In a throwback to the awards programme earlier this year, Bord Bia's Library, Knowledge & Market Intelligence Team has been named winner of the Best Library Team award at the Education Awards 2026, recognised for a strategic insight function that goes well beyond conventional library services to transform information into commercial clarity and translate knowledge into lasting value for Ireland's food industry.

The team operates as a strategic engine at the heart of Bord Bia's operations, combining future-focused thinking with deep market intelligence to support decision-making across the organisation and the wider Irish food sector it serves.

That positioning — part library, part intelligence unit, part strategic partner — reflects a team that has redefined what educational leadership and knowledge management can look like when applied with ambition and commercial purpose in an Irish industry context.

The quality and coherence of the submission itself drew specific praise from judges. Engaging case studies, honest reflection on challenges, and a clear roadmap for future development gave a comprehensive picture of a team that knows its purpose, understands its impact, and is committed to continuous improvement as a professional standard rather than a periodic exercise.

Strong visual presentation and clear alignment with the category criteria reinforced the impression of a team that communicates with the same clarity and intentionality it brings to its core knowledge and market intelligence function, demonstrating education excellence in how it presents its work as much as in how it delivers it.

Judges were direct in their assessment. "The use of engaging case studies and honest reflection on challenges enhances its impact. The team's commitment to excellence is evident in the well-structured submission, and the visual presentation is both attractive and insightful. This submission is well-executed, demonstrating strong alignment with the category criteria and a clear roadmap for ongoing success," the panel stated.

The Best Library Team award recognises the best library team within an Irish-based third level institution, technical training college, or organisation, assessed across team structure and qualifications, functions and operations, challenges overcome, achievements, and the clarity of future plans for ongoing development.

The Education Awards 2026 gala took place on 16 April at the Johnstown Estate, Enfield, Co. Meath.

For the complete 2026 winners list, category insights, and institution profiles, visit the official Education Awards website and subscribe to the newsletter for updates and insights.