The journey of knowledge: Lessons from CILIP Conference 2025

This report on the 2025 CILIP Conference comes from GIG Bursary winner for the conference, George Jerish Choothamparambil Joseph. George is an Assistant Librarian at the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.

Attending the CILIP Conference 2025 was one of the most anticipated highlights of my professional journey. Widely recognised as one of the largest and most influential gatherings for library and information professionals worldwide, this event provided an unparalleled platform for networking, learning, and critical reflection. From the moment I arrived, the welcoming atmosphere of the venue set the stage for an inspiring and highly recommended experience. I would be happy to express my sincere gratitude to the CILIP Government Information Group for their generous bursary award, without which my attendance would not have been possible. Their support allowed me to fully immerse myself in the conference and benefit from the wealth of opportunities on offer. 

Currently on my journey towards Knowledge Management Chartership, I found the conference particularly valuable for deepening my understanding of knowledge management paradigms and for provoking thought around existing frameworks. The sessions led by highly respected professionals like Patrick Limbe, Andrew Herd, Alison Bullbeck, and Hank Malik offered invaluable insights into contemporary knowledge management (KM) practice. The diverse perspectives and advanced discussions on the impact of Knowledge Management and Information Management reinforced my commitment to rigorous framework analysis, especially in the context of Learning From Experience (LFE). One of the central themes explored was how the sector is grappling with existential challenges as data analytics continuously evolve. These complexities necessitate ongoing upskilling and adaptation for knowledge managers, a point that developed as both a challenge and an opportunity. 

The level of expertise showcased during the Knowledge Café session was truly exceptional. As participants, we were encouraged to engage in effective conversations around KM models, information flows, and the integration of new analytic tools. The session was structured to foster actionable learning and collaboration, benefits that I am keen to translate into my own workplace. Similarly, the clay workshop session, creatively facilitated by Andrew Herd. I have had an exciting real-life learning experience working with experienced professionals such as Richard Bridgen and Imrana Ghumra. Working alongside such skilled peers provided a practical lens on complex KM theories, and I gained not only new skills but also a different perspective on service design and user engagement. 

With the vast variety of sessions scheduled, it was not feasible to attend everyone, and thus I prioritised those most closely aligned with my professional interests. One session that exceeded all my expectations was "Branding 101: Increase User Engagement—Core Marketing for Service Users." The session delved into strategic marketing approaches tailored to library and knowledge services, and I found the depth and relevance of the content extremely engaging. The insights shared by the speakers helped to interpret the process of building and sustaining effective branding strategies within our organisations. I was especially fascinated by the "Storyhouse" initiative, whose motto "This house is your house" perfectly encapsulates the spirit of inclusivity and community that contemporary libraries seek to promote. Motivated by what I learned, I am keen to visit Storyhouse in person to further explore its innovative programming and core principles. 

Hayley Chevell’s segment provided a wealth of practical ideas for fostering vibrant user communities. Her presentation addressed common barriers to user engagement, such as lack of service awareness, confidence, and available time. She set out a toolkit of strategies grounded in empathy and efficiency, including the need to ensure convenience and comfort through a holistic, integrated approach. I found her suggestions compelling and immediately applicable; I am already considering ways to implement several of her ideas to enhance engagement and community within my own organisation. 

An additional session that stood out was "Negotiating Skills and the Procurement Process." The relevance of self-reflection in procurement framework development became evident through interactive discussions focused on stakeholder relationships. Anthony Sinnott advocated for a policy of "frictionless partnership", a principle emphasising collaboration over competition in organisational procurement, particularly within library and knowledge service settings. This philosophy prompted me to reconsider my own approach to relationship-building and stakeholder engagement. The session conveyed meaningful guidance on how to navigate negotiations with integrity, aligning procurement practices with organisational values and long-term service goals. 

The conference also provided an outstanding introduction to advanced knowledge science topics, including taxonomies, ontology, and knowledge graphs. The "Knowledge Management: Taxonomies and Knowledge Graph" session allowed me to better appreciate the sophisticated structures underlying large-scale knowledge repositories, such as Wikipedia. I found the concept of the knowledge graph, viewed as a dynamic map of knowledge landscapes, especially intriguing, as it presents a way to visualize and structure information for ideal retrieval and application. The discussions confirmed the importance of robust taxonomy development for efficient information management within evolving digital environments. 

Certainly, the keynote sessions were among the most memorable aspects of the CILIP Conference 2025. I was deeply moved by the presentations of Gene Tan and Michael Rosen, both of whom are inspiring figures in the information and library field. Gene Tan, from the National Library Board of Singapore, shared the provocative motto "Fail fast. Fail small," capturing a mindset pitched towards experimentation, resilience, and continuous improvement. Her exploration of how artificial intelligence is transforming library services was both thought-provoking and energising. Gene Tan articulated the potential of AI not only as a tool for operational efficiency but as a medium for reimagining service delivery, user engagement, and professional roles. It was a privilege to listen to such forward-thinking approaches and to reflect on their potential application within my own context. 

The session with Michael Rosen, a celebrated British author and poet, was similarly impactful. Meeting him in person was an honour, and his storytelling, a heartfelt hospital anecdote, served to remind us of the profound emotional tone that storytelling holds. Rosen’s reflections on narrative power were both joyous and inspiring, strengthening my appreciation for the art and craft of story writing within the broader scope of information management. 

Beyond the formal sessions, the exhibition area proved to be an invaluable environment for professional networking and knowledge exchange. Engaging with delegates, publishers, and service providers facilitated fruitful conversations around service development, resource discovery, and the latest innovations in library technology. Participating in events like the Library Quest added an enjoyable and competitive edge to the experience; I collected all the required exhibition stamps, solved the puzzle, and was among the winners, receiving a few memorable goodies and, most valuably, a complimentary year-long CILIP membership. 

In conclusion, the CILIP Conference 2025 has had a transformative impact on my professional development. The breadth and depth of knowledge gained, the inspiration drawn from distinguished speakers, and the collaborative spirit fostered throughout have equipped me with fresh perspectives and a renewed sense of purpose. I return to my workplace empowered to implement many new ideas and strategies, motivated by the thought leadership and community engagement exhibited at the conference. My sincere thanks once again to CILIP for facilitating this outstanding learning opportunity. I look forward to contributing actively to our dynamic field and engaging with the excellent network of professionals I connected with during this remarkable event.