The Library Event of the Year - A Brief Summary

Umbrella 2005 has been described as the “Best Ever Umbrella”, with one quote putting it as “CILIP at its best”. A lot of the event's success is due to the hard work and dedication of CILIP's Special Interest Groups. It was the new content-rich programme, along with the high level speakers which made Umbrella 2005 into the ‘Library Event of the Year'.

With 800 delegates onsite, The University of Manchester was transformed into a haven of activity.   With a strong programme, a thriving exhibition and Information Lounge, delegates were able to experience a unique learning environment, which addressed aspects of the Library and Information Profession as a whole. Facet Publishing also saw the launch of 'The New Walford' at Umbrella 2005, and were pleased to have Ray Lester, Editor-In-Chief onsite.

Delegates were delighted to hear Michael Gorman deliver his first keynote presentation as President of the American Library Association, and also to see him presented with an Honorary CILIP Fellowship Award.

The conference also celebrated the achievements of LIS professionals with the first ever Umbrella Awards Dinner, where several awards were presented to nominated professionals.  It was also on this  occasion that the first successful candidates were presented with their ACLIP certification.   The evening was seen as a huge celebration of the profession and was a prestigious start to a successful conference.

After reviewing the conference evaluation results it is apparent that Umbrella 2005 scored favourably with delegates.   The organisation scored 94% in the Good to Very Good field and the content of conference sessions scored 92% in the Good to Very Good field, proving delegates valued and benefited from their attendance.