Ian chronicles all of the news on UK public libraries (and significant international news) on the Public Libraries News website. This has become the main source of information on what is happening in this sector, with data from it (such as the overall number of branches under threat) being quoted in both Houses of Parliamanent and frequently in national and local media. He won the international 2011 IWR Information Professional of the Year Award and is regularly consulted by campaigners, professionals and politicians. A passionate believer in the value of public libraries due to daily direct experience, Ian is also a member of the Voices for the LIbrary campaigning group.

A professionally qualified public librarian since 1994, his role has been largely managing libraries in the North West. He was won two customer services award for his work there in the last three years.