Meet the Shortlist – Jacqueline Geekie
Category: Blog, Meet the Shortlist
This post is part of our Meet the Shortlist series, focusing on the four shortlisted nominees for the 2020 Library and Information Professional of the Year Award. Read on to learn more about Jacqueline Geekie and her nomination.
Jacqueline Geekie is one of the shortlisted nominees for our Library and Information Professional of the Year Award. Jacqueline is an Information Literacy & Learning Librarian at Aberdeenshire Libraries.
Jacqueline has been nominated for the award for her outstanding contribution to the Library and Information Profession. She is described as somebody who is generous with her skills and knowledge and who strives to meet the needs of any group she is working with.
Jacqueline’s work on launching a ‘Girls who Code’ initiative at Inverurie Library was highlighted. This was not quite complete when COVID-19 restrictions came into force but Jacqueline has made every effort to keep in contact with members of the initiative, providing a webspace for them to work on and has now completed the project virtually. You can view the finished product here.
Jacqueline’s work as a CILIP mentor for Professional Registration was also noted as well as her leadership on training and change management programmes for library staff and partners. For example, she was part of a working group during the transition of Culture Services and Sport from Aberdeenshire Council to Live Life Aberdeenshire. Jacqueline also contributes much to the wider profession through serving on CILIP committees.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jacqueline demonstrated her flexibility while she was redeployed to the roll of call handler for the Grampian COVID-19 Assistance Helpline. Jacqueline’s empathetic nature and her many skills were put to good use in this role. Alongside this, she was part of a team that 3D printed face shields for health and care settings all while continuing to carry out work for the library service, for example setting up virtual Code Club and Philosophy Cafe meetings as part of ‘Live Life @ Home’.
Congratulations to Jacqueline on her many achievements and her nomination!
The shortlist is made up of four nominees. Judging will take place by a panel of experts and be based on a full nomination statement provided to CILIPS. The winner will be announced in October.