Glittering Prizes

Good to see extensive coverage in the Times this morning of the Queen's Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education. The Prizes recognise world-class achievement and excellence in UK universities and colleges and deserve to be much better known.

CILIP plays a part in the process by which the Prizes are awarded - presumably because of our Royal Charter and the fact that Her Majesty The Queen is our Patron. When each round of nominations begins I am asked to serve as a "Reader" for the Prizes - the polite term used to describe the people who assess the nominations submitted for a Prize.

Being part of the assessment process is a privilege. It is, as you might expect, administered superbly with the maximum of support and the minimum of fuss. I learn a great deal about the innovative and exciting work going on in our colleges and universities. And, every so often, I get an invitation to the Reception where the Prizes are announced or - on one memorable occasion - to the Dinner where the Prizes are presented.

We're quite good at throwing brickbats in this country - and our Royal Family and our education system both come in for their fair share. So instead, let's offer a bouquet of congratulations to a set of Prizes which embodies excellence in its assessment process and celebrates excellence in the achievements honoured.

 If you want to know more about the Prizes, go to www.royalanniversarytrust.org.uk . And, as you read through the Prizewinners, just imagine the library and information professionals who will have contributed behind the scenes to every one of these inspiring and award-winning educational achievements.