Geraldine Colgan from Ballyduff, Ashford has become the second recipient of the award, presented annually to the student who achieves the highest marks on the library and information management postgraduate diploma.

The popular course is delivered online to help professionals to fit studies around their working lives. Ms Colgan currently works within the public library service in Wicklow County Council.

This award is supported by Allen & Overy in collaboration with Ulster University and the Chartered Institute for Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), who accredit the course.

Sarah Fahy, global head of A&O research and library, said: “This course offers a diverse range of studies and skills development that are both key to help the modern librarian progress further in a varied and challenging career.

“Allen & Overy is proud to support this initiative and we continue to encourage talented people to join our profession. Exceptional library and information managers just like Claire and Geraldine are of great importance to organisations such as A&O and we congratulate them on this accolade.”

Dr David Barr, head of Ulster University’s School of Education, said: “The postgraduate diploma in library and information management at Ulster University is the only course of its kind in Ireland as it offers professionally accredited study to individuals working within the library and information sector regardless of their geographic location through an innovative e-learning environment.

“Thanks to our well-established relationships with professional bodies and the wider industry in this field our graduates are equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed and meet the needs of this important sector.

“We are delighted that our students benefit from this on-going partnership with Allen and Overy, both in terms of their professional development as a well as the achievement of personal success that this award imbues.”