University of Nottingham librarian wins international award
PA97/06 — June 14 2006
A librarian at The University of Nottingham has become the first recipient of a new international award, which recognises excellent work in libraries and information services outside the UK. The award is presented by the International Library and Information Group of CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.
Khan QuayKin is Head of Information Services at the University's Malaysia Campus. Her proposer Bob Oldroyd, former Director of Library Services at The University of Nottingham, said: “Khan was chosen to be honoured for her achievements and leadership in setting up the library and information service for The University of Nottingham when it opened its first overseas campus in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2000.
“Appointed as Chief Librarian in June 2000, Khan embarked single-handedly on the challenging task of planning and organising the library in time for the opening of the campus in September that year. The library was open and fully operational on time.
“Since then, as Head of Information Services, Khan has appointed a significant number of key library and IT support staff, and was instrumental in positioning Information Services as an integrated provider of outstanding library and information services for the growing number of students, researchers and staff.”
Receiving the award, Khan said: “When the University was planning its permanent campus at Semenyih, 30km from Kuala Lumpur, I planned the new library and managed the complex move to Semenyih. Semenyih is now home to more than 1,400 students from 40 countries.”
Hazel Dakers, Chairman of CILIP's International Library and Information Group, said: “The group is a focus both for librarians with an interest in professional activity overseas and, where necessary, for help in the development of library and information services overseas.
“This new annual award straddles both these aims. We hope through the International Award to shine a light on exceptional people whose work has not been recognised before.”
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Notes to editors: The University of Nottingham undertakes world-changing research and provides teaching of the highest quality. Ranked in the THES World Top 100 Universities, its academics have won two Nobel Prizes since 2003. An international institution, the University has campuses in the United Kingdom, Malaysia and China.
More about Khan QuayKin — photographs are available on request
At a time when the Malaysian government is intensifying its efforts to make the country a regional educational hub, Khan played a major part in the University being awarded Multimedia Super-Corridor status.
Khan has made a considerable difference in each community in which she has worked, but especially among the students and staff of The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus.
Her job involves the development of electronic and printed resources and the enhancement of services to students and staff. She works a great deal with individuals and groups of students, primarily delivering library and information literacy skills, supported by excellent printed and electronic guides. She has been complimented by both students and academic staff on the high quality of her work, her encyclopaedic knowledge, her energy and enthusiasm. She has made a real difference to the quality of education delivered by the University.
Khan joined The University of Nottingham Malaysia with an excellent record of professional achievement. She holds an MLib with distinction from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. She is a chartered member of CILIP. She has more than twenty years' experience, working for a number of Malaysian government departments, including several years as Chief Librarian of the Department of Surveying and Mapping and subsequently of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She has produced a number of publications on the subject of map librarianship. She received Certificates of Excellent Service from her employers in 1989 and 1998, and was Treasurer of the Malaysia Library Association in 1995/96.
CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals
CILIP is the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals is the leading professional body for librarians, information specialists and knowledge managers. It forms a community of around 35,000 people engaged in library and information work, of whom around 23,000 are CILIP members and around 12,000 are regular customers of CILIP Enterprises. Website:
CILIP International Library and Information Group
ILIG exists to unite CILIP members both in the UK and abroad who have a strong interest in international work. Its purpose is to foster good international relations within the profession; lessen professional isolation; encourage closer international understanding, and contribute to the development of library and information services overseas. For further information go to:
ILIG International Award
University of Nottingham, Malaysia
Press contact: Emma Thorne, Media Relations Manager in the Public Affairs Office at The University of Nottingham, on +44 (0)115 951 5793, emma.thorne@nottingham.ac.uk |
