Appointment of the Chairperson to the Libraries NI Board

Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín today announced the appointment of a Chairperson to the Board of Libraries NI.
~ Wednesday, 11 January 2012

Following an open competition Mr Nigel Macartney has been appointed with effect from 1 January 2012 for a term of four years to 31 December 2015.

Speaking about the appointment, the Minister conveyed her gratitude to Mr Macartney.  She said: “The Chairperson’s role on the Libraries NI Board is an interesting and challenging one. Mr Macartney will have a crucial role in both implementing and developing the public library service and providing strategic leadership for its future.   

"Mr Macartney brings considerable experience and a diverse range of skills which will make a significant contribution to Libraries NI during these challenging times."

Notes to editors:

1. Libraries NI was created on 1 April 2009 as part of the Reform of public services. Libraries NI assumed responsibility for the public library service which had previously been provided by the five Education and Library Boards.

• The Chairperson is appointed until 31 December 2015.
• The Chairperson receives remuneration of £12,000 per annum plus necessary expenses.
• The appointment is made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments Northern Ireland (CPANI) Code of Practice for Ministerial Public Appointments in Northern Ireland.  

2. Biographical Details - Mr Nigel Macartney

Nigel Macartney has been appointed as the Chair of the Libraries NI Board for a term of 4years from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2015.

He has been a member of the Libraries NI Board from October 2009 and has been the Interim Chair of the Board since 3 October 2011.  He was previously the Director of Information Services at University of Ulster.  He has also held position of Chief Librarian and Director of Library & Media Services at the University of Hertfordshire  after which he served as Director of Research and Development at the British Library. He was a member of the North Eastern Education and Library Board and was previously Chair of its Library Committee. He previously held the position of Chair of the Northern Ireland Regional Networking Ltd (NIRAN), the broadband computer network for the tertiary education and public sector in Northern Ireland.

He was a member of the Advisory Council on Libraries and of the Library and Information Services Councils for England and for Northern Ireland. He is currently a governor of two schools and had previously chaired the governing body of a large primary school in St Albans. His academic achievements include a MA (Hons) History, a Postgraduate Diploma in Librarianship and a Certificate in Education (FE). He has been Honorary Treasurer of the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals as well as Chair of the Institute’s Council. He is married to Yolande, with a grown up son, and lives in Ballycastle.

3. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  However, the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland requires the political activity of appointees to be published.

Mr Macartney has not been involved in any political activity in the last five years.

4. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office Tel 028 9051 5047 or email communications@dcalni.gov.uk.  Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.