Eddie Olliffe has agreed to become the next President  of Christians in Library and Information Services (formerly the Librarians’ Christian Fellowship) from April 2014.

Following in the illustrious footsteps of Philip Sewell, John Andrews, Ken Bakewell, Gordon Harris and Margaret Keeling (all practising or retired librarians), Eddie will be the organisation’s first “non–librarian” President.  However, he has extensive experience in bookselling and publishing and his appointment will help to emphasise the commitment of Christian librarians to the  wider world of books and communications.

Eddie currently works freelance in the sector of Charity and Retail Portfolio Management.  He was previously head of the Wesley Owen chain of Christian bookshops and worked for the publisher CWR.  Back in the 1980s he served as Director of the Faith in Print library scheme (now Speaking Volumes) and he is now a trustee of the Christian Book Promotion Trust.

Eddie was a speaker at the Librarians’ Christian Fellowship annual conference in 2010 when he gave an address entitled UK Christian Retailing: Albatross, Dodo or Jewel?  He is Consulting Editor to the book trade periodical Together.

Eddie’s appointment as President will take effect from Saturday 5 April 2014 when the Moving Forward conference will re-launch the Librarians’ Christian Fellowship as Christians in Library and Information Services.