Congratulations Caroline!

Congratulations to Caroline Messer, our Team Manager for Libraries and Customer Services, who has made the shortlist of three in the running for Scotland's Library and Information Professional of the Year 2026.

What's even more special for Caroline is she has been nominated by her peers for the CILIPS (Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland) award. Each year, members nominate colleagues from across the sector to be shortlisted. CILIPS said: "Caroline’s collaborative and constructive style of leadership has supported her team to strengthen community engagement, expand access to a diverse range of services, and ensure that their libraries remain welcoming, inclusive, and responsive spaces for all. From supporting early years literacy through family learning cafes to championing digital inclusion, making partnership working possible across the wider community, and developing targeted outreach for isolated or vulnerable residents, Caroline’s approach is described by colleagues as ‘kind and empathetic’, grounded in a ‘commitment to equitable access’."

Caroline told us: "I’m thrilled to have been nominated by colleagues in the sector, and the shortlisting recognises how hard the wider Libraries and Customer Services team work to support their local communities and schools."

Eamon John, our Head of Communities and Partnerships, said: "I'm absolutely delighted to see the recognition for Caroline from her professional sector and wish her the very best in the final three. Whatever happens it is excellent and well deserved recognition – well done and good luck Caroline!"

The winner will be announced at the CILIPS conference on Monday 1 June.