Alex McVitty Award
Alex McVitty worked in the library at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies before completing her MSc in Information Science at City University in 1998. After successfully graduating she went to work at city firm Cameron McKenna. Tragically Alex was killed in a road accident while cycling to work one day – she was just 24.
In memory of Alex, her family, friends and colleagues chose to establish a memorial fund in her name, which will be administered by BIALL. As Alex had struggled to fund herself through her MSc course, combining part-time library jobs with her studies, her family and friends thought it would be fitting to provide an annual award to a postgraduate student wishing to pursue a career in law librarianship.
Because of Alex’s connection with City University, it has been decided to present the award annually to a City University student. BIALL’s Membership Services Committee administer the award in conjunction with staff at City, who will identify a student who wishes to develop a career in law librarianship and who can demonstrate financial need. The award of £1600 will contribute towards a student’s living expenses, enabling them to study more easily.
This award keeps Alex’s name alive both within BIALL and City University. Those who knew Alex remember her commitment to her career and her determination to succeed and it is hoped that this award will inspire others likewise.
Award Procedure
The award is made annually and is worth £1600. Payment is made in two stages - £800 at the start of the Autumn term and £800 at the start of the Spring term. Staff at the Department of Information Science, City University will use their established bursary procedures to nominate a candidate, and the nomination will then be formally agreed by BIALL’s Membership Services Committee. More details about the application procedure are available from the Department of Information Science’s web pages.
Previous Recipients
- 2009 - Hilary Vieitez - Currently studying for her MSc in Information Science at City University. Hilary practised as a solicitor for eight years before changing careers. She completed a traineeship at the City Law School Library
- 2008 - Laura Woods - A photography graduate from Bournemouth University who worked at The Honourable Society of Gray's Inn having completed a graduate traineeship. She is now working at Davies Arnold Cooper LLP as an Information Assistant, is a member of the BIALL Web Board and takes photos at BIALL events!
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2006 - Craig Wallace.
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2005 - Vennese Croisdaile.
