Phil Bradley has led countless librarians around the world in their journey towards greater understanding and proficiency is adapting new technologies to their everyday working envirnoments. He has a long history of exploring the fast-changing world of internet search, from the early days of online search to CDROMS to today’s AI-driven information environment.
He was a regular presenter at the Internet Librarian International (ILI) conferences in London from 2009 through 2018. His closing keynote talk at the 2018 ILI was a passionate rallying cry for the value of librarians in society. He has written, edited, or contributed to 14 books, published hundreds of papers, and delivered addresses and presentations at major international conferences. He was president of CILIP twice.
He has made media appearances, drawing attention to the value of public libraries when many councils were considering severe cuts to services. He has appeared on BBC Radio 5Live, BBC News, Channel 4 and overseas broadcast media to explain technology, dispel myths about internet research and the more recent introduction of AI, and to promote and explain the value of our profession
Having worked in the information industry for over 40 years, Phil has been at the forefront of interpreting new developments and translating them into accessible, practical training for professionals, inside and outside the library and information world. His career stretches from the earliest days of CD-ROM technology to the rise of the internet, the explosion of social media and Web 2.0, and now the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence. Most recently, Phil has delivered AI Power Hours via Zoom as part of the Information Training Team. At a time when AI is reshaping the profession at unprecedented speed, these sessions have provided a trusted, inspiring, and practical guide to change. His final AI Power Hour was held on 24 October, lasted for 3 hours and culminated in an informal presentation of the award.
A defining feature of Phil’s career is his extraordinary ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and energy. His sessions combine authority with warmth, rigour with encouragement, ensuring that participants leave not only with new skills but also with the belief that they can apply them effectively in their own contexts.
The legacy of his career is profound. Individually, he has transformed the professional lives of thousands of delegates, giving them the tools and capability to thrive. He has strengthened the resilience, adaptability, and global outlook of the library and information profession.
What sets Phil apart is not only his expertise but his ability to inspire belief in others. He has generously and graciously shared his knowledge and enabled professionals at every career stage to embrace change with curiosity and courage, and in doing so, has left an indelible mark on the library and information world. His legacy is written not only in books, articles, and conference proceedings, but also in the confidence, creativity, and capability of the people he has taught and mentored.
The UKeiG press release is here.