Natasha Howard, Knowledge and Library Service Manager at NELFT, is the joint winner of the UKeIG and K&IM Information Manager of the Year 2020 award, along with William Kilbride, Executive Director of the Digital Preservation Coalition (DPC).

The awards are presented by The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals’ (CILIP) two special interest groups—Knowledge and Information Management (K&IM) and UK electronic Information Group (UKeIG).

Natasha was recognized for her role in establishing a thriving library service at NELFT, which serves 6,000 staff based over 200 sites, and commended for her professional leadership and management skills, which has seen the service go from strength to strength with expansion, improvements and innovative plans and ideas for the future.

Natasha said: “For me this award is really important recognition of the value of the work that myself and the rest of the Library and Knowledge Services Team do to support colleagues to provide the best care.

“This award is open to library and information professionals working in all sectors. This is the second year running that winners have come from the NHS and in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, this speaks to the importance of access to high quality reliable and accessible health information not just for health professionals but also for patients and the public.”

Nominating Natasha for this award, NELFT’s Clinical Librarian, Isatou N’jie said: “Natasha’s unique leadership style ensures cross training for all staff so they are gaining insight into all areas of work in the Library and Knowledge Service (LKS).

“Natasha set the bar high embarking on a special innovative project called #NELFTreads, which has encouraged a national dialogue addressing diversity across NHS LKS services.

"Natasha has made a difference at NELFT, exemplified the mission of the organisation, and has positively impacted the wider library profession.”

This year, due to the pandemic, the awards will be presented at an online ceremony which will take place on 11th November 2020.

To attend the virtual awards visit the CILIP website.