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Ulster University student, Emma Edgar, was today awarded the prestigious Allen & Overy (A&O) trophy in recognition of excellence in the field of librarianship.

Emma, a library assistant at Stranmillis University College, becomes the fifth recipient of the honour after achieving top marks on the Library and Information Management diploma, a two-year part-time programme that enhances the skills of information professionals.

It is the fifth time that the honour, supported by A&O in collaboration with the Chartered Institute for Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) and the Library and Information Services Council NI (LISC), has been presented to a student enrolled on the course.

Winning student Emma Edgar said: “At Stranmillis, University College qualified library professionals surround me and I was encouraged to think about continuing my professional development.  I felt there were library skills that I needed to develop in order to make a career in libraries.  One of my current colleagues pointed me in the direction of the Ulster University course, where I used the opportunity to develop strong library, research and information skills that have already benefited the students I work with.”

Dr David Barr, Head of the School of Education at Ulster University, said:

“Ulster University’s postgraduate programme was developed by the School of Education in close collaboration with library practitioners.  Designed for library and information professionals already working in the public and private sectors, it provides an academic foundation for professional practice, through the delivery of online webinar-style classes and discussion forums within Blackboard, our virtual learning environment.”

Sarah Fahy, Global Head of A&O Research and Library, said:

“We continue to support the excellent Ulster University Postgraduate course, sponsoring a number of our own staff to attend. It offers great preparation for a varied professional career and I am delighted to congratulate Emma on completing the course so successfully. It is very encouraging to see such capable and talented people joining our profession.”