CILIP Honorary Fellowship for Joseph Coelho

CILIP has recognised three individuals with the award of Honorary Fellowships, given to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the library, information and knowledge world.  

Joseph Coelho, the current Waterstones Children’s Laureate is awarded Honorary Fellowship of CILIP in recognition of his services to libraries and reading. Coelho recently completed an epic marathon of library services around the UK, part of his commitment to promote libraries in his Laureateship aims.

Alison Wheeler receives an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of her contribution to the library and information profession. Wheeler has enjoyed a long and successful leadership career in public libraries. In 2012 she set up the first public library mutual, Suffolk Libraries, and in 2018 she was awarded an MBE for services to libraries. As CILIP’s Honorary Treasurer she has led the organisation through a challenging period, securing its long-term sustainability.

Professor Briony Birdi is a leading academic and researcher in the field of library and information science. She is a thought-leader in the fields of reader development and diversity, equality and inclusion in libraries. A key member of the faculty of the iSchool at University of Sheffield, her Honorary Fellowship is in recognition of her contribution to library and information science, and ethics.

Also announced at CILIP’s AGM were the recipients of the 2023 Presidential Citation. This is a tradition in the gift of the CILIP President who honours two people who have excelled in their work in the sector, and to celebrate their achievements. This year’s citations go to Zoey Dixon and Diana Dixon.

Zoey Dixon is cited in recognition of her services to libraries, literacy and reading. She is the Library Hubs Manager at Lambeth Libraries and chair of the CILIP Youth Libraries Group. Zoey champions the power of reading and the importance of young people from diverse backgrounds being able to find themselves represented in books. She was recognised with an MBE in the 2023 New Years Honours List.

Read Zoe’s Books for Keeps article, How to be Anti-racist Librarian.

Diana Dixon has been the Reviews Editor for CILIP’s in-house magazine, for more than 25 years – a post she has held and performed diligently, with authority and good humour. Her reviews of thousands of titles have helped generations of librarians and information professionals to develop their skills. Her citation is in recognition of her contribution to the advancement of professional practice.

CILIP also awards a ‘Mentor of the Year’ award. There are more than 250 mentors who actively volunteer their time and knowledge to support the career development of CILIP members wanting to improve their skills and experience. Nominations are based on the experiences of mentees receiving support to expand their knowledge and skills within the profession.

Sarah Elsegood, Academic Services Manager at Anglia Ruskin University is this year’s winner. She is recognised for her motivating, accessible and mentee needs-driven approach to mentoring, and always going the extra mile.