On Saturday 29th March we held our 2025 Conference and AGM. We had two talks; the first from Pam Rhodes on Christian Broadcasting and the second from Canon Gordon Giles of Bible Reading Fellowship on Devotional Literature. You can hear the talks by clicking on these links and entering the passcode 3S#jaSes when prompted:
Pam Rhodes talk on Christian Broadcasting – Passcode: 3S#jaSes
Gordon Giles talk on Devotional Literature – Passcode: 3S#jaSes
During our AGM we discussed the future of CLIS after our 50th Anniversary year in 2026, addressing challenges in sustainability, membership engagement, and organizational structure. Below is a summary of the key points. Please would members join in the conversation on our future by emailing webmaster@christianlis.org.uk with your ideas.
Objectives for the Future
- Support for Overseas Libraries: Continuing the longstanding tradition of aiding libraries in developing regions.
- Adaptation to a Sustainable Structure: Exploring ways to streamline operations and reduce the burden on the current committee.
- Maintaining a Relevant Presence: Ensuring CLIS remains valuable to its members, particularly those still working in the profession.
Proposals Discussed
- Merging with Another Organization:
- Suggestions included merging with similar groups like FOCLIS (Fellowship of Christian Librarians and Information Specialists) or other professional associations.
- Concerns were raised about differences in focus and logistical challenges.
- Transition to a Virtual Organization:
- Moving most activities online to reduce costs and logistical complexities.
- While online meetings have seen reasonable attendance, some members expressed dissatisfaction with virtual formats, preferring in-person events.
- Informal Support Through Online Platforms:
- Proposals included creating blogs or forums where members could share experiences and prayer requests.
- The need for careful moderation of online spaces was emphasized.
- In-Person Events and Membership Engagement:
- Some members advocated for occasional informal gatherings or events in regions with higher membership density, such as London.
- Suggestions were made to attend professional conferences like CILIP’s annual meeting to attract new members.
- Focus on Pastoral Support:
- Emphasis was placed on supporting Christian librarians facing workplace challenges or personal struggles, broadening the scope to include information professionals beyond traditional libraries.
Challenges Highlighted
- Aging Membership: A significant portion of members are retired, leading to reduced participation in events and difficulty recruiting new volunteers for committee roles.
- Declining Attendance at Events: Both in-person and virtual events have seen limited turnout, raising questions about member interest.
- Committee Fatigue: Current committee members have served for extended periods without new volunteers stepping forward, making it difficult to sustain operations.
Next Steps
- The committee will use feedback from this discussion to develop concrete proposals for CLIS’s 50th anniversary AGM next year.
- Members were encouraged to participate in shaping the organization’s future by sharing ideas and volunteering for roles.
The overarching sentiment was that while CLIS faces significant challenges, there is a desire to preserve its legacy and adapt its structure to remain relevant and sustainable.