Beyond the Horizon 2026 – Programme and Speakers

We’re excited to share with you the confirmed speakers for CILIP North East RMN’s annual conference, Beyond the Horizon 2026. Join us on 18th May, 2026, for an afternoon of excellent talks that showcase the work being done and issues being tackled across the Library, Information and Knowledge professions in the North East and beyond.

A full programme of talks and abstracts is available now. The order of talks is outlined below:

1:00-1:05pm	Welcome
1:05-1:30pm	Back to basics: Developing, implementing, and evaluating stock management training for a public library service. Elena Bill - Resources and Reader Development Support Assistant, Surrey Libraries
1:30-1:55pm	Academic podcasting as a new layer of research support Domi Smithson - Research Librarian, Sheffield Hallam University
1:55-2:20pm	Much Ado About Data: evidencing the impact of libraries Lucy Carlton-Walker - Creative Director, Warwickshire Libraries
2:20-2:30pm	Break
2:30-2:55pm	Library Use and Non-Usage by Staff Working in the Same Building as a Library Martin Hall - Graduating LIS student, Aberystwyth University
2:55-3:20pm	National Year of Reading 2026: The School Library's Role  Vanesa Dimitrova- Assistant Librarian, Epsom College
3:20-3:35pm	Break
3:35-3:40pm	Overview of NECILIP work
3:40-4:05pm	The Carnegie medals for Writing & Illustration for children – how & why you can & should be involved Paula Wride, CILIP Youth Libraries Group - North East Secretary and lead on 'Picture Books in the Pub'
4:05-4:30pm	"Who is challenging children's and young adult literature in UK public libraries and what are the reasons?" Jemima Clair Sims - Library Assistant, University of Lincoln
4:30-4:35pm	Conference Close

You can register for Beyond the Horizon 2026 now. Registration closes on Monday 11^th May 2026, so make sure to book your place now!

This event is free to CILIP individual members.

The registration fee for CILIP Employer Partner staff is £25 + VAT.

The registration fee for non-CILIP members is £35 + VAT.

The conference will take place online via Zoom. It is open to members of the profession, and all who are interested in our profession. We welcome information and knowledge professionals from all sectors.