILIP has over 250 mentors who actively share their time and knowledge to support the career development of others who want to improve their skills and experience.

Advice, support and having a critical friend can make a real difference to your career, from applying for your first job, to taking high-level strategic decisions. CILIP's mentors actively share their time and knowledge to support the career development and skills of others. For them, it a chance to share their wisdom and shape their sector.

Every year CILIP seeks nominations for Mentor of the Year, from mentees who are receiving support from a CILIP mentor to expand their knowledge and skills within the library, information and knowledge sector. 

To nominate your mentor, use the online nomination form.

Nominations close on 29 August 2025.

What do we look for?

Someone who:

• is approachable and accessible
• values and respects their mentees’ professional views
• is willing to share the breadth of professional knowledge and understanding they have gained from their experiences across the library, information and knowledge community
• is helping or has helped their mentee to develop the confidence to understand and deal with professional challenges.

Nominees must be current CILIP members, and currently registered as a CILIP mentor.  

The award is judged by a panel that includes the Chair of the Professional Registration Panel and the previous winner of the Mentor of the Year award.

Becoming a mentor