Bradford College’s Academic Liaison Librarian, Amanda Fernandes, has been named a winner of the sought-after 2025 Council for Learning Resources in Colleges (CoLRiC) Awards.
Amanda won the Jeff Cooper Inspirational Information Professional of the Year category in recognition of her outstanding creativity, innovation, and commitment to supporting learners across the College; particularly ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and SEN (Special Educational Needs) students.
The annual national awards are given by CoLRiC to recognise exemplary practice and innovation in UK Further Education and Sixth Form College library and learning resource services. The awards consist of two main categories: the Innovative Practice Award (CIPA) for a team that shows creative and impactful service development, and the Jeff Cooper Inspirational Information Professional of the Year Award for an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to empowering students.
The Council for Learning Resources in Colleges (CoLRiC) judging panel praised Amanda’s “passion, enthusiasm, creativity and commitment” to improving student literacy through interactive and immersive activities in the College Library.
One judge commented, “This is a strong nomination; I want to be part of her reading groups.” Another added that “Amanda clearly has the student experience at the heart of everything she does.”
The nomination was submitted by Emma Luby, Senior Library Learning Facilitator at Bradford College, who described Amanda as “an inspiring person to work with, bringing creativity and energy to everything she does.” Emma continued:
“Amanda is passionate about embedding technology and play into her work. She’s our go-to person when we need help with software, tech and creative ideas, as well as general advice on anything! She makes all those around her feel special and counted.”
Colleague James Golab, Library Academic Practice Coach, echoed the sentiment, saying: “Amanda is such an inspirational person who is always there to offer support and positivity to staff and students. From reading groups and immersive room activities to making the library more accessible to learners, she is a gem that shines bright.”
Tim Lupton, Head of Learning Development and Innovation at Bradford College, commended Amanda’s innovative approach to learning: “Amanda’s boundless passion for innovation and learning experiences has transformed our library’s offer. Her creative use of digital skills and pedagogy — most notably through the development of a successful escape room, has enriched learner engagement and inspired other colleges.”
On receiving the award, Amanda said she was “elated and honoured” by the recognition: “It is such an honour to be nominated for and to win this recognised award. I would like to thank my colleagues and managers, who not only inspire me but also support my ideas and my work. I believe in the power of education because I was changed by teachers and librarians throughout my life. Working at Bradford College gives me the opportunity to keep this passion alive, and I hope to inspire others to do the same.”
The CoLRiC Management Committee congratulated Amanda on her achievement and confirmed that her work will be featured in an upcoming issue of CoLRiC Impact magazine.
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